Financial Planning
Pillar 3a Explained: How to Save on Taxes While Planning for Retirement
Jan 31, 2025



💡 What is Pillar 3a?
Pillar 3a is a voluntary private pension plan that complements Switzerland’s social security system. It lets you save money for retirement while reducing your taxable income.
✅ Why it matters
Contributions are tax-deductible up to CHF 7,056 (2025).
Earnings on 3a accounts are tax-free until withdrawal.
It’s flexible: you can choose between banks or insurance providers.
💰 When you can withdraw it
Retirement (five years before the official age)
Buying a home for personal use
Becoming self-employed or leaving Switzerland
⚙️ FileTax tip
When you file with FileTax, it automatically includes your 3a contributions and calculates how much you’ve saved in taxes — no manual entry needed.
💡 What is Pillar 3a?
Pillar 3a is a voluntary private pension plan that complements Switzerland’s social security system. It lets you save money for retirement while reducing your taxable income.
✅ Why it matters
Contributions are tax-deductible up to CHF 7,056 (2025).
Earnings on 3a accounts are tax-free until withdrawal.
It’s flexible: you can choose between banks or insurance providers.
💰 When you can withdraw it
Retirement (five years before the official age)
Buying a home for personal use
Becoming self-employed or leaving Switzerland
⚙️ FileTax tip
When you file with FileTax, it automatically includes your 3a contributions and calculates how much you’ve saved in taxes — no manual entry needed.