Double Taxation: How the Tax Credit Works
The definitive guide for 'new cross-border workers' in Ticino. How to avoid paying taxes twice on your Swiss income thanks to the tax credit in the Italian Modello 730. Practical example with a salary of CHF 65,000.
Contesto
For thousands of 'new cross-border workers'—those hired after July 17, 2023—the Ticino payslip has changed. The new tax agreement between Italy and Switzerland has introduced a concurrent taxation system that is causing considerable anxiety. The question everyone from Chiasso to Varese is asking is: how can I avoid paying taxes twice? The answer lies in a specific tax mechanism: the tax credit. In fact, the new system stipulates that Switzerland applies a withholding tax on the cross-border worker's income up to a maximum of 80% of what would be due under ordinary rates. Subsequently, Italy taxes the same income in full but recognizes the taxes already paid in Canton Ticino as a credit, which is deducted from the due IRPEF (Italian personal income tax). This mechanism, provided for by Article 165 of the Italian Consolidated Income Tax Act (TUIR), is the fundamental tool for neutralizing double taxation. It is not an exemption, but an adjustment. The cross-border worker will therefore have to file a tax return in Italy every year, a requirement that was not necessary for 'old cross-border workers' (those active before July 17, 2023) for their Swiss employment income. Correctly managing this process is crucial to avoid paying a single euro more than necessary.
Dettagli operativi
The Credit Calculation: From the Lohnausweis to Quadro CE The core of the operation to avoid double taxation is the correct completion of the Modello 730 tax form, specifically Quadro CE - Section I, dedicated to income produced abroad. Here, the cross-border worker must declare the gross income received in Switzerland and the withholding tax paid in Canton Ticino. Both amounts, expressed in Swiss Francs on the Swiss Salary Certificate (Lohnausweis), must be converted into Euros using the average exchange rate for the reference year, as published by the Bank of Italy. 📊 Practical Example for a Cross-Border Worker in 2026: Let's look at a concrete case. A 'new cross-border worker' residing in Como and employed in Lugano with a Gross Annual Salary (RAL) of CHF 65,000. - Tax paid in Switzerland: Let's assume a withholding tax of approximately CHF 10,000. - Conversion to Euro: Applying a hypothetical exchange rate of 1.05 CHF/EUR, the income to be declared in Italy is EUR 61,900, and the taxes paid abroad are EUR 9,524. - IRPEF calculation in Italy: On EUR 61,900, the gross IRPEF (applying Italian tax brackets) would be around EUR 19,500. - Application of the credit: The Italian Revenue Agency allows the deduction of the tax paid in Switzerland. However, the tax credit cannot exceed the portion of Italian tax attributable to the foreign income. - Net tax due in Italy: EUR 19,500 (gross IRPEF) - EUR 9,524 (tax credit) = EUR 9,976. This will be the amount to be paid to the Italian tax authorities, in addition to what has already been withheld in Switzerland. > This calculation shows that you don't pay two full taxes, but rather Italy taxes the difference between its rate and the generally lower rate applied by Canton Ticino.
Punti chiave
Checklist and Practical Tips to Avoid Mistakes Facing the first tax return with Swiss income may seem complex, but with a methodical and careful approach, costly errors can be avoided. The keyword is documentation. It is essential to carefully keep the Swiss Salary Certificate (Lohnausweis) issued by the Ticino employer at the beginning of the year. This document is the official proof of the income received and the taxes withheld at source. 💡 The Cross-Border Worker's Checklist: - Get your Lohnausweis: Make sure you receive it from your employer by February/March. - Find the correct exchange rate: Exclusively use the average annual CHF/EUR exchange rate published by the Bank of Italy or the Italian Revenue Agency. Using an incorrect rate can lead to disputes. - Consult an expert: Especially for the first return, it is highly recommended to rely on a CAF (tax assistance center) or an accountant with specific experience in Italian-Swiss cross-border taxation. They know the peculiarities of the agreement and how to correctly fill out Quadro CE. ⚠️ Mind the deadlines: The deadline for filing the Modello 730 is September 30th. Acting in a timely manner is essential to gather all documents and perform calculations without rushing. Before you start filling out the forms, it's crucial to understand the real tax impact on your net salary. Simulating Swiss deductions and the Italian IRPEF adjustment in advance can make a huge difference in family financial planning. For this reason, tools like our net salary calculator become indispensable for obtaining an accurate estimate and preparing for the tax return without any surprises. Source: Agreement on the taxation of cross-border workers and Art. 165 TUIR. Data and calculations for 2026 are based on projections and current re...