30 November 2025

Introduction of a federal inheritance and gift tax clearly rejected by Swiss people on November 30, 2025

  • Articles
  • Tax
  • Inheritance / Succession
  • Steuern / Abgaben

On November 30, 2025, Swiss people clearly rejected the JUSO initiative “For a social climate policy – financed through fair taxation (Initiative for a Future)” concerning the introduction of a federal inheritance tax. Inheritance and gift taxes thus remain within the jurisdiction of the cantons and municipalities.

  • Dr. Samuel Bussmann

    Tax & Legal Partner

  • Hannah Dobringer

    Junior Tax Consultant

  • Christina Stocker

    Senior Tax Advisor

Background

The initiative called for the introduction of a nationwide inheritance and gift tax of 50% on all estates and gifts from private individuals exceeding CHF 50 million in value. The additional tax revenue was to be used for ecological restructuring and to combat the climate crisis. The federal government would have had to issue implementing provisions to prevent tax avoidance, including in relation to moving away from Switzerland. Please find more details in our article dated 28 January 2025.

No changes at cantonal level

The tax authority to levy inheritance and gift taxes therefore remains exclusively with the cantons and municipalities.

Inheritance and gift tax is levied by the canton of residence of the deceased or the donor.

With the exception of the cantons of Schwyz and Obwalden, all 24 other cantons currently levy inheritance and gift tax. The canton of Lucerne, however, does not levy gift tax, but does levy inheritance tax on gifts made up to five years prior to death. Certain municipalities in Lucerne also levy a descendant inheritance tax.

In all cantons that levy inheritance and gift tax, spouses are exempt. Descendants are exempt in most cantons (exceptions: cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Neuchâtel, and Vaud). For persons who are subject to lump-sum taxation, the special features of the cantons in western Switzerland must be taken into account.

Switzerland remains an attractive location from a tax perspective

The clear result of the vote makes it clear that Switzerland continues to focus on legal and tax stability – an essential element that makes Switzerland attractive in the long term for entrepreneurs, family businesses, and wealthy individuals.

Do you have any questions? Please feel free to get in touch with us.

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