Digital tax return in Appenzell Ausserrhoden

After four years of a mixed system, with the need to send a signed receipt to the tax office, the canton with capital Herisau is changing over

In the coming days, the 2020 tax return will be available in the Swiss canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Taxpayers will be able to submit their documentation completely electronically, without having to submit any paper documents afterwards.

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The cantonal tax administration of Appenzell Ausserrhoden has been offering the option of completing tax returns electronically via “eTaxes” for four years now. Until now, however, it was still necessary to print out the receipt issued online, sign it and send it to the tax office.

Starting this year, Appenzell taxpayers of the Protestant faith will be able to submit their 2020 tax return fully electronically with all supporting documents. With a fully electronic submission, neither a signature/receipt release nor physical attachments will be required.

75 percent of Appenzellans already “evolved”

Another advantage is that if the taxpayer’s bank provides electronic statements, these data can be imported directly into the tax return.

“eTaxes” forms will be uploaded in .pdf format as computer files and transferred directly to the personal tax return – all of which eliminates the need for cumbersome typing on the part of the citizen.

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About 75 percent of taxpayers have completed their 2019 tax returns electronically, and the trend is increasing. Only very few Swiss cantons offer the new option of submitting all documents fully electronically.

This service makes it even easier and faster for Appenzell Ausserrhoden taxpayers, who will certainly appreciate the work of the cantonal administration.