Your contributions to Pillar 3a can be directly deducted from your taxable income. This means: you save taxes while building up assets for your retirement.
Here are the current limits:
- With pension fund: CHF 7,258.–
- Without pension fund (max. 20% of net income): CHF 36,288.–
How is the Pillar 3a maximum amount calculated?
The maximum Pillar 3a contributions are directly derived from the BVG (occupational pension) maximum:
- With pension fund: maximum 8% of the BVG maximum
- Without pension fund: maximum 40% of the BVG maximum
The Pillar 3a contribution limits change every few years:
- In principle, the Federal Council reviews every two years whether pensions need to be adjusted.
- This also affects the maximum AHV pension, which will amount to CHF 30,240 per year in 2026.
- Three times that amount (CHF 90,720) corresponds to the BVG maximum.
The Federal Council usually redefines pension amounts every two years, but they can also remain unchanged for several years – for example, from 2015 to 2018. Below is an overview of the contribution limits in recent years:
Pillar 3a: historical development of the 3a maximum contribution
| Year | With pension fund | Without pension fund |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | CHF 7,258 | CHF 36,288 |
| 2025 | CHF 7,258 | CHF 36,288 |
| 2024 | CHF 7,056 | CHF 35,280 |
| 2023 | CHF 7,056 | CHF 35,280 |
| 2022 | CHF 6,883 | CHF 34,416 |
| 2021 | CHF 6,883 | CHF 34,416 |
| 2020 | CHF 6,826 | CHF 34,128 |
| 2019 | CHF 6,826 | CHF 34,128 |
| 2018 | CHF 6,768 | CHF 33,840 |
| 2017 | CHF 6,768 | CHF 33,840 |
| 2016 | CHF 6,768 | CHF 33,840 |
| 2015 | CHF 6,768 | CHF 33,840 |
| 2014 | CHF 6,739 | CHF 33,696 |
| 2013 | CHF 6,739 | CHF 33,696 |
| 2012 | CHF 6,682 | CHF 33,408 |
| 2011 | CHF 6,682 | CHF 33,408 |
| 2010 | CHF 6,566 | CHF 32,832 |
Pillar 3a: Your tax advantages
Contributions to Pillar 3a come with several benefits:
- Tax deduction: 3a contributions are deductible from taxable income – up to the annual limit
- Tax exemption during the saving phase: No wealth, income or withholding tax
- Preferential taxation upon withdrawal: 3a withdrawals are taxed separately at a reduced rate
- Home ownership financing: 3a assets can be used to finance owner-occupied residential property
Conclusion: Maximise your tax benefits for 2026
Pillar 3a is the ideal way to save taxes while preparing for retirement. Check if you can make a contribution and take full advantage of your tax benefits – ideally today with VIAC’s Pillar 3a.