Benefiting from an inheritance – what do I need to declare?

June 2 2026, 3 minutes

An inheritance is rarely just an emotional matter, it can also involve a lot of paperwork: What do I need to include in my tax return? What do I have to declare if I’m part of a community of heirs? And what happens if nothing has been paid out so far? In Switzerland the following applies: Even if you’ve not yet received any money or assets, the details may already be required for tax purposes. This article explains what you need to bear in mind.

Pavla Furrer, Tax Advisor at Zuger Kantonalbank

At what point do I need to declare that I’m benefiting from an inheritance?

Legally speaking, an estate passes to the community of heirs on the death of the deceased. In other words:

The community of heirs jointly owns the estate.
Each beneficiary declares their share of the estate.
The duty to declare often exists prior to final distribution of the estate.

Even if you’ve not yet received any payment, your share needs to be declared in your tax return.

Are inheritances taxed in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, inheritances are not classed as income and therefore are not subject to income tax. Inheritance tax may nevertheless be payable, depending on the canton. In many cantons, spouses and direct heirs are exempt from inheritance tax. However, other degrees of relationship or persons who are not related may be subject to tax.

What needs to be declared?

Your share of the assets belonging to the community of heirs

These include in particular:

Bank deposits
Securities
Real estate
Vehicles
Shareholdings

In each case it is your own share of the estate that is declared.

Income from the estate

Income from inherited assets also needs to be declared, e.g.:

Interest
Dividends
Rental income

Debts and obligations

Outstanding mortgages, loans or accounts from the estate

If distribution of the estate has not yet been completed

In many cases it can take several months or even years for an estate to be distributed – in particular where there are properties or complicated ownership arrangements. However, the date on which the estate is distributed is irrelevant for tax purposes: Heirs must declare and pay tax on their share of the estate as soon as the person dies.

Special considerations in the case of inherited properties

If the estate includes properties, the following points additionally need to be taken into account:

Taxable value of the property
Imputed rental value
Rental income
Mortgages
Maintenance costs

If the property is located in a different canton, an intercantonal tax allocation is also required.

Checklist: Correctly declaring your benefit from an inheritance

1. Make sure you have all the required documentation

You must be in possession of an inheritance certificate or official attestation
The will or inheritance contract must be checked
Your share in the community of heirs must be known

2. Declare assets

List bank accounts
Declare securities
State property values
Include other assets

3. Report income

Declare interest
List dividends
State rental income

4. Include debts

Declare mortgages
Specify outstanding obligations

5. Check special tax considerations

Check cantonal inheritance tax situation
Check possible tax exemptions

6. Retain documentation

Keep the estate inventory in your archive
Keep statements for the community of heirs safe
Retain documents concerning execution of the will

“If you benefit from an inheritance, you need to declare your share in your tax return correctly – even if distribution of the estate has not yet been completed. A full picture of assets, income and debts, as well as special cantonal factors regarding inheritance tax, is crucial. Need assistance? We’re here to help.”