New vote on abolishing the marriage penalty: What could change for you?
Updated on 12.11.2026 CET
Published on 15.05.2026 CEST
After approving individual taxation in March, Swiss voters will consider another proposal regarding the taxation of married couples on November 29, 2026. Our experts explain the potential implications for your tax burden and the options available to you.
After many years of controversial debate, Swiss voters approved the introduction of individual taxation on March 9, 2026. The reform is intended to eliminate the so-called marriage penalty. In the future, spouses will generally be taxed separately on their income and assets. The Fairness Initiative, which will be put to a vote on November 29, 2026, pursues a similar objective but proposes a different model.
Why is there another vote on November 29, 2026?
Under individual taxation, each spouse would submit a separate tax return, generally declaring only the income, assets, liabilities and deductions attributable to them personally. The Fairness Initiative was submitted alongside it. It is also intended to prevent married couples from being placed at a tax disadvantage but would generally retain joint taxation. If approved, lawmakers would have until 2030 at the latest to determine how it should be implemented alongside the already-approved individual taxation system.
What a Yes or No vote on the Fairness Initiative could mean for married couples
“In March, voters considered abolishing the marriage penalty through the introduction of individual taxation. In November, they will vote on an alternative solution with the same objective. However, since the new proposal requires a majority of both voters and cantons, the approval threshold is considerably higher this time. Similarly, financing has not been clarified in advance."
Why your personal asset structure will become more important
As a result of the vote held in March of this year, income and assets will generally be attributed to the spouse to whom they legally belong. Ownership structures within a marriage will therefore become more important.
The reform could alter a couple’s tax burden. However, it is impossible to say whether married couples will pay more or less tax overall. The outcome depends on the couple’s income and asset distribution, place of residence, family circumstances, and the final legislative framework.
Individual taxation: Three practical examples
If one spouse works part-time and earns a comparatively low income, a Pillar 3a deduction may have less of a tax impact than it would at a higher income level. In the future, the deduction is expected to be attributed to the person in whose name the retirement account is held. It may therefore make sense to review your retirement planning strategy regularly. Whether contributions are advisable from a tax perspective, and in what amount, depends on your individual circumstances and should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If both spouses withdraw their retirement savings as lump sums in the same year, individual taxation could also offer advantages. Why? Separate taxation could change the impact of tax progression and, depending on the couple’s circumstances, affect their overall tax burden.
If a property belongs exclusively to one spouse, its taxable value would generally be attributed only to that person. For jointly owned property, each spouse’s respective ownership share is expected to be decisive.
Special considerations may arise with mortgages. Depending on a spouse’s asset and income situation, deductions attributed to that person may have a more limited tax effect or may not be fully usable. It may therefore be advisable to review ownership and financing structures at an early stage.
“Political discussions often focus on the ‘marriage penalty.’ For many families, however, the more important question will be how the new system affects child-related deductions, retirement planning, residential property and the allocation of income and assets between spouses.”
How can you prepare today?
Regardless of the outcome of the vote on November 29, 2026, it may already be worthwhile to review your income and asset situation. By reviewing your personal circumstances early on, you can better assess how the forthcoming changes may affect you.
Our experts would be pleased to help you evaluate the possible effects on your personal circumstances and develop a sustainable long-term tax and wealth strategy.
Frequently asked questions about individual taxation
The marriage penalty refers to an additional tax burden that can arise for certain married couples as a result of joint taxation. The income of both spouses is combined. Because income tax rates are progressive, this can result in a higher tax burden than for an unmarried couple with comparable income.
Individual taxation and the Fairness Initiative represent two different models, both intended to eliminate the tax disadvantage that can affect married couples.
Individual taxation provides for each spouse to submit a separate tax return. The Fairness Initiative would generally retain joint taxation but supplement it with a comparative calculation for direct federal tax purposes.
If the Fairness Initiative is approved, lawmakers would need to determine how this model should be reconciled with the individual taxation system that has already been approved and how the two should be implemented.
If the Fairness Initiative is approved on November 29, 2026, the constitutional provision would first have to be implemented at the legislative level. Implementation is currently expected by 2030 at the latest.
Under the current schedule, individual taxation is expected to take effect no later than January 1, 2032.
Under individual taxation, spouses would generally be treated as two separate individuals for tax purposes. Each spouse would submit a separate tax return, and income, assets, liabilities and deductions would generally be attributed individually.
Under the Fairness Initiative, joint taxation would generally remain in place. For federal direct tax purposes, an additional comparison would be made with the tax burden of an unmarried couple. The more favorable calculation would apply in principle.
Yes. Depending on your personal circumstances, individual taxation could affect a married couple’s tax burden. Relevant factors would include the distribution of income and assets, the ownership of real estate and securities, and the attribution of liabilities and deductions. Whether this results in a lower or higher tax burden will depend on the couple’s familial circumstances, place of residence and the final legislative framework.
Cohabiting and unmarried couples are already taxed individually, so individual taxation would not change this fundamental treatment. They could nevertheless be affected by redesigned tax rates and potential changes to child-related and family deductions. Whether unmarried couples would face a higher or lower tax burden in the future will depend on the final legislative implementation and their personal circumstances.
Tell us your opinion:
Which model do you think is better suited to address the marriage penalty?
Legal notice
This publication constitutes marketing material in accordance with Article 68 of the Swiss Financial Services Act and is intended solely for information purposes. It does not replace individual legal or tax advice. The tax assessment depends on the specific circumstances of the transaction and the personal circumstances of the parties involved.
Updated on 12.11.2026 CET
Published on 15.05.2026 CEST
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Show more articlesChristian Kauz
Head Tax Services
Show more articlesClaude Frosio
Senior Tax Consultant
