Minimum Earnings

Finance, Taxes, Banking, Insurance and Retirement
1
I got a vague recollection you can earn like 2K a year in Switzerland and not have to pay tax, but I might be going senile.

I also vaguely remember that when I completed my tax return I need to put my earnings as well as the wife and we get taxed jointly. [married 22 years and counting]

I ask cause I made a little money writing on the internet last year [like 1K], and was wondering if i needed to declare it?

2
Can’t comment other than to say that in Switzerland married couples are required to submit a joint account.

3
Declare it. If it isn't taxable, then you won't be taxed on it. Not having to pay tax is not the same as not having to declare.

You could phone your local tax office and ask. They're usually quite helpful. At least around here.

4
Is this 1k on top of normal salary or the only income you got?

5
The Nyon tax office is very helpful. I suspect the same is true of other VD offices.

6
It is the only income I have; but the wife is working... which I fear means I need to declare it.

7
You should then declare it. The fact that you are earning Alos means you can deduct a few things perhaps so maybe impact will be zero.

8

Set up a simple profit and loss statement and it will be zero.....

9
In addition to profit/loss, if you worked from home, you are allowed to deduct certain expenses: office space, utilities,...

10
Not an expert but sharing my own experiences in VD; I looked into this for one of the kids (for minimal stagaire pay during holidays).

The exemption is aimed at e.g. getting some payment for something you do as a hobby (eg helping coaching at a club where you play or similar). In our case for a >18 year old student this did come out as "free" (no other income).

However as stated above spouses are taxed jointly so this should be included on the tax return of the family (assume your wife's based on what you said), you will already be named on this as non-working spouse.

It will be taxed, there could be expenses you can claim, but be careful you don't start being seen as an independent worker (threads on this already).

If I were you I would add it as "hobby income" but not try to be too agressive on claiming off-setting expenses so you don't trigger unintended consequences. I believe you will be taxed...but is isn't going to be too many CHF.

11
You are exempt from AHV/IV if you earn less than CHF 2'300 (except for certain types of work, i.e. cleaning appartments, etc)

https://www.bsv.admin.ch/bsv/de/home...tml#-402402662

But that does not stop you getting taxed or at least having to declare it (even if you do not end up having to pay anything due to deductions).