You must submit a certificate of contributions paid (form 21 EDP) prepared by AVENA to the cantonal tax administration.
You should make voluntary contributions within the limits of your budget and applicable regulations or set up a private pension (Pillar 3).
If you are a member of an occupational pension fund, both you and your employer must make contributions to your pension in accordance with the agreement you have signed.
Once you reach retirement age, the voluntary contributions you have made will increase the monthly pensions paid out to you or, if you die, your surviving spouse. If you die before retirement, your voluntary contributions will be returned in the form of a lump-sum death benefit, minus any early withdrawals to purchase a home or carry out renovations to maintain or increase the value of your home.
A cash withdrawal is only possible if you are primarily self-employed and no longer subject to compulsory occupational pension insurance. You will be subject to a one-off tax at a reduced rate (in Vaud, one-fifth of the usual rate). The federal tax is also set at one-fifth of the usual rate. The pension fund is required to inform the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) that you have received this lump-sum payment. You must also inform your cantonal tax authority.
If you are single and don’t have a registered partner or child under 18, the lump-sum death benefit corresponds to your total retirement savings. If the pension fund must make monthly payments to a surviving spouse or child, the sum of these payments will be deducted from your retirement capital, and the lump-sum death benefit will correspond to the amount left in the account.
You can make the most of your occupational pension by making voluntary contributions within the applicable laws and regulations. The amount you can contribute is indicated on your annual pension statement. Contact your occupational pension manager to get a contribution simulation and copy of the request form for making a voluntary contribution – the simulation is free, and there are no obligations. Voluntary contributions are tax-deductible.
It’s up to you. Some factors you might take into consideration include your expenses, assets, and marital status.
In order to join a pension fund, you have to be employed. Now that the AVS 21 reform has been adopted, you have the right to withdraw part of your retirement benefits – the amount will be proportionate to the change in your employment rate if you decide to reduce it after turning 58. You can collect your pension in three lump-sum withdrawals.
If you are no longer employed, you can maintain your pension savings with up to two vested benefits accounts at two different institutions.
Even if your employer is late in paying your salary, they are still responsible for making a monthly contribution to your pension. The pension fund will credit your retirement savings account, regardless of whether your salary or pension contribution have been paid.
