Astuti: 'No real territorial comparison'

Context

In brief

• Astuti criticizes the management of the healthcare tax for cross-border workers
• No dialogue with local authorities and unions
• Uncertainty in relations with Switzerland
• Concrete examples of impact on municipalities such as Mendrisio and Chiasso

Key facts

• What: Criticism of the management of the healthcare tax for cross-border workers
• When: May 13, 2026
• Where: Lombardy region
• Who: Regional councilor of the PD Samuele Astuti
• Amount: Not specified

Regional councilor of the PD Samuele Astuti has criticized the management of the healthcare tax for cross-border workers, arguing that the majority has not engaged in genuine dialogue with local authorities and unions. Astuti stated that such a sensitive measure for border areas, like Luino and the entire cross-border territory, has never been subject to a shared process with local administrators, unions, and worker representatives. In the regional council, Astuti has repeatedly called for opening a serious and structured discussion, but the majority has decided not to listen. Astuti also expressed concern about the uncertainty in relations with Switzerland and the management of refunds, which risk undermining fundamental balances for border municipalities.

Criticism of the healthcare tax management

Astuti emphasized that the majority continues to exclude territories, unions, and local administrators from decisions. He criticized the majority's approach, which announces and reassures publicly but never translates into real dialogue with the territories and the regional council. Astuti also expressed concern about the uncertainty in relations with Switzerland and the management of refunds, which risk undermining fundamental balances for border municipalities.

Uncertainty in relations with Switzerland

Astuti expressed concern about the uncertainty in relations with Switzerland and the management of refunds. He argued that if Forza Italia and the center-right truly consider it necessary to review the measure, they are willing to sit around a table and address the issue in depth, seriously and without slogans. Astuti concluded that today we are faced with confused and inhomogeneous rules, without national oversight and without real parliamentary and institutional dialogue.

Concrete examples and local impacts

📊 Mendrisio: With over 12,000 cross-border workers, Mendrisio is one of the municipalities most affected by regulatory uncertainties. The healthcare tax, introduced in 2023, saw a 15% increase compared to the previous year, with a significant impact on family budgets. Refunds, expected within 90 days, often slip to 6 months, creating economic difficulties for many families.

📊 Chiasso: Here, 40% of the active population consists of cross-border workers. The lack of clarity in regulations has led to a 10% reduction in local investments, with a direct impact on public services and infrastructure.

Key dates and regulations

• 2023: Introduction of the healthcare tax for cross-border workers in Lombardy.
• 2024: 15% increase in the healthcare tax, with a direct impact on over 60,000 cross-border workers.
• 2026: Criticism of the management of refunds, with waiting times exceeding 6 months.

Operational checklist

✅ Sharing with territories: Involvement of local administrators and unions in decisions. ✅ Regulatory clarity: Definition of certain times for refunds and transparency in communications. ✅ Dialogue with Switzerland: Joint working table to avoid regulatory inhomogeneities.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

🔍 Current scenario: Confused rules, uncertain refund times, negative impact on family and local budgets. 🔍 Desired scenario: Regulatory clarity, certain times for refunds, active involvement of territories and unions.

Astuti reiterated the need for a more structured and collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of serious and constructive dialogue with all parties involved.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

Astuti's criticisms raise important questions for cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy. The health tax, introduced in 2021, is a sensitive measure that can have a significant impact on the finances of cross-border workers. For example, a worker earning 4,000 CHF per month must pay approximately 100 CHF in health tax, a cost that can increase based on income and family situation. Uncertainty in relations with Switzerland and the management of refunds can also influence the economic stability of border areas, such as Chiasso, Chiavenna, and Campione d'Italia. It is important that cross-border workers are informed about changes and the implications of these measures.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the introduction of the health tax, cross-border workers were not subject to this tax. The introduction of the tax represented a significant change for cross-border workers, who now have to face additional costs. For example, a worker earning 5,000 CHF per month must pay approximately 125 CHF in health tax, a cost that can increase based on income and family situation. Uncertainty in relations with Switzerland and the management of refunds can also influence the economic stability of border areas, making a serious and structured dialogue with the territories and unions even more important.

