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Filing tax returns in Switzerland as an international person can feel like trying to navigate a maze. Luckily some people "speak tax" and can guide us through the fiscal world. I had the pleasure of interviewing Christine Ledure, managing partner of taxadvice . They are located in the heart of Nyon and specialise in international tax for individuals. She tells me about her own professional journey, taxadvice and its values and services. She also gives some tips we can apply for ourselves.  Living in Nyon : Christine, thank you for speaking to me today. I'm looking forward to hearing more about you and taxadvice. Could you tell me a little bit more about yourself and how you came to the very niche field of international tax? Christine Ledure: I came to this field by chance. I'm originally from Belgium where I studied law. My family and I moved to Geneva where I studied international law and human rights law. I was offered the possibility to work at taxadvice part-time by the former owner. This was a great opportunity for me as it allowed me to continue working with the international side of the law and combine my family life as I had 3 young children at the time, of which one was a newborn. As the company grew it was decided that I would eventually take over from the former owner. I learned all about tax law; but also how to organise the company, how to run the business and how to be an entrepreneur. She retired in 2017 and I took over as planned. She would call me her "successoeur", a play on the French word "successeur" but the last part reflected the sisterly aspect of our collaboration. LIN : That's a powerful picture, and it leads nicely into the company culture aspect and the values of taxadvice as a company. Could you elaborate a little more on that? CL : The company culture is based on sharing. For example, we share information, skills, responsibilities. There are always two of us working for a client so as to provide the best service in terms of knowledge but also accessibility for our clients. And we don't judge. Our clients are persons who have to feel comfortable giving us all the necessary information in order for us to suggest the best and most appropriate solutions for them. It can be a complex field and we really want to keep the proximity with them and build a relationship based on mutual trust. LIN : What are the services you offer, specifically for individuals? CL : In the end it's always about individuals . Whether the person is coming for their family matters or their company. The legal status may vary but it's always about the needs of the individual. It's difficult to say what a "typical" service is. It's all highly personalised. But for example, when preparing tax returns on behalf of our clients, our process is created in the way that we need to gather all the information up front. We then ask questions and make sure that there is not some relevant information that has been forgotten. Everything is reflected in your tax returns and people don't always realise that. The tax return process is ongoing throughout the year. It gives us the opportunity to plan for the future for our customers and help them optimise their future taxes on the basis of facts and opportunities we have noticed when preparing their tax returns. We can help avoid tax pitfalls too according to their projects, or if they are facing major changes in their personal or professional life. LIN : The company has been growing steadily for the past years. In your opinion, what has allowed you to keep up the growth curve and keep developing? CL : It's very simple I believe. It's all about excellence, proximity and high-level service. LIN : It's interesting because there is a clear connection between you mentioning the international aspect that appealed to you in law in the first place and the human rights law. You are in the international tax field today, but both elements remain very present! CL : This is exactly what makes things very, very interesting! Every day we meet people in different emotional states. Some are happy, others are anxious. It's a very personal process and we need to be sensitive to that. We also need to understand everything in order to best "defend" them. Some of our clients have been with us for over 25 years, as a tax consultant it's not just about filling in some forms. It's about thinking ahead. We offer our clients peace of mind ! LIN : And how has our current sanitary crisis impacted the fiscal world? CL : Working from home has been a big topic as a result of the pandemic. If you do not work from your usual workplace, this may involve different compliance, tax and social security obligations, both for the employer and/or the employee. Not only internationally active companies but also smaller companies and expatriates may see a big difference which in turn can generate shifts in HR policies as well. International tax policies will certainly need to consider consequences of digitalization on individuals’ taxation, and not only on GAFA’s or multinational companies’ taxation. People with international statuses are where we really have the biggest expertise. International taxation of income from employment and international social security is a topic that is close to my heart. That's because it's what I have done most of my research on and it's a topic I give a lecture on at university. Besides that, I myself was an expatriate which gives me first-hand experience. LIN : In that sense, are there any tips you have for our readers in terms of filing the tax returns? CL : What's really important is that you look at your tax returns as a reflection of your life. Factor it all in there and gather up the information properly. Ask yourself, what has changed in my life over the last year? Do I have any projects in the near future? Do they affect my present tax return, or my future tax situation in some way? Before you go into the details of the numbers, look at your life as a whole to get a much better picture of how best to go about filing your taxes. LIN : That's interesting indeed. Take a step back and look at the longer-term picture, and how it reflects in your taxes. What would you suggest for our readers who are interested in some more information or support? CL : Our site has a good overview of the services we offer, but the best is really just to give us a call and let us know what you are looking for. We can then organise a meeting to give you more information based on your context. Thank you so much Christine for the crash course on international tax! Get in touch with Christine and her team here for more information.

