Form 8621 · Switzerland
Form 8621 for PFICs in Switzerland
Why Americans in Switzerland end up with multiple Forms 8621 — from UCITS ETFs to a fund-based Pillar 3a — and how to produce them.
By Danilson Ramos · Founder, Atamatax
Updated July 2026
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For Americans in Switzerland, Form 8621 is rarely a one-off. Swiss and European funds — UCITS ETFs, Swiss-domiciled funds, and the funds inside a fund-based Pillar 3a — are PFICs, and each one is its own Form 8621 every year.
Where your Swiss PFICs come from
- UCITS ETFs (Ireland/Luxembourg) bought because your broker blocked U.S.-domiciled ETFs.
- Swiss-domiciled funds (ISIN CH…).
- The funds inside an invested Pillar 3a (VIAC, finpension, Frankly).
- A fund-based vested-benefits account.
How many forms, and the de minimis exception
One Form 8621 per PFIC per year. If your aggregate PFIC value is $25,000 or less ($50,000 MFJ) with no distributions or dispositions, the reporting exception may apply — check the current instructions.
Producing the forms
The default §1291 worksheet allocates each excess distribution or gain across your holding period and adds the interest charge — the calculation a CPA typically charges $150–$200 per form to do. Build it with the calculator, then check every Swiss holding with the checker.
Find and draft your Swiss Forms 8621
Check which Swiss holdings are PFICs, then build the §1291 worksheet. Atamatax is tax-preparation software, not a CPA firm, and this is not individualised tax advice.
Authorities cited
- IRC §1297 — IRC §1297 — Definition of a passive foreign investment company
- IRS Form 8621 — About Form 8621 — Information Return by a Shareholder of a PFIC or QEF
- IRC §1291 — IRC §1291 — Interest on tax deferral (excess-distribution regime)
Primary sources (Cornell Legal Information Institute for the US Code and CFR; IRS.gov for forms, procedures, and treaty documents). This page is general information, not individualized tax or legal advice.
Atamatax provides tax preparation support and educational resources. This website does not constitute legal or tax advice.