In accordance with the notification of the Cantonal Tax Office of Zurich dated 12 July 2018, the information sheet on unpunished voluntary disclosure and simplified subsequent taxation of heirs has been amended. The information sheet states that a self-denunciation must be submitted in writing and accompanied by a list of previously undeclared income and assets. The procedure is explained in detail and supplemented with a sample of the list to be submitted.
The adapted information sheet of the cantonal tax office on the non-punishable voluntary disclosure and simplification of subsequent taxation in inheritance cases dated 5 July 2018 explains in detail the procedure for filing a non-punishable voluntary disclosure. According to this, the voluntary declaration must be made in writing, stating the AHVN13 number and including a list of undeclared income and assets. A corresponding model is included in the appendix of the information sheet.
The list must show the following values (at most for the last 10 years):
Assets:
- Previously undeclared assets (as at 31 December) for each individual year
- Newly claimed deductions from assets (debts) for each individual year
- Total undeclared assets for each individual year (previously undeclared assets less newly claimed deductions from assets)
Income:
- Previously undeclared income and earnings for each individual year
- Newly claimed deductions from income (e.g. maintenance costs for real estate, asset management costs) for each individual year
- Total undeclared income for each individual year (previously undeclared income and earnings less newly claimed deductions)
All values must be stated in Swiss francs (CHF). For assets in foreign currencies, the exchange rate lists of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration must be used for conversion into CHF. In the case of assets, the (year-end) exchange rate as of 31 December is decisive, in the case of income and earnings, the annual average exchange rate. The list must always be submitted completed in full. If the undeclared values cannot be determined beyond doubt due to lack of supporting documents, the values must be estimated realistically. The estimated values must be marked as such in the statement.
In the case of previously undeclared foreign real estate, the property tax value is to be determined on the basis of the current market value of the property. The imputed rental value is 3.5% of the taxable value for single-family houses and 4.25% for apartments (condominiums).
In addition to the list, complete supporting documents must be submitted for the previously undeclared assets, income and earnings:
- For bank accounts: balance and interest statements for tax purposes
- For custody accounts: Tax statements
- For (domestic and foreign) pensions: pension certificates
- In the case of (domestic and foreign) real estate, purchase and sale contracts, foreign tax documents or estimates must be submitted.
The voluntary declaration can be submitted to the cantonal tax office or, as of now, also to the competent municipal tax office.
The adapted information sheet is valid with immediate effect and replaces the information sheet of the cantonal tax office on the non-punishable voluntary disclosure and simplification of subsequent taxation in inheritance cases dated 3 March 2010.
The communication of the cantonal tax office of 12 July 2018 is available here.
