Church Tax in Switzerland: Who Pays and How to Leave

How church tax works, what it finances and the steps to leave a church.

4 min read · Salary & Tax

In most cantons, members of recognised churches pay a church tax together with their income tax.

How it works

The tax is a percentage of your income tax, set by the canton or parish, and it pays for church services, education and social work. Companies may also pay it in some cantons.

Leaving a church

• You declare your leaving to your municipality or church, depending on the canton.
• The tax stops for the following period; check the rules of your canton.
• You can still donate to charities and deduct the gifts.

Estimate the effect on your pay with the gross-to-net calculator.