Filing your tax return costs time and nerves. The Thurgau tax authority checks closely, but offers attractive optimisation options for the 2025 tax period thanks to the adjustment for fiscal drag at cantonal, communal, and federal level. That makes it all the more important to know your legal options — and to use the statutory maximums in full. Our approach to your financial planning is simple: you pay only what you actually owe.
We have analysed the five most effective deductions and show you how to use them well.
Prefer to keep your head clear? Before you work through the eFisc 2025 software yourself, take a look at our dedicated landing page for the Thurgau tax return. There you will find everything about our smooth, fully digital process.
1. Insurance & Health Insurance Premiums
Your private premiums for health, accident, life, or annuity insurance — and savings interest — are deductible as a lump sum.
Maximum deduction (married / jointly assessed):
- CHF 7,000 for cantonal and communal tax.
- CHF 3,700 for direct federal tax.
Maximum deduction (single):
- CHF 3,500 for cantonal and communal tax.
- CHF 1,800 for direct federal tax.
The FIN tip: If you have not contributed to a pension fund (2nd pillar) or Pillar 3a, this deduction increases substantially at federal level: to CHF 5,550 for married couples or CHF 2,700 for singles. Do not forget the additional deduction per child: here you can deduct another CHF 1,000 (canton) or CHF 700 (federal).
More info: Comprehensive guide to Swiss insurance deductions
2. Job-Related Education and Training Costs
The tax authorities reward investment in your education. You can deduct self-paid costs for job-related training and continuing education (provided you do not yet hold a Secondary II qualification).
Maximum deduction:
- CHF 13,000 for cantonal and communal tax.
- CHF 13,000 for direct federal tax.
The FIN tip: The Thurgau tax office usually treats the cost of PCs, tablets, or standard software as private living costs. If you can prove that the purchase was specifically for the course, a reasonable private share (typically 50 %) is deducted and the rest is recognised for tax purposes. For courses above CHF 13,000 it is worth splitting invoices strategically across year-end.
More info: How to deduct education costs — a practical guide
3. Pillar 3a (Restricted Private Pension)
The classic of tax optimisation. Contributions to approved Pillar 3a solutions reduce your taxable income directly.
- Maximum deduction (with pension fund): CHF 7,258.
- Maximum deduction (without pension fund): 20 % of net earned income, up to CHF 36,288.
The FIN tip: Watch the absolute contribution limits! It is not allowed to pay more in a given year. We continue to recommend spreading the regular 3a balance across up to three accounts to break the tax progression on later staggered withdrawal. Do not forget to attach the corresponding certificates from your pension foundation.
More info: Pillar 3a maximum amounts and investment strategies
4. Pension Fund Buy-In (2nd Pillar)
Voluntary buy-ins into your pension fund are fully deductible and noticeably reduce your taxable income.
Maximum deduction: limited by your individual coverage gap (see your current pension certificate).
The FIN tip: Mind the statutory three-year lock-up period. If you withdraw capital from your pension fund within three years of a buy-in (e.g. for home ownership or capital retirement), the tax office reverses the deduction. A withdrawal and a recent buy-in rule each other out.
More info: Pension fund buy-ins: building wealth and saving tax in one move
5. Third-Party Childcare Costs
If your children (under 14) are looked after externally, you can deduct those costs — provided they are directly connected to your work, education, or incapacity to work.
Maximum deduction (per child):
- CHF 10,100 for cantonal and communal tax.
- CHF 25,800 for direct federal tax.
The FIN tip: The Thurgau tax office typically recognises only 75 % of the invoiced costs as "real" external childcare, because childcare invoices often include non-deductible living costs (such as meals). To deduct the full 100 % (up to the maximum), you must strictly prove on the invoice that no living costs are included.
More info: Childcare and taxes in Switzerland
Canton comparison
Where does Thurgau stand in the Swiss comparison?
At a glance: maximum cantonal deductions side by side.
Insurance premiums (married, cantonal)
Education & training costs (cantonal)
Third-party childcare per child (cantonal)
TG your canton: Only 75% lump-sum recognition without separation proof.
Your Path to a Smooth Tax Return
Filing on your own takes time and carries the risk of errors. If you want clarity and peace of mind, we handle it for you. Our expert team analyses your situation and delivers your tax return ready to file.
Profit from our modern approach: no paperwork, clear communication, transparent flat rates. Go directly to the FIN landing page for the Thurgau tax return .
Sources and Further Information
The tax guidance is based on the official 2025 Canton Thurgau tax return guide (Form 1a, PDF) . Further cantonal guides and the eFisc 2025 software download are available from the Cantonal Tax Authority of Thurgau .