Equalisation payments: Ticino disappointed as Bern blocks changes until 2030
The Federal Council will not amend the intercantonal financial equalisation ordinance until 2030. Ticino had requested a different weighting for cross-border commuters, but the request was rejected.
Contesto
Berne will not amend the intercantonal financial equalisation ordinance at least until 2030. The Ticino cantonal government has responded with an official statement, describing the decision as a clear lack of recognition for the canton’s specificities, which will continue to be unfairly penalised compared to the rest of Switzerland. > This decision clearly fails to acknowledge the reality of our canton, which will continue to be unjustly disadvantaged compared to the rest of Switzerland, the statement released by the cantonal government on Tuesday reads. ### Ticino’s request: greater weight for cross-border workers At the heart of the controversy was the weighting of cross-border workers’ income in calculating cantons’ resource potential. Ticino had sought a change to correct a historical disparity: in border cantons, where the labour market is characterised by a high number of cross-border workers and lower-than-national-median wages, the current equalisation mechanism is inequitable. > Ticino’s demands are rooted in a well-defined historical context marked by structural challenges linked to its border position, and are supported by several scientific studies, the cantonal government writes. The proposed amendment would have allowed the system to consider the specificities of border cantons in a less inequitable manner. > The proposed mechanism would have enabled the system to address the specificities of border cantons in a less inequitable way, the cantonal government maintains. The proposal was also backed by the majority of cantons involved in the consultation. ### Immediate reactions: Bern rejects, Ticino persists The Federal Council has confirmed its outright rejection. Ticino, which in recent years has pursued this battle in coordination with the Ticino de...
Dettagli operativi
Before vs after: what changes for cross-border workers The decision by Bern will block at least until 2030 any changes to the equalisation system that take account of the peculiarities of border cantons. For cross-border workers employed in Ticino, the news does not bring any immediate changes to their pay slips, but it risks exacerbating the structural disparities that already weigh heavily on the canton. ### The salary and contribution issue Ticino argues that the current mechanism penalises cantons with a high number of cross-border workers because average salaries are lower than the national median. This is also reflected in social security and tax contributions, which are included in the equalisation calculation. Without a modification, the canton will continue to receive fewer resources than it needs to cover the costs of public services (schools, healthcare, transport) linked to the presence of workers residing in Italy. ### Possible scenarios: what happens if Ticino gets nothing in 2030? If, in 2030, the federal government confirms the current system, the canton will face two options: 1. Increase local taxes to fund services, with the risk of pushing residents and businesses further towards the Italian border. 2. Cut services at the expense of quality of life, which is already under pressure due to the high cost of living and demographic pressure. ### Comparison with other border cantons Ticino is not the only canton complaining about disparities in equalisation. The Grisons will also see federal contributions reduced in 2026, while other Alpine cantons (such as Uri or Schwyz) benefit from different treatment. The question the government in Bellinzona is asking is: why should a canton with an economy so integrated with Italy be penalised compared to o...
Punti chiave
Step 1: Stay informed about the State Council’s upcoming decisions The Ticino government will announce in the coming weeks the measures it intends to implement to protect the Canton’s interests. To stay updated, we recommend: - Checking the official Ticino State Council website (www.ti.ch). - Subscribing to the Canton’s newsletter or following its institutional social media accounts (e.g., @TicinoCantonale on Twitter/X). - Attending public assemblies organized by Ticino municipalities or political parties. ### Step 2: Review your tax situation Even if the decision from Bern does not immediately affect your paycheck, it is useful to assess your tax position to prepare for potential local tax increases. Here’s how: 1. Calculate your taxable income with the help of an expert in Italo-Swiss taxation. 2. Compare tax rates between Ticino and Italy, especially if you work in Como or Varese. Ticino applies federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes, while Italy adds IRPEF. 3. Consider opening a Swiss bank account to benefit from higher interest rates and more efficient financial management. ### Step 3: Explore pension and savings solutions With uncertainty surrounding equalization payments, it is advisable to rely on supplementary savings tools: - Pillar 3a: Voluntary contributions to Swiss pension funds, offering immediate tax benefits. - Life insurance: Policies that guarantee a capital sum in case of premature death or disability. - Real estate investments: Purchasing a second home in Ticino to reduce long-term living costs. 📊 Useful tool: Calculate your potential savings with the cross-border salary and tax calculator. ### Step 4: Get involved in political initiatives Ticino relies on cross-party support to advance its requests. Here’s how you can contribute: - Sign petiti...
