Public finances in Ticino: accountants raise alarm

Context

TL;DR

• Ticino faces public finance concerns by 2026
• Risk of company relocations due to taxes
• Criticism of health insurance reforms
• 200 million francs deficit expected in 2027

Key facts

• Cosa: Concern about public finances in Ticino
• Quando: 24 April 2026
• Dove: Lugano
• Chi: Order of Chartered Accountants of Canton Ticino
• Importo: 200 million francs deficit expected for 2027
• Deficit 2025: 32.5 million francs
• Aumento spese: 67 million
• Premio tesi: 5,000 francs

In brief

• Public finances in Ticino concern accountants
• Risk of relocations due to taxes and subsidies
• Criticism of the message on health insurance

Key facts

• What: Concern about public finances in Ticino
• When: 24 April 2026
• Where: Lugano
• Who: Order of Chartered Accountants of Canton Ticino
• Amount: 200 million francs deficit expected for 2027

The Order of Chartered Accountants of Canton Ticino (OCCT) has expressed concern about the canton's public finances. During the assembly held in Lugano on 24 April 2026, President Cristina Maderni raised an alarm about the risk of relocations and the transfer of companies and taxpayers due to increasing burdens and subsidies. Maderni stated: 'We have a great fear that if we continue to ask 'a few' to contribute to supporting ever-increasing burdens and subsidies, the risk is that the ongoing relocation and transfer of companies and taxpayers will grow, because they will say 'enough'.' The president emphasized that seeing the dawn of that day would be sad for Ticino and for all of us. The role of associations is to contribute to ensuring that this does not happen.

Criticism of the message on health insurance

Maderni described the content of the message on the first stage of the implementation of health insurance initiatives as 'indigestible.' She criticized the lack of willingness to proceed with structural reforms, an element impossible to digest not only for commercial accountants but for all those who produce wealth in Ticino and pay taxes. The president also expressed concern about the expected increase in stamp duties, which penalize companies and property owners.

Financial forecasts and savings

Maderni spoke of a 2027 Budget that could present a deficit of at least 200 million francs. She emphasized the need for a virtuous path made of savings even in the public administration, citing that 21 cantons out of 26 present a 2025 Account in the black figures, while Ticino closes with a deficit of 32.5 million francs. Overall spending has increased by 67 million. Maderni gave a concrete example: a cut of 5.5 million to the performance contract with USI, on a budget of 130 million, represents a request for savings of 5%. If we applied the same request for efficiency to the Canton, 5% of four billion would amount to 200 million.

Activities of the OCCT

During the assembly, the OCCT emphasized that the program of its activities is interesting and rich. For 2026, two technical meetings between professionals have been scheduled, while a meeting has already been dedicated to the topic of cybersecurity and another in June will be a course on DA1 and procedures for both individuals and legal entities. At the end of the assembly, the award ceremony for the seventh edition of the Order of Chartered Accountants' prize for the best Bachelor's thesis at SUPSI in business administration, relating to topics of interest for the trustee-accountant sector, was held. The prize of 5,000 francs was awarded to a graduate for their thesis.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers and businesses

The concerns expressed by the Ticino Chamber of Commerce have significant implications for cross-border workers and businesses operating in the Canton. The increase in stamp duties and the lack of structural reforms could lead to higher costs for companies and property owners. This could influence the decision to invest or stay in the Canton, especially for businesses operating across borders.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the recent concerns, Ticino was considered a Canton with a favorable tax environment for businesses and cross-border workers. However, the increase in taxes and the lack of structural reforms could change this perception. Businesses may seek to relocate their activities to other Cantons or countries with a more favorable tax environment. This could have a negative impact on Ticino's economy and job availability for cross-border workers.

Future scenarios

If Ticino's public finances continue to deteriorate, we may see an increase in relocations and a reduction in investments in the Canton. This could lead to a decrease in jobs and an increase in unemployment. Additionally, the increase in taxes could reduce the purchasing power of cross-border workers and businesses, negatively affecting the local economy.

Comparison with other Cantons

While 21 out of 26 Cantons present a 2025 budget in the black, Ticino closes with a deficit of 32.5 million francs. This comparison highlights the need for structural reforms and a virtuous path of savings even in public administration. Ticino must follow the example of other Cantons that have managed their public finances more efficiently.

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Key points

What to do for cross-border workers and businesses

For cross-border workers and businesses operating in the Canton of Ticino, it is important to closely monitor the decisions of the State Council and the proposals for tax reform. It is crucial to participate in public debates and consultations to express concerns and suggest concrete solutions. Additionally, it is important to consider tax planning options and evaluate investment opportunities in other Cantons or countries with a more favorable tax environment.

Tax Planning Procedure

1. Assessment of the current situation: Analyze the current tax situation and identify areas of concern. 2. Consultation with an accountant: Consult an accountant to get advice on how to manage the tax situation and evaluate tax planning options. 3. Participation in public debates: Participate in public debates and consultations to express concerns and suggest concrete solutions. 4. Evaluation of investment options: Evaluate investment opportunities in other Cantons or countries with a more favorable tax environment. 5. Implementation of solutions: Implement the identified solutions to manage the tax situation and reduce the risks of relocation.

Useful Tools

For cross-border workers and businesses operating in the Canton of Ticino, it is useful to use tools such as the tax calculator to assess the impact of taxes and tax reforms. Additionally, you can consult the guides and resources available on the Frontaliere Ticino website to obtain updated information and practical advice.

Conclusion

The concerns expressed by the Order of Accountants of the Canton of Ticino highlight the need for structural reforms and a virtuous path made of savings even in the public administration. For cross-border workers and businesses, it is important to closely monitor the decisions of the State Council and consider tax planning options to reduce the risks of relocation. Using tools such as the tax calculator and consulting the guides available on the Frontaliere Ticino website can help manage the tax situation more efficiently.

Source: laregione.ch