Pillar 3a calculator · Updated on 12 November 2026 · by Helga Baechler, certified wealth advisor IAF
Pillar 3a is the easiest legal tax trick in Switzerland. With this pillar 3a tax calculator you see straight away how much you save in 2026 or 2027, including the new catch-up payment.
Enter your taxable income, your marital status and the tax level of where you live. The calculator estimates your marginal tax rate and shows your tax level with the official figures of the Federal Council.
How much tax do I save with pillar 3a?
You save your marginal tax rate times the amount you pay in. At a marginal tax rate of 25%, the maximum of CHF 7’258 (2026) brings back approx. CHF 1’815 in tax, in 2027 with CHF 7’373 approx. CHF 1’840. With the new catch-up payment for gaps from 2025, you can double the deduction.
How much tax do you save with pillar 3a?
Your pillar 3a tax calculator 2026 and 2027 · free · no sign-up
Shown on your last tax assessment.
Without a pension fund you can pay in 20% of it.
the state
Your tax level
✨ –
📈 What paying in the maximum every year until 65 can become
Same amount every year, 4% return before fees.
🎁 Pay in and invest now
Low-cost 3a apps with a bonus, open in 10 minutes.
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Assumptions: rough estimate with typical marginal tax rates (federal, cantonal, municipal). Depending on your municipality, church tax and deductions, your value will differ. Catch-up only for gaps from 2025 and only if the current year is fully paid in. 4% return before fees assumed, no guarantee. Not investment advice. If you are taxed at source, ask your tax office how to claim the deduction.
Pillar 3a maximum amounts 2026 and 2027
The calculator uses these official maximum amounts.
| 2026 | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| With a pension fund | CHF 7'258 | CHF 7'373 |
| Without a pension fund, 20% of earned income up to | CHF 36'288 | CHF 36'864 |
| Standing order per month with pension fund | CHF 604 | CHF 614 |
The savings depend on your marginal tax rate . This is the tax rate on the last franc you earn. It rises with income and differs a lot by canton and municipality. You can calculate the exact value for your municipality with the tax calculator of the Federal Tax Administration.
🧮 The formula
Payment × marginal tax rate = tax savings
CHF 7'258 × 25% = approx. CHF 1'815 (2026) · CHF 7'373 × 25% = approx. CHF 1'840 (2027)
⏰ Mind the deadline
For tax year 2026 the money must reach the provider by the end of December, many have a cut-off before Christmas. How to transfer an existing 3a is explained in transfer pillar 3a.
New, catch up on 3a gaps
Since 2026 you can pay in missed contributions from 2025 onwards and deduct them in addition. In 2027 this allows a deduction of up to CHF 14'746. More about pillar 3a in pillar 3a for expats.
- Pay in the current year in full, only then is a catch-up payment possible.
- AHV-liable income is needed in both years, the gap year and the catch-up year.
- Catch up on a gap from 2025 and deduct the amount from your income in addition.
💡 My tip
Saving tax is only half the story. Invested instead of left in a savings account, your money grows much more over decades. The bars in the calculator show the difference.
Pillar 3a calculator: how much you keep with each provider
You get the same tax savings with every provider. Fees make the difference, and they add up over decades. Move the sliders to your situation and compare your balance at retirement.
Your balance at retirement
Simplified calculation, payment at the start of each year, return minus fee, same return for all providers. finpension 0.39%, findependent 0.29%, VIAC 0.41% for Global 100 including product costs, frankly 0.43%, bank fund 1.25%, 3a account with 0.1% interest without investing. As of November 2026, no guarantee. Not a return forecast, not investment advice.
1. finpension 3a my test winner, CHF 25 credit
2. findependent 3a CHF 2'000 fee-free with no time limit
Tap the code to copy it and enter it when you open your account. All details in the comparison VIAC vs finpension vs Frankly. *Advertising, affiliate codes, no extra costs for you.
The cheapest 3a apps with a bonus
All four invest in low-cost index funds and suit a long investment horizon. I advise against a pillar 3a with an insurance company.
1. finpension 3a
- 0.39% all-in, very low cost
- Up to 99% shares
- Several portfolios for staggered withdrawal
🎁 CHF 25 credit
Go to finpension 3a →
2. findependent 3a
- Only 0.29% management fee
- Choose your own strategy
- New since October 2026
🎁 CHF 2'000 fee-free
no time limit, one code per person
Go to findependent 3a →3. VIAC 3a
- Max. 0.40% fees
- Cash stays fee-free
- Sustainable strategies
🎁 Starting bonus with code
VIAC compared →
Enter the codes when you open your account. Only with residence in Switzerland. Affiliate links, no extra costs for you. No guarantee. All codes
📚 Overview
FAQ
How much tax do I save with pillar 3a?
Marginal tax rate times payment. At 25% it is approx. CHF 1'815 with the 2026 maximum, approx. CHF 1'840 in 2027. With high incomes even more than CHF 2'500.
How much can I pay in for 2026 and 2027?
With a pension fund CHF 7'258 (2026) and CHF 7'373 (2027). Without a pension fund 20% of earned income, at most CHF 36'288 or CHF 36'864.
Can I catch up on missed 3a years?
Yes, for gaps from 2025. You must first pay in the current year in full. Per year, the catch-up payment is limited to the small maximum amount.
What is the marginal tax rate?
The tax rate on the last franc you earn. Because you deduct the 3a payment from the top of your income, you save exactly this rate.
Is pillar 3a worth it with a low income?
The tax savings are smaller, but an invested 3a is still worth it in the long run. That is why a low-cost app matters, not a 3a insurance.
Sources: Federal Council, pension figures 2027 · ESTV Steuerrechner · Marginal tax rates as an average estimate. As of October 2026. No guarantee, not investment, tax or legal advice.
