Cross-border worker health tax: Lombardy delays motion again, 80,000 Ticino families left waiting

Contesto

The Lombardy Regional Council has once again postponed the discussion of the motion presented by PD councillors Samuele Astuti and Angelo Orsenigo, who had sought clarification on the healthcare tax for long-standing cross-border workers. The proposal, which concerns workers hired before 2024, has been rescheduled to at least April 23, when the competent Lega-affiliated councillor is expected to testify before the committee. The two Democratic Party representatives have decried a 'growing pattern of delays': the motion, initially placed at the bottom of the agenda despite a request for priority, was further stalled due to the assessor’s absence. 'Between an assessor who disappears and a president who mismanages the agenda, we and our 80,000 families remain in limbo,' Astuti and Orsenigo stated. Tensions escalated following remarks attributed to the chairman of the special committee, a Lecco-based Fratelli d’Italia councillor, who allegedly said: 'Workers have waited long enough; they can wait a few more weeks.' The issue specifically affects Lombard cross-border workers in a transitional arrangement, who do not pay healthcare contributions to Switzerland and could be subject to a regional levy. This is a significant concern in the Varese area, historically the Italian province with the highest number of cross-border commuters to Ticino. The PD motion sought to clarify the reasoning and scope of the tax, but the centre-right majority has blocked any progress, including the withdrawal of a Fratelli d’Italia proposal to reduce the levy to between 1% and 3% of net income or introduce a flat rate. 'It’s not the amount of the tax that concerns us, but the tax itself and its complete lack of justification,' the two Democratic councillors emphasised. ## Session recap: cross-...

Dettagli operativi

The situation for Ticino cross-border workers employed in Lombardy risks becoming even more complicated, with direct implications for salaries and family financial planning. Currently, the approximately 80,000 long-standing cross-border workers — according to estimates cited by PD councillors — find themselves in a legal grey area: they do not pay health contributions in Switzerland, but may be required to pay a regional Lombardy tax without a clear justification. ### Practical impact: what changes for cross-border workers If the tax is introduced, long-standing cross-border workers would face a new financial burden, potentially reducing their take-home pay. According to statements by PD councillors, the concern is not the amount (still undefined), but the very existence of the tax. 'It's not the percentage that scares us, but the principle,' Astuti and Orsenigo stated. A regional tax without shared justification risks being perceived as an additional burden on top of the health contributions already paid in Switzerland, further increasing the tax load for those who already contribute to the Ticino system. ### Comparison with current regulations Before 2024, Lombard long-standing cross-border workers were not subject to health contributions in Switzerland. However, with the introduction of new European rules and evolving relations between Italy and Switzerland, the Lombardy Region is considering extending the health tax to this category as well. The PD motion sought to clarify whether the tax is legitimate and what the criteria for its application would be, but the centre-right majority blocked any discussion. ### Possible scenarios in the coming months If the discussion is further delayed, cross-border workers may face uncertainty until summer 2026. Two main scen...

Punti chiave

The Lombardy Region has once again postponed the discussion on the healthcare tax for long-standing cross-border workers, leaving 80,000 Ticino families in a state of uncertainty. Despite a motion from the Democratic Party (PD) calling for clarity, the center-right majority has blocked any progress, deferring the decision at least until April 23. Here’s what Ticino cross-border workers need to do to protect themselves and which deadlines to keep an eye on. ### Step-by-step guide for cross-border workers 1. Check the status of the motion: The Lombardy Region is expected to publish updates on the discussion of the PD motion on its official website. Cross-border workers can check directly here. 2. Consult your Lombard employer: Many companies with cross-border employees are already informed about the situation. It’s worth asking your HR department or human resources manager if there are any official communications regarding the healthcare tax. 3. Monitor Ticino sources: The Canton of Ticino, through the Department of Finance and Economy (DFE) or the Department of Health and Social Services (DSS), may release official statements on the matter. Follow updates on www.ti.ch. 4. Contact trade unions: Unions such as FILT-CGIL or UIL Trasporti can provide support and practical advice. The FILT-CGIL Varese branch has already expressed concerns about the situation and may organize awareness-raising initiatives. 5. Assess financial planning: If the tax is introduced, consider the possible impact on your disposable income. If in doubt, consult a tax advisor specializing in cross-border work. ### Deadlines to mark on your calendar - April 23, 2026: Hearing of the Lega-affiliated assessor in the Lombardy regional commission. This could be a key moment in the discussion of the P...

Punti chiave

{"q":"Which cross-border workers are affected by the Lombardy regional health tax?","a":"The tax applies to historical Lombard cross-border workers, i.e., those employed before 2024. These workers do not pay health contributions in Switzerland and could be subject to a regional levy in Lombardy. The affected group is estimated at around 80,000 households, mainly in the Varese area."},{"q":"When will the PD motion on the health tax be discussed?","a":"The motion by PD councillors Samuele Astuti and Angelo Orsenigo has been postponed at least until 23 April 2026, when the hearing of the Lega-affiliated assessor responsible is scheduled in the Lombardy regional commission. However, the discussion could be delayed further."},{"q":"What are the possible tax rates for cross-border workers under the health tax?","a":"The exact amount of the tax has not yet been specified. According to rumours circulating in the commission, a rate between 1% and 3% of net income or a flat fee is being discussed, but there are no official data."},{"q":"What should Ticino cross-border workers do now?","a":"Cross-border workers are advised to monitor official updates from the Lombardy Region and the Canton of Ticino, consult their employer, and assess the potential impact of the tax on their salary. To estimate the effect, they can use the [Ticino vs. Lombardy salary calculator."},{"q":"Can the Canton of Ticino intervene to protect cross-border workers?","a":"The Canton of Ticino, through the Department of Finance and Economy (DFE) or the DSS, can issue official statements and consider protective measures. However, there are currently no official communications regarding this issue."}]

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