Punti chiave
{"q":"Does Bern’s decision affect my taxes in 2026, or do I need to declare differently?","a":"No, there are no immediate changes to your taxes. The decision solely concerns financial equalisation between cantons, not local or federal tax rates. Income tax declarations remain unchanged for 2026. However, if Ticino were to raise taxes to compensate for reduced federal funds, you might see an impact between 2027 and 2030."},{"q":"Can I contribute to Ticino’s fight for financial equalisation? How?","a":"Yes. You can sign petitions organised by cross-border worker associations or Ticino-based political parties, contact your representatives in the Federal Chambers (find them at [www.parlamento.ch), and attend public demonstrations. The Ticino government will launch new initiatives in the coming weeks: stay updated via the official canton website (www.ti.ch)."},{"q":"I work in Como but live in Ticino. Does my tax status change?","a":"Your tax status depends on dual residency. In Switzerland, taxes are calculated on worldwide income, but you may benefit from deductions for expenses incurred in Italy (e.g., rent, children). Consult an Italo-Swiss tax expert to optimise your tax declaration. Alternatively, consider opening a bank account in Ticino to manage your salary and savings more efficiently."},{"q":"If Ticino receives nothing by 2030, what risks do I face as a cross-border worker?","a":"You risk potential increases in local taxes or cuts to public services (healthcare, education, transport). This could lead to higher indirect costs for cross-border workers, such as school fees for children or medical care access. To mitigate the impact, explore solutions like Pillar 3a savings or real estate investments in Ticino."},{"q":"What are the next political events on this topic?"...
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Bern’s decision affect my taxes in 2026, or do I need to declare differently?
- No, there are no immediate changes to your taxes. The decision solely concerns financial equalisation between cantons, not local or federal tax rates. Income tax declarations remain unchanged for 2026. However, if Ticino were to raise taxes to compensate for reduced federal funds, you might see an impact between 2027 and 2030.
- Can I contribute to Ticino’s fight for financial equalisation? How?
- Yes. You can sign petitions organised by cross-border worker associations or Ticino-based political parties, contact your representatives in the Federal Chambers (find them at [www.parlamento.ch](https://www.parlamento.ch)), and attend public demonstrations. The Ticino government will launch new initiatives in the coming weeks: stay updated via the official canton website ([www.ti.ch](https://www.ti.ch)).
- I work in Como but live in Ticino. Does my tax status change?
- Your tax status depends on dual residency. In Switzerland, taxes are calculated on worldwide income, but you may benefit from deductions for expenses incurred in Italy (e.g., rent, children). Consult an Italo-Swiss tax expert to optimise your tax declaration. Alternatively, consider opening a bank account in Ticino to manage your salary and savings more efficiently.
- If Ticino receives nothing by 2030, what risks do I face as a cross-border worker?
- You risk potential increases in local taxes or cuts to public services (healthcare, education, transport). This could lead to higher indirect costs for cross-border workers, such as school fees for children or medical care access. To mitigate the impact, explore solutions like Pillar 3a savings or real estate investments in Ticino.
- What are the next political events on this topic?
- The next official meeting is between Ticino’s delegation and Karin Keller-Sutter, scheduled for June 2026. New strategies may be discussed then. Meanwhile, the Ticino State Council will announce its next steps in the coming weeks via the official website [www.ti.ch](https://www.ti.ch).