Understand letters from the tax office
Swiss-Büro explains tax-office letters in plain language, detects deadlines and helps prepare a reply.
Everyday example
Example with fictional details
The tax office asks for a salary certificate for a particular tax year. This is initially a request for a missing document. Check whether a tax assessment or payment request is also enclosed.
What to check
- Compare the sender, tax year and reference with your records.
- Identify the exact evidence requested and the deadline in the original letter.
- Check previously submitted documents and the stated submission method.
Check the email
- Check the full sender address.
- Do not open suspicious links or attachments.
- Do not share personal or banking details.
- Check the request by opening the official website yourself.
A name and logo do not prove authenticity. Sender addresses can also be forged.
Next step
Find the relevant certificate and submit it using the method specified. Contact the tax office if the request is unclear or the document is unavailable. Keep track of the deadline: asking a question does not replace the requested response.
Prepare the records for a clear reply
First identify the type of letter: a request for evidence, a calculation and an invoice call for different next steps. Keep the complete letter beside your submitted tax return and relevant supporting records. Note the tax year, reference, affected item and your specific question. Compare figures against original evidence rather than concluding that an amount is wrong from a summary alone.
If a document has already been sent, find the submission receipt and record the date and method. If evidence is missing, identify exactly what you still need to obtain. A useful reply draft quotes the reference, answers each question separately and lists attachments. Keep the final response with the original letter so you can trace what you submitted later.
No legal or tax advice. Verify deadlines and amounts before sending.
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