Pension fund buy-in calculator
Work out your immediate tax saving from a voluntary buy-in into your pension fund (2nd pillar) – and see, side by side, whether buying in really beats investing the money yourself.
Important: any outstanding advance withdrawals for owner-occupied housing (WEF) must be repaid before voluntary buy-ins are tax-deductible.
Typical values in Switzerland (federal + cantonal + municipal):
• Income CHF 80–100k: 22–28 %
• Income CHF 120–150k: 28–35 %
• Income CHF 180k+: 33–42 %
For an exact figure: your most recent tax assessment or the official ESTV tax calculator.
Wealth comparison until retirement
How the calculator works: the buy-in strategy invests your buy-in amount at the pension fund's interest rate (less the capital withdrawal tax at the end) and additionally invests the immediate tax saving privately at the alternative return. The invest yourself option invests the same amount fully privately – without the tax deduction, but also without the capital withdrawal tax.
Assumptions & limits: constant marginal tax rate (in reality it dips slightly as the deduction lowers income), capital taken as a lump sum, no wealth or income tax on the private returns, no staggering over several years. After a buy-in, a 3-year lock-up applies before capital can be withdrawn. Non-binding model calculation – not tax, pension or investment advice.
Frequently asked questions about pension fund buy-ins
How much can I buy into my pension fund?
Your maximum buy-in potential is shown on your pension certificate (the line “possible buy-in amount” or “buy-in potential”). It equals the gap between the maximum benefit allowed under your fund's rules and your current retirement savings. Any outstanding advance withdrawals for owner-occupied housing (WEF) must be repaid before a voluntary buy-in.
How much tax do I save with a buy-in?
The buy-in is fully deductible from your taxable income in the year you pay it. With a marginal tax rate of 30% and a buy-in of CHF 20'000 you save around CHF 6'000 – immediately and guaranteed. The higher your income (and thus your marginal rate), the bigger the saving.
Is a buy-in worth it for me?
A buy-in is especially attractive with a high marginal tax rate and a short horizon to retirement (typically from age 50) – then the immediate tax saving dominates. If you're young and expect a return well above your pension fund's interest rate from investing yourself, investing privately can be better. The calculator shows the net comparison for exactly your assumptions.
Is there a lock-up period after a buy-in?
Yes. Within 3 years of a voluntary buy-in the balance may not be withdrawn as capital – otherwise the tax deduction is reclaimed afterwards. So plan buy-ins with enough lead time before any planned capital withdrawal (e.g. for home ownership or retirement).
Should I spread the buy-in over several years?
Often yes. Spreading large buy-ins over several years breaks the tax progression: each part falls in a year with a tendentially lower marginal rate, which can increase the total saving. A staggered capital withdrawal at retirement (over several years, possibly across several pension accounts) likewise reduces the capital payment tax.
See your real pension situation
Geldfuchs combines your pension fund buy-in with AHV (state pension), your pension fund, Pillar 3a and private assets – and shows you what your retirement will really look like and when each step pays off.
🦊 Request Geldfuchs alpha →