Hi,

I am a British citizen and am just about to move into a rented apartment in Divonne les Bain in mid Dec 2012. I know that I have to apply for a Frontalier permit to let me start my new job in Nyon, Switzerland, while living in France. My salary will be around 133,000 CHF / 110,000 Euro each year. I have no other income or property abroad.

My partner is French and has a small property in London (worth 300,000 Euro). She works for a UK company and earns 37,000 Euro each year. She also has 20,000 Euro savings in a French bank account.

I would like some advice on what the taxation situation is for me and my partner - if she comes to live with me. Would it be more advantageous if we got a PACS to be formally recognised as a couple? For tax purposes, should my partner also give up her job in London and move to Divonne with me, or should she stay in London?

Also, what tax benefits could I get e.g. tax deducations for professional costs like my car to get to work, clothes, meals, etc? Can anyone advise me on what my tax bill might be in France?

Many thanks

David

This may sound obvioius, but why don't you ask your French partner about the impact of French taxes when living in France? It is true as a frontalier you will have a frontalier status, but it seems your questions relate to her status living in France.

If you work in Switzerland and live in France you will be classified as a Frontalier. This means that you will be taxed at source in Switzerland and cannot claim deductions against tax.

This would only apply if the OP was working in Canton Geneva; he says he'll be working in Nyon, where different tax laws are enforced.
As I undertand it, he'll be taxed in France. There are a few threads about similar situations on here, 'Search Engine' time!

Thanks - did not know that.

I forgot the first rule here - why make something straightforward, when there are endless opportunities to make it complicated!

Frontaliers working in Vaud are also taxed at source. Obviously the rates will be different from Geneva and what happens to that tax and how much is retroceded to the French will also be different.
However, I would expect the marital status won't change anything with respect to how the Vaud authorities tax you, they have a a standard set of rates they apply to frontaliers. It will have (or may have) an effect on what and how you declare to the French authorities.

If it really is that important for you, pay a tax advisor for his time and get proper advice