About the Swiss Car Tax Calculator
Learn more about how car taxes are calculated in Switzerland and how this tool works.
Overview
The Swiss Car Tax Calculator is a tool that helps you estimate the annual vehicle tax in any of the 26 Swiss cantons. Vehicle taxation in Switzerland is handled at the cantonal level, which means each canton has its own rules and formulas for calculating tax.
By selecting a canton and entering your vehicle's specifications, you can get an estimate of how much you would pay in annual car tax. You can also compare tax rates across different cantons to see where your vehicle would be taxed most favorably.
How Taxes Are Calculated
Switzerland's 26 cantons each have their own methods for calculating vehicle tax. The most common factors used in these calculations are:
- Vehicle weight (total weight or curb weight)
- Engine displacement (cubic capacity)
- Engine power (kW or HP)
- CO₂ emissions (g/km)
- Vehicle age (first registration year)
- Energy efficiency category (for some cantons)
Cantons use different parameters to calculate road tax rates:
- Total Weight: Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Bern, Basel-Landschaft, Jura, St.Gallen, Uri
- Curb weight + CO2 Emissions: Basel-Stadt
- CO2 Emissions: Neuchatel
- Engine Displacement and Total Weight: Zürich
- Engine Displacement and/or Tax HP: Aargau, Glarus, Luzern, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, Thurgau, Wallis, Zug
- Power: Fribourg, Geneva
- Power and Total Weight: Schwyz, Tessin, Waadt
- Engine Displacement and CO2-Emissions: Graubünden
Special consideration for electric vehicles:
- EVs exempt: Geneva, Glarus, St.Gallen, Solothurn, Zürich
- EVs partial deductions: Bern, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Fribourg, Graubünden, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Vaud, Valais, Zug
- Hybrids partial deductions: Glarus, Graubünden, Lucerne, Neuchatel, Obwalden, St.Gallen, Thurgau, Vaud, Zürich
- EVs and Hybrids taxed normally: Aargau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Jura, Schaffhausen, Schwyz
Some cantons use a simple formula based on one factor (like weight), while others use complex formulas that consider multiple factors and apply various multipliers and reductions. Our calculator implements each canton's specific method to provide the most accurate estimate possible.
Data Sources
The tax formulas used in this calculator are based on official cantonal vehicle taxation laws and regulations. We regularly review and update these formulas to ensure accuracy, but because tax regulations can change, we recommend verifying the calculated amount with your cantonal vehicle registration office for official tax determinations.
Official Information Sources
Updates and Accuracy
Our tax formulas are updated annually to reflect the latest changes in cantonal legislation. The most recent update was completed in March 2025, incorporating all changes that took effect on January 1, 2025. Notable changes include:
- Geneva's new tax system with a base fee of 120 CHF and additional charges based on weight for electric vehicles or CO2 emissions for ICE/hybrid vehicles
- Zürich's expanded exemptions for electric vehicles and new partial deductions for hybrid vehicles
- Basel-Stadt's updated formula that now incorporates both curb weight and CO2 emissions
- Several cantons have adjusted their deduction rates for eco-friendly vehicles
Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, the calculated results should be considered estimates. Tax rates and calculation methods may change, and certain special cases (like vintage vehicles, agricultural vehicles, etc.) may have different rules that aren't captured by this tool. For official tax determinations, please contact your cantonal vehicle registration office directly.
Canton Information
Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, each with its own government, laws, and tax system. This federal structure means that the same vehicle can be taxed quite differently depending on the canton where it is registered.
The difference in tax rates between cantons can be significant. For example, a typical family car might be taxed 3-4 times higher in the most expensive canton compared to the cheapest one.
Tax Comparison Example
Here's a quick comparison of annual tax amounts for a typical mid-sized car (VW Golf 1.2 TSI) across different cantons:
- Zürich: CHF 100
- Bern: CHF 310
- Geneva: CHF 110
- Valais: CHF 216
- Ticino: CHF 144
Contact Us
If you have questions, feedback, or notice any inaccuracies in our calculator, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Send EmailLast Updated
Our tax calculation formulas were last updated on March 15, 2025 to reflect the latest cantonal legislation changes.
We review all cantonal tax regulations quarterly to ensure our calculator provides the most accurate estimates possible.