GeTax · Chapter 1/11
Before you start GeTax: desktop or online return, login details, 2027 deadlines
Key points
- Two free tools: the GeTax desktop program (one version per tax year) or the online return in your e-démarches account, with nothing to install.
- To start, you need the taxpayer number (« Numéro de contribuable ») and the return code (« Code déclaration ») printed on the letter « Vos identifiants pour la déclaration », sent in January.
- The deadline is normally 31 March 2027. Paid extensions: CHF 20 up to 3 months, CHF 40 up to 5 months, CHF 60 beyond.
- Import last year's .tax file to save time, then choose guided entry or form entry.
Desktop GeTax or online return?
| GeTax desktop program | Online return | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Windows 10 or 11, macOS 12 or later, Linux (Java 8 or later) | None, browser on computer or tablet |
| Access | Taxpayer number and return code | e-démarches account, then « Gérer ma déclaration » (manage my return) |
| Last year's data | Import of the .tax file | Automatic if last year's return was filed online |
| Checks and tax calculation | Yes | Yes, identical |
| Filing | Paperless or upload | Paperless or upload |
There is one GeTax version per tax year: for the 2026 return you need GeTax 2026, released in January 2027. The 2025 version came out on 13 January 2026. Only download it from ge.ch or getax.ch: the AFC warns about fraudulent emails imitating its messages. The program can be switched to English, but the return itself stays in French.
Taxpayer number and return code
The letter « Vos identifiants pour la déclaration » (your login details for the return) holds two items: the taxpayer number (format 333.75.2250-1, entered without dots or spaces) and the return code (8 digits and 3 letters, for example 13-222-444 FXL). With e-correspondence, the letter no longer comes by post but appears in your tax account under « Mes courriers reçus » (letters received).
On the same screen, three boxes open extra pages: a different address on 31 December, arriving in the canton of Geneva during the year, and living abroad with quasi-resident status (see Source tax and TOU). The municipality (« Commune ») is your municipality of residence, which can differ from your postal address.
Filing deadline and extensions
| Step | Rule |
|---|---|
| Initial deadline | Normally 31 March 2027, the date printed on « Vos identifiants » |
| Extension up to 3 months | CHF 20 |
| Extension up to 5 months | CHF 40 |
| Extension beyond 5 months | CHF 60 |
| Online request | 1 January to 31 October, from your tax account or the open online form |
| 1 November to 31 December | Only by letter with reasons to the tax register service |
If you are taxable in Geneva but lived in another canton on 31 December (for example, you own a flat in Geneva), you can ask for the same deadline as your canton of residence, by letter with the reason « Accord canton domicile ».
Documents to gather
- 2026 salary certificates from every employer (mandatory), unemployment, sickness or accident benefit statements.
- Bank and postal statements on 31 December 2026, bank tax statements or e-tax statements, securities and crypto statements.
- Pillar 3a certificates, pension fund buy-in confirmations, life insurance policies with surrender value.
- Health insurance premium statements and subsidies received, unreimbursed medical costs.
- Invoices for nursery, after-school care or childminder, family allowance statements.
- For owners: tax value notice, mortgage interest, upkeep invoices.
- Last year's .tax file, or access to your previous online return.
Getting started: import last year and choose the entry mode
GeTax has two modes, available from the toolbar icons: guided entry (magic wand), which asks questions screen by screen, and form entry (« Saisie formulaire »), which mirrors the paper return page by page. The AFC recommends filling in with guided entry and reviewing in form mode. Icons next to each screen show its status: orange exclamation mark to complete, red to correct, green tick correct, yellow question mark for a non-blocking warning.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download GeTax 2026?
From the ge.ch page on installing GeTax for individuals, or from getax.ch. The 2026 version is released in January 2027; the 2025 version was available from 13 January 2026.
I lost my return code. What should I do?
Check your e-démarches account (« Mes courriers reçus ») or ask the AFC for a new form. For a paper form, the AFC asks for your taxpayer number and sends it within 15 days at most.
How much does a tax return extension cost in Geneva?
CHF 20 for up to 3 months, CHF 40 for up to 5 months and CHF 60 beyond. Requests are made online until 31 October, then only by letter with reasons.
Can I use GeTax in English?
Yes, the GeTax interface can be switched to English. The return, the codes and AFC letters remain in French, so this guide always gives the French label with a translation.
Rather hand it over?
NeoFidu prepares and files your Geneva tax return for you, including source tax and TOU cases, with a check for missed deductions. Service in English available.
This guide is for information only and is not personalised advice. Amounts come from official publications of the Geneva cantonal tax administration (AFC) and the Swiss Federal Tax Administration. GeTax offers an English interface, but the return itself is French: we quote the French labels, followed by a translation, so you can find them on screen. Screenshots show GeTax 2025 with fictitious data. If in doubt, the official AFC instructions prevail.