What does an individual's tax burden depend on?
Von was hängt die individuelle Steuerbelastung ab?
Correct answer: A
- A on taxable income and assetsvom steuerbaren Einkommen und Vermögen
- B on membership of a political partyvon der Mitgliedschaft bei einer Partei
- C on nationalityvon der Nationalität
- D on membership of an authorityvon der Mitgliedschaft in einer Behörde
Why
Taxes are based on economic capacity. Taxable income and assets are what count.
Common mistakes
- C: on nationality
- Nationality does not determine the amount of tax. For foreign nationals with certain permits, only the way the tax is collected changes (withholding tax).
Topic
With taxes, the state pays for its tasks, for example schools, roads, the police and social assistance. You pay taxes to the Confederation, the canton and the municipality. How much you pay depends on your taxable income and your assets. Anyone who earns or owns more pays more. Nationality or party membership play no role.
Living in Switzerland
Taxes and family support
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 99 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.