What is professional training?
These are costs for job-related professional training, continuing education, or retraining that you pay yourself. You must deduct any contributions from third parties (e.g., your employer or the government).
The deduction is capped at CHF 12'400 for cantonal/municipal tax (Zurich) and CHF 13'000 for federal tax (tax year 2025).
You can claim this deduction if you are at least 20 years old or you have a qualification after compulsory schooling (e.g., a Swiss apprenticeship (EFZ/EBA) or Matura).
Professional training costs include not only course fees, but also related expenses such as exam fees, learning materials (books, scripts, software), travel costs, flat-rate meal costs, and technical equipment like a laptop or tablet if it is mainly used for the training. Depending on the canton and your situation, a self-retention may apply.
In the Canton of Zurich, costs related to your children’s education are considered general living expenses and are therefore not tax-deductible.
Example
You pay CHF 2'000 for an online Excel course. Your employer covers CHF 500. The deductible amount is CHF 1'500.
Dokument
Invoices/receipts and proof of payment.
How to add it in iqtax
Go to Deductions - Professional training and click “add new”. Enter the course/provider in “Description”, add the self-paid costs, and upload the receipts.
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