Our new weekly feature where you can find out about upcoming events and any latest news in Nyon and the surrounding area. Every Monday Next in Nyon brings you ideas for the week ahead. Château de Prangins For all you video game enthusiasts, make the most of the wet bank holiday weather and check out the temporary exhibition GAMES at the Château de Prangins. The GAMES Exhibition runs until 10th October. GAMES Exhibition - Prangins La Combe centre La Combe Centre in Nyon is celebrating its 40th birthday! They are offering a month full of free, fun activities from popcorn and cotton candy stands to face painting and gourmet workshops. Check out the link for the timetable. La Combe activities Domaine Bois-Bougy It is still flower picking season at the farm and with a beautiful range of flowers to choose from, why not pass by and brighten up your day. Domaine Bois-Bougy flower picking Concerts The Nyon Conservatory is holding blues and baroque concerts on the 24th and 26th of September. You can read more about it here . Visit the Nyon Conservatory website Theatre Perhaps a fun night out at the Theatre next weekend? The Nyon Theatre Troupe is presenting their musical comedy show La Famille Addams in French. Playing 24th & 25th September La Famille Adams - Marens Semaine de la Mobilité « Être et rester mobile ». Being and staying mobile, a useful course being offered to our seniors learning how to navigate and stay mobile on the public transport system. In Nyon on 21st September Mobilité - Senior Les Puces de Nyon If you are looking for a second hand bargain or maybe a rare antique piece, head down to Nyon’s very own flea market. It takes place every last Sunday of the month and is an enjoyable day out by the Rive. Sunday 26th September Nyon flea market Let us know if you join any of these activities and how it goes. Have a  great week!

While it has been a quiet few months over here at the Living in Nyon website, it has been a busy few weeks in Nyon. As the summer holidays came to an end and life resumed "normality", there were lots of exciting things going on in, and around town. Here are just some of the highlights. Vive La Rentrée! There were the annual local events; the Fête des Pirates down by the Rive, Portes Ouvertes at Cap’taine Mousse’s local artisanal brewery. The Fêtes des Sport at the centre sportif de Colovray showcasing the different sports and activities there are available. The Nyon Triathalon also made a come back after missing 2020. Read our previous article in the runup to it here . All were the makings of a great day out in the sunshine. The Saturday Nyon Market has added space for two food trucks which rotate out each week. Offering market goers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in which to shop for and try local products including a fun new tote bag, be sure to check out Marché de Nyon. There were some great shows at the Théâtre de Marens, including an Abba Musical, Thank you For the Music. After being closed for renovations for three years, Usine `a Gaz is now back open! After the “Festival d’inauguration” in early September, this cultural hub of Nyon will have an extensive program of concerts, theatre shows and themed evenings throughout the year. You can read more about it from our previous article here . On a sad note, the Piscine de Colovray’s resident mascot Léon the peacock has passed away. Many a summer’s day has been spent at the pool while he roamed around and kept swimmers company. He will be missed. Don’t forget to check out our new Next in Nyon regular feature about upcoming events and the latest news. There will also be an update very soon about our Living in Nyon website and what fun changes have been happening behind the scenes, stay tuned for that next week!

