In order to comply with global anti money laundering rules your bank will automatically ask you where any amount over the threshold of 10'000 came from, and why etc... (it may have dropped to 5000).

As to tax, its up to you to complete your tax return at year end and declare the amount, and any interest you earn on it.

For definative proof, suggest you speak to your banker and or accountant.

Hope this helps 

Thanks Charlie for your reply! Do you know that as a B permit holder (non-Swiss citizen), do I have to fill in a tax return form or the tax that I pay at source suffice?

in theory..even though you pay tax at source, you are "encouraged" to complete a tax form at year end for other earnings...

The amount that you receives by way of inheritance or gift should only be mentioned in your Swiss tax return for the net wealth tax. If you are taxed at source, you may in some cases have to file a tax return if you are resident and if you reach a certain taxable net wealth (the conditions depend on the canton of residence and of your marital status).

A sum which is gifted by someone living abroad is in principle not subject to Swiss gift or revenue tax. There are a few rare exceptions (sums which are physically located in Switzerland and if a convention provides for their taxation in Switzerland - this may be the case with USA and UK but in principle not with other countries).

In fact it depends on the relationship of the donor - in Geneva, gifts from parents are totally non-taxable.  In any case, gifts are not taxed the same way as earned revenue (eg salary).

As a B permit holder, you do not have to file a tax declaration, unless you want to make supplemental claims for eg 3ième pillier.  Provided the amount of your gift isn't too big (say under CHF 20'000) I would just stick it in the bank.

The relationship between the donor and the beneficiary should only be considered if the donor is domiciled in Switzerland, if the gift or the inheritance includes real estate or if there is a special international treaty which provides that some assets located in Switzerland should be subject to gift or inheritance taxes in Switzerland.

In some cases, especially for expatriates, it can be interesting to file an ordinary tax return. Certain expatriates have a right to receive tax exempt indemnities of residence (which cover their additional living expenses). Such indemnities are limited to CHF 18'000 in Geneva if you are subject to a taxation at source, but may be increased up to 10% of the gross salary if an employee files an ordinary tax return (in matter of cantonal and municipal taxes).

Hi, can anyone direct me to the rules ( that i could find online) regarding the taxation of gifts from family residing outside Switzerland.

Christophe:

If it's posted on a glocals forum, it's the rule! I kid of course. I'd also be interested in seeing the actual words of the law on this. 

1) What is the law in Switzerland regading MONEY that I would receive as gift from outside of Switzerland? Should I declare it to anyone, the federal or cantonal governments? Should I pay tax for that money?

It depends on your canton (for instance, Geneva does not have a gift tax, whereas Vaud does).   Transferring money that was given to you from your own account to your own account is different and then it's "wealth tax".

2) Is there a limit over the amount that one can receive without declaring (Like in US and Canada, you have to declare whatever over $10000)?

In cantons that have a gift tax, yes. But it is per fiscal year, not per transfer.  Unlike Canada & USA where banks automatically must let the authorities know regarding deposits of $10'000 or more, I don't think the same is true of Swiss banks (secrecy and all).

If it is a sizeable amount that is being transferred, your best bet is to hire a fiduciary who is experienced in this arena.

Michelle:

Thanks. Do you know where we can find the actual law written down?

The business I work for has always sent its clients to a fiduciary to get the relevant cantonal laws as they have access to the information as registered professionals.   That said, I know University textbooks have the information (so that student fiduciaries learn!).  

Expatica has some information
http://www.expatica.com/ch/finance/tax/Taxes-in-Switzerland_101589.html

So does
https://www.ch.ch/en/taxes

Hi ,

I think i found it here : http://www.geneve.ch/legislation/rsg/f/rsg_d3_30.htmlbut perhaps someone whose french is better can verify that i am reading it right .
See Art. 19 and Art. 27A which mentions the exemption .

Cheers

CM

Hey Amin, I can confirm similar to Poster that you do not have to fill a tax return if you are taxed at source. However, if you have any investments like stocks, bonds, or cash totalling over 82,239 CHF you must declare them via a tax return. This is important as unlike Canada and the US, Switzerland taxes wealth or your fortune.