Can I claim my commuter allowance as a cross-border commuter?
February 18, 2023 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Paula Bauer
Dear tax advisor,
I am Renate Zellerbach and work as a cross-border commuter in Switzerland. In this context, I am wondering if I can claim my commuter allowance.
To give you some background: I live in Germany and work in Switzerland. Every day, I commute across the border to work and back home. This incurs costs for petrol, highway tolls, and possible parking fees.
Currently, I am unsure if I can declare the commuter allowance in my tax return and potentially achieve tax savings.
My concern is that I may be missing out on money by not taking advantage of this opportunity. I would like to fully utilize all tax possibilities to optimize my income and potentially save on taxes.
Therefore, my question to you as an expert: Can I, as a cross-border commuter, claim my commuter allowance, and if so, how does it work exactly? Are there specific requirements or details that I need to consider? What documents do I need to provide, and how much can I claim as a lump sum?
I appreciate your assistance and expertise on this matter in advance.
Best regards,
Renate Zellerbach
Dear Mrs. Zellerbach,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the possibility of claiming the commuter allowance as a cross-border commuter in Switzerland. It is understandable that you are considering how to optimize your tax situation and take advantage of potential tax benefits.
In principle, as a cross-border commuter, you can declare the commuter allowance in your tax return. The commuter allowance is intended to deduct the costs of commuting to work from your taxes. In your case, deductible costs include transportation expenses, such as fuel, highway tolls, and parking fees.
However, in order to claim the commuter allowance, certain conditions must be met. Firstly, you must actually commute daily from your place of residence in Germany to work in Switzerland. Additionally, the distance between your place of residence and your workplace must be at least 20 kilometers.
To claim the commuter allowance, you must be able to provide evidence of the actual costs. This means that you should collect all relevant receipts and invoices to substantiate your transportation expenses. Furthermore, you should also provide a certificate from your employer confirming that you are indeed working as a cross-border commuter in Switzerland.
The amount of the commuter allowance depends on the distance between your place of residence and your workplace. You can claim €0.30 per kilometer as work-related expenses. The total amount of the commuter allowance is calculated by multiplying the number of days you commute to work by the distance in kilometers and €0.30 per kilometer.
Overall, I recommend seeking advice from a local tax advisor to ensure that you fully utilize all available tax options and do not miss out on any potential tax benefits. I am also available to answer any further questions and wish you success with your tax return.
Best regards,
Paula Bauer
