Swiss government forecasts 2026 surplus instead of budgeted loss

The Swiss government expects a surplus of around CHF 0.8 billion in 2026, instead of the loss of just over CHF 0.7 billion included in the budget, SRF reported.

The Federal Council was briefed on the first estimate for the year on Wednesday. Revenue is expected to be CHF 1.9 billion higher than budgeted, with around CHF 1.4 billion of the increase coming from higher corporate income tax receipts.

The higher corporate tax revenue was recorded particularly in the cantons of Lucerne, Zurich and Basel-Stadt and was concentrated among a small number of companies. The strong growth had already become apparent in early summer and was included in the 2027 budget.

Temporary additional revenue from Geneva is also expected to boost the figures. Corporate income tax and personal income tax receipts will each rise by CHF 0.2 billion. Mineral oil tax revenue is forecast to be CHF 0.3 billion higher than budgeted because the number of electric cars is growing more slowly than expected.

Expenditure will also exceed the budget. The estimate includes an additional credit of CHF 970 million for military equipment, including ground-based air defence systems and systems to counter mini-drones.