Tax, property, pensions, succession: an overview to increase the value of your assets and prepare your loved ones’ future
An apartment, a company, an account abroad, a life insurance policy, and an estate you keep promising to sort out next year: wealth often grows faster than its organisation. Each adviser deals with their own subject, and nobody checks that the whole thing holds together.
Turning your possessions into profitable investments is what wealth planning in Geneva is all about. We work to increase the value of your private and professional assets over time, while keeping the tax burden as low as possible, in compliance with the law.
Your family office in Geneva also thinks about what comes next. We help you arrange the transfer and succession of your assets with complete peace of mind, with a clear method and a single point of contact for the whole family.
One strategy for your assets, your taxes and your loved ones.
We review your tax return, your deductions, your pension fund and your third pillar. The idea is not to invent a scheme, but to optimise your situation with what the law allows, at the right time. Together with your fiduciary, we plan the timing of pension buy-ins and withdrawals to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Main residence, rental properties, property abroad: we look at the real performance of each asset, after taxes, charges and mortgage repayments. Acquisitions are part of the picture: we look out for opportunities that could benefit you, including abroad.
Will, contract of succession, gifts, family governance: we work with you, your notary and your advisers to prepare the transfer of your wealth. It is better to discuss it as a family while everyone can still give their opinion, and while the person concerned can still decide.
Contact us using this form or by phone: we will call you back quickly to discuss your needs.
Banker, managers, fiduciary, notary, broker, insurer: each does their job well, but none is paid to look at the whole picture. We act as conductor and align their actions around a strategy that serves your interests. We surround ourselves with experts in law, property, tax and finance, and you only have one number to call.
The financial side of your assets falls under our wealth management in Geneva service. It then becomes part of the same strategy, instead of living its own life.
Geneva taxes wealth as well as income, but a tax shield caps the burden. For taxpayers domiciled in Switzerland, cantonal and municipal taxes on income and wealth cannot exceed 60% of net taxable income. For this calculation, the return on wealth is set at a minimum of 1% of net wealth. Direct federal tax is not included in this cap.
Inheritance tax also varies widely depending on the heir. The surviving spouse and direct relatives in the ascending and descending line are exempt, provided the deceased was not taxed on a lump-sum basis. Brothers and sisters pay 18 to 23%, and people with no family tie pay 50 to 55%, municipal surcharges included.
Since 1 January 2023, the statutory entitlement (réserve héréditaire) has been one-half of the statutory succession rights for descendants, the spouse and the registered partner. Parents no longer have one. In practice, a married person with children can freely dispose of half of their estate. With no descendants, spouse or registered partner, they can dispose of all of it.
This freedom is of no use if it is not written down. A will, or a contract of succession drawn up in the form of a public will, lets you organise the division according to your wishes.
Official documents (in French):