Our new weekly feature where you can find out about upcoming events and any latest news in Nyon and the surrounding area. Every Monday, Next in Nyon brings you ideas of things to do for the week ahead. Marché d´Automne: Saturday & Sunday Autumn is almost here so let's celebrate it at the Autumn Market in Nyon.  This seasonal market, organised by local businesses takes place over the weekend. On Saturday, you can experience all the local flavours Nyon has to offer with a variety of entertainment and activities in the town centre and down by the Rive . On Sunday, take a stroll by the lake and enjoy the regional craft shops as well as performances by acrobatic and juggling artists. There will be lots of fun activities for the kids too. Free buses to access Nyon´s town centre: 801, 805. Marché d´Automne La Vie-là: Harvest Party La Vie-là, a collection of local associations interested in sustainable development celebrates the harvest of their vegetable garden right in the centre of Nyon. On Tuesday 28th September they will host their Harvest Season Picnic. Grab a tablecloth, a salty or sweet snack and join in on the free celebrations! Harvest Part Le lac du cygne at Leman Museum  Musée du Leman will be hosting an exhibition about Swans, our beautiful feathered neighbours on the lake. It has just started and will be open until September 2022.  Another great reason to visit one of the most popular museums in Nyon. Remember for the first Sunday of every month, museum access is free. Musée du Leman: Lac du Cygne Fête de la Vigne: postponed to 2022  Due to COVID measures, Fête de la Vigne has been postponed until next year. Let's wait one more year to enjoy their fabulous light spectacle on Nyon's castle walls, it will be their 10th anniversary and we look forward to celebrating with them. Fête de la Vigne

Festival du Film Vert The 16th edition of the Green Film Festival introduces exciting and informative documentary screenings and events, presenting and debating on climate change, health, environment and sustainable development. Two movies will be held in English:  Kiss the ground  and  The Kingdom - How Fungi made our world. Ferme du Manoir, 7th - 10th October. Festival du Film Vert - agenda Photo Exhibition:  Place for action Linked to Festival du Film Vert , a photo exhibition named  Place à l´acte will be held at Café Ex-Machina. Ten local photographers will have their work on display, grabbing our attention and interest with images of some local players that follow a sustainable way of living. It is a call to action for everyone - every little step counts. We can all be part of a more sustainable world. Café Ex-Machina, 7th - 20th October La Manivelle A new, exciting Library of Things  opens in Nyon where you can borrow a variety of 'stuff'. A great concept for when you want to try new activities but do not want to commit to buying all the gear. Now, if you want to go camping, do some special cooking with robots, household chores that happen once a year, or need extra supplies for when friends visit, there's a place you can go! Inauguration Day will be on Saturday 9th La Manivelle Health Insurance October is THE month to review your health insurance, your only window in the year where you can make changes or switch to a new provider.  In Switzerland, whichever company you choose for your Health Insurance in October will be for the entire calendar year. Remember, now is the time to do your research and make any changes if needed! You can head over to Comparis.ch for some information to get started.   Peppiland Peppiland, the inflatable amusement park is back in Nyon until Sunday! If you are looking for some bouncy, outdoor fun for your children, stop by the Colovray Car Park. For more information and timings click here .

Festival du Film Vert The 16th edition of the Green Film Festival is here in Nyon this week. Presenting documentary screenings and events with debates on all things climate change, health, environment and sustainable development. The festival will be held at Ferme du Manoir, situated right in the heart of town at the Place du Chateau. Embrace the green wave and gain a better understanding of the challenges that the world faces today relating to climate change and sustainable development. The festival also looks at how we can lead our communities forward to act for better health and equal distribution of development gains. Looking after the environment for our generation and future ones to come. The Green Film Festival is offering screenings of more than twelve documentaries about the environment. There are also two movies screening in English; The Kingdom: How Fungi Made Our World and Kiss the Ground . Plus a chance to listen to conversations between scientists, local officials, artisans and journalists on these subjects. They are offering fantastic workshops looking at Permaculture to Zero Waste to a Philosophy Roundtable. You will also have free entry to the forum made up of stands for associations in the sustainable development sector. All set in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, as well as a refreshment bar to keep you going as you explore the exhibition. Running parallel to the festival is a photo exposition Place à l´acte held at Café Ex-Machina. Ten local photographers will have their work on display showcasing actions we can all take to move towards a more sustainable future. The Green Film Festival is running at the Ferme du Manoir, 7th - 10th October. For more information check out their agenda . The Photo Exposition is running at Café Ex-Machina, 7th - 20th October

Our new weekly feature where you can find out about upcoming events and any latest news in Nyon and the surrounding area. Every Monday, Next in Nyon brings you ideas of things to do for the week ahead. PUMPKIN SEASON KICKS-OFF Autumn is pumpkin season. Take advantage of the autumnal weather and head over to one of the local farmers markets. You can pick your own pumpkins in Signy, one of the earliest pumpkin self-service spots in our region. Easy to find on the side of the main road, just by the