By when must you pay into pillar 3a?
In short
For the payment to count for this year, the money must be credited to your 3a account by 31 December.
The debit on your bank account is not enough. So transfer by mid-December. With a pension fund you may pay in at most CHF 7,258 in 2026.
CalculatorWith your numbers
How much can you still pay in this year?
Enter what you have already paid into pillar 3a this year. You see what room is left and what it brings you in taxes.
With a pension fund CHF 7,258. Without a pension fund 20 percent of your earned income, at most CHF 36,288. As of 2026.
The rate is shown by the FTA tax calculator.
Still possible until 31 December
CHF 4,258Tax you save with it
CHF 1,065roughlyTransfer the CHF 4,258 by mid-December. Then the money is safely in your 3a account in time and you save around CHF 1,065 in tax.
Only what is credited to your 3a account by 31 December counts. Maximum amounts according to FSIO, as of 2026. Not advice.
Want to know more?
What is pillar 3a?
Pillar 3a is your private savings account for old age. You pay in voluntarily and deduct the amount from your taxes. In return the money stays tied up. You can only get at it earlier in cases set by law.
The pension fund is the retirement plan through your employer. Whether you have one is shown on your pension certificate. It decides how much you may pay into pillar 3a.
Which deadline applies exactly?
The payment counts for the year in which it is credited to your personal 3a account. The tax administration states this explicitly. Neither the debit on your salary account nor the credit to the bank’s general account is enough.
| When you transfer | What happens |
|---|---|
| By mid-December | The money is safely there in time |
| In the last days before Christmas | Tight, depending on bank and holidays |
| On 31 December | Usually only counts for next year |
How much may I pay in for 2026?
- With a pension fund at most CHF 7,258.
- Without a pension fund up to 20 percent of your earned income, at most CHF 36,288.
In the year of payment you must have income on which you pay OASI contributions.
What does the payment bring you in francs?
If your tax rate on the last franc is 25 percent, a full payment of CHF 7,258 saves you around CHF 1,800 in tax. The FTA tax calculator shows you the rate for your municipality.
What do you need to do now?
- Check on your pension certificate whether you have a pension fund.
- Set your amount. It must not exceed the maximum amount.
- Transfer by mid-December to your 3a account and not to your salary account.
- Keep the certificate from your 3a foundation for your tax return.
What many people get wrong
- “I transferred on 31 December, so it counts.” Only the credit to the 3a account counts.
- “Buying securities works until New Year’s Eve.” Here too what counts is the arrival of the money in the 3a account. The purchase of the funds can come later.
- “What I miss is gone for good.” Since 2026 you can catch up on gaps from 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Is it enough if I transfer on 31 December?
No. What counts is the credit to your personal 3a account. A transfer often takes one to three bank working days, longer over the holidays. Plan with a reserve.
What happens if I pay in too much?
You may not deduct the part above the maximum amount. The foundation usually pays it back to you. Contact your 3a foundation as soon as you notice.
Can I catch up on missed years?
Since 2026 yes, for gaps from 2025 and up to ten years back. First you must pay in the ordinary contribution for the current year in full. The catch-up payment is also due by the end of the year.
Do I have to do something in my tax return?
Yes. You deduct the amount and attach the certificate from your 3a foundation. It arrives automatically at the start of the year.
What comes next?
Sources and date 2 October 2026
This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.