Tax Equity for Ticinese Families: Motion for Work-Family Costs (cross-border guide)

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The Women of the Centre propose a motion to the Grand Council to fiscally recognize the costs incurred by families in Ticino to reconcile work and family management, with rigorous criteria.

Context

In breve

Mozione delle Donne del Centro per equità fiscale per le famiglie. Riconoscimento fiscale dei costi di conciliazione lavoro-famiglia in Ticino. Criteri rigorosi per spese legate a istituti privati.

Operational details

Currently, the tax system recognizes certain childcare expenses incurred to enable parents to work. The motion by the Women of the Centre calls for evaluating a targeted adjustment so that similar situations, linked to concrete reconciliation needs, can be considered under the same principle of fairness. Sara Demir highlighted how modern family policy should support families in their daily challenges, avoiding leaving them alone when facing organizational difficulties that can significantly impact professional opportunities—especially for those like many cross-border workers who must handle cross-border logistics.

The motion does not aim to encourage private school usage nor question the fundamental role of public schools, defined as an essential societal pillar. Rather, it proposes evaluating the recognition—within precise limits and in compliance with federal law—of the cost component at private institutions directly tied to work-life balance needs. This pragmatic approach aims to provide concrete support where public provision is still insufficient.

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Key points

Support the reconciliation between work and family, as emphasized by the proponents of the motion, means actively promoting women's participation in the labor market and valuing the contribution of mothers and fathers to the economic and social life of Canton Ticino. Organizational difficulties continue to significantly impact women, affecting their career choices and opportunities. The proposal aims to mitigate these disparities by fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment for all workers, including the many cross-border workers who cross the border daily to work in Switzerland. Nadia Ghisolfi has reiterated the intention to draw the political attention to the concrete situations faced by many Ticinese families. She added that promoting work-life balance should not be seen as a privilege for a few but as an investment in equality, participation, and social cohesion. This approach is crucial for a society that is evolving, and family policies must adapt to changes, centering on the real needs of families and promoting pragmatic and responsible solutions. Future prospects and the commitment of the Women of the Centre Women of the Centre have reaffirmed their commitment to continue working to ensure that family policies evolve alongside societal changes. The goal is to maintain a focus on the real needs of families, promoting pragmatic and responsible solutions. For cross-border workers, monitoring the evolution of this motion could be crucial, as it may directly affect their tax burden and family expenses related to the working context in Ticino. Staying informed about tax changes and deduction opportunities is always advisable to optimize one's financial situation. For a detailed estimate of your net salary and potential deductions, you can consult our salary calculator dedicated to cross-border workers.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the motion of the Women of the Centre?
The primary objective is to introduce greater fiscal equity in the Canton of Ticino, recognizing the additional costs incurred by families to balance work and family life, especially where public services are insufficient.
What rigorous criteria are proposed for the tax recognition of expenses?
The motion proposes rigorous criteria, including an annual cap per child, recognition contingent on the parents' gainful employment, and verification of the absence of an adequate public offer tailored to family needs.
Does the motion intend to favor the use of private schools?
No, the motion does not intend to incentivize the use of private schools or question the role of public schools. The intent is to recognize the indispensable additional costs incurred at private institutions, directly linked to the need for reconciliation and not for ideological choice.
Who presented the motion and who supports it?
The motion was submitted to the Grand Council by Grand Councillors Nadia Ghisolfi and Sara Demir, and is supported by the parliamentary group of the Centre. The initiative specifically originates from the Women of the Centre.

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