Is a private withdrawal taxable?

No, private withdrawals are not income — they are a transfer of your own money. They are not taxable, but they are also not tax-deductible. The profit is determined solely by business income minus business expenses.

Do I need receipts for private withdrawals?

For the withdrawal itself, no — the bank transfer is sufficient documentation. For the goods or money received, keep the transaction record in your bookkeeping.

Recording private withdrawals and contributions correctly

What are private withdrawals and contributions, and how do you record them correctly in your sole proprietorship's accounts? With practical examples for your bookkeeping.

1 min read

What is a private withdrawal?

A private withdrawal (Privatentnahme) is money or goods you take from the business for private use. Examples: transferring money from the business account to your private account for personal expenses, taking goods from inventory for yourself, or paying private bills from the business account. Private withdrawals are not tax-deductible business expenses.

What is a private contribution?

A private contribution (Privateinlage) is money or assets you put into the business from your private assets. Examples: depositing your own money into the business account to cover expenses, contributing your personal laptop to the business. Private contributions can increase your equity but are not tax-deductible.

Practical bookkeeping

Record private withdrawals and contributions in a dedicated category in your bookkeeping. Don't simply delete the transaction or leave it unreported — the tax office can trace bank transfers and will ask about unexplained movements between accounts.

The simplest method

Keep a separate private account. Transfer a fixed amount each month from the business account to your private account (your "salary"). Record this as a private withdrawal. This keeps your business account clean and makes the tax return straightforward.

Accurate as of: The rates and amounts mentioned in this article reflect the state as of 7 August 2026. They are for information only and do not replace tax or legal advice. For binding information, contact the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (ESTV), your cantonal tax office, or a fiduciary.

Frequently asked questions

Is a private withdrawal taxable?: No, private withdrawals are not income — they are a transfer of your own money. They are not taxable, but they are also not tax-deductible. The profit is determined solely by business income minus business expenses.
Do I need receipts for private withdrawals?: For the withdrawal itself, no — the bank transfer is sufficient documentation. For the goods or money received, keep the transaction record in your bookkeeping.