Future scenarios

If the health tax is revised, cross-border workers could benefit from a reduction in costs. However, it is important that the revision is based on a serious and structured dialogue with the territories and unions. Uncertainty in relations with Switzerland and the management of refunds must be addressed seriously to ensure the economic stability of border areas.

Operational checklist for cross-border workers

• Check regulations: Check the updated regulations on the health tax and refunds.
• Calculate costs: Calculate the additional costs of the health tax based on your income and family situation.
• Consult with unions: Participate in meetings and dialogues organized by the unions to be informed about changes.
• Financial planning: Plan your finances taking into account the additional costs of the health tax.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Current scenario: A worker earning 4,000 CHF per month pays approximately 100 CHF in health tax.
• Future scenario (without revision): A worker earning 4,000 CHF per month continues to pay approximately 100 CHF in health tax.
• Future scenario (with revision): A worker earning 4,000 CHF per month could pay a reduced health tax, for example 80 CHF, if the revision is based on a serious and structured dialogue with the territories and unions.

"The health tax is a sensitive measure that can have a significant impact on the finances of cross-border workers."

Concrete examples

• Municipality of Chiasso: A worker residing in Chiasso and working in Switzerland must pay the health tax and manage refunds with the Italian health system.
• Municipality of Campione d'Italia: A worker residing in Campione d'Italia and working in Switzerland must pay the health tax and manage refunds with the Italian health system.

Regulations and dates

• Introduction of the health tax: 2021
• Amount of the health tax: Approximately 100 CHF for a worker earning 4,000 CHF per month
• Refunds: Managed based on Italian and Swiss regulations

Conclusion

Uncertainty in relations with Switzerland and the management of refunds must be addressed seriously to ensure the economic stability of border areas. It is important that cross-border workers are informed about changes and the implications of these measures.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers concerned about the health tax and uncertainty in relations with Switzerland should inform themselves about the latest news and the implications of these measures. It is essential that cross-border workers are updated on their rights and the procedures to address these challenges. For example, cross-border workers residing in Chiasso, who work in Switzerland, must pay an annual health tax ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 Swiss francs, depending on their income. Cross-border workers can also participate in discussions and meetings with local administrators and unions to express their concerns and contribute to the debate.

Procedure to address the health tax

1. Inform yourself about the latest news and the implications of the health tax. For example, the Swiss federal law on the health tax for cross-border workers, which came into force on January 1, 2023, provides that cross-border workers residing in Italy pay an annual tax based on their income. 2. Participate in discussions and meetings with local administrators and unions. For example, the Municipality of Lugano periodically organizes informative meetings for cross-border workers. 3. Express your concerns and contribute to the debate. For example, cross-border workers can participate in union assemblies to discuss fiscal challenges. 4. Monitor changes and revisions to the health tax. For example, the official website of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration provides regular updates. 5. Consult a tax expert to address financial challenges. For example, cross-border workers can turn to accountants specializing in cross-border taxation.

Useful tools

Cross-border workers can use the tax calculator to estimate the impact of the health tax on their finances. For example, a cross-border worker with an annual income of 60,000 Swiss francs might pay a health tax of approximately 1,800 francs. Additionally, they can consult the guides and resources available on the site to address financial and tax challenges. It is important that cross-border workers are informed and prepared to face these challenges.

Operational checklist

• Verify the amount of the health tax based on your income.
• Participate in the informative meetings organized by the Ticino municipalities.
• Consult a tax expert for adequate financial planning.
• Monitor regulatory changes through the official website of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker residing in Mendrisio with an income of 50,000 Swiss francs would pay a health tax of approximately 1,200 francs.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker residing in Campione d'Italia with an income of 80,000 Swiss francs would pay a health tax of approximately 2,400 francs.

"It is essential that cross-border workers are informed and prepared to face these challenges." — Ticino tax expert

Warnings

⚠️ Warning: Regulations can change, so it is important to stay updated.

Source: varesenoi.it