Switzerland’s Tax Reform Debate: Ending the Marriage Penalty?

Switzerland is debating a major tax reform that would end the so-called “marriage penalty,” where dual-income married couples often pay more tax than unmarried ones. Parliament narrowly approved a bill to switch from joint to individual taxation, but conservative parties and family groups are pushing for a referendum to block it.

Supporters argue the current system discourages second earners — usually women — and reinforces outdated family roles. They say reform would boost female participation in the workforce, align Switzerland with other OECD countries, and potentially add 60,000 people to the labour market.

Opponents claim the change would hurt single-income families, burden tax offices with millions of new returns, and cut over SFr1bn in tax revenues. The debate has become a broader clash over family values, fairness, and Switzerland’s social model.

linktr.ee/g.apos

signal sba.11