The Windfall of Leuggern: A Village Transformed by Luck and Loss
In a remarkable tale of fortune and tragedy, the small Swiss village of Leuggern has seen its fortunes change dramatically due to a Euromillions jackpot won in 2018. The jackpot, amounting to a staggering 183.9 million Swiss francs (194.1 million euros), was claimed by a local couple, leading to an unprecedented financial boon for the municipality of around 2,300 residents. The jackpot not only allowed for a substantial reduction in the tax rate for all taxpayers but also set the stage for further financial gains in the years to come.
The Impact of Inheritance on Local Economy
Tragedy struck in 2021 when the woman from the winning couple succumbed to cancer at the age of 50, followed by her husband's death just six months later. This unfortunate turn of events resulted in Leuggern receiving an extraordinary influx of funds – 2.7 million Swiss francs (2.9 million euros) in inheritance and gift taxes in 2023 alone. The tax revenue was primarily linked to the couple's estate, which was inherited by several siblings, as the canton of Aargau imposes inheritance tax on brothers and sisters, while spouses inherit tax-free. Mayor Susanne Keller noted that the municipality is still awaiting the financial impact of the husband's passing, which is expected to contribute additional funds.
Record Tax Revenues for Aargau
The financial windfall has not only benefited the village but has also had a significant impact on the canton of Aargau, which reported a remarkable 5.4 million Swiss francs (5.7 million euros) in tax revenues from the couple's estate. This surge has contributed to a record year for inheritance and gift taxes in the canton, totaling 66.1 million Swiss francs (69.8 million euros) in 2023. Rafael Odermatt, a spokesperson for the cantonal tax administration, described this as a historic year for Aargau, showcasing how the intertwining of luck and loss can reshape a community's economic landscape.
