In the canton of St. Gallen, the travel expense deduction is being increased
Published: Sunday, Nov 24th 2024, 15:40
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In future, commuters in the canton of St. Gallen will be able to deduct up to CHF 8,000 in travel costs in their tax return. However, a corresponding amendment to the tax law was only accepted by a very narrow margin. There were two yes votes on two uncontroversial voting proposals concerning funding gaps in care and the implementation of the care initiative.
The increase in the travel expense deduction was approved by 70,692 (50.8 percent) votes to 68,377 (49.2 percent). According to the State Chancellery, the turnout was 44.1 percent.
Voters approved the amendment to the Social Assistance Act with the financing solution for specialized long-term care by 115,504 (83.8%) votes to 22,361 (16.2%). The cantonal implementation of the care initiative was approved by 123,057 (88.5%) votes to 16,049 (11.5%).
Previously, the commuter deduction in the canton of St. Gallen was based on the cost of a second-class GA travelcard. CHF 600 for the cost of Park and Ride was added to this. This currently amounts to 4595 francs. This means that the same maximum tax deduction applies to all commuters, regardless of whether they travel by public transport or by car.
This has now changed. In the cantonal council, the FDP, center-EPP and SVP parliamentary groups pushed through an increase in the amount to CHF 8,000. An alliance with the SP, Greens, GLP and various environmental associations launched a referendum against this - but ultimately without success.
Implementation of the care initiative
The other two bills were undisputed: with an amendment to the Social Welfare Act, gaps in the financing of specialized long-term care in retirement and nursing homes can now be closed. Additional expenditure of CHF 3.3 million per year is expected.
With the third bill, the federal care initiative will be implemented in the canton of St. Gallen. Over the next eight years, 128 million francs can be spent on a training offensive.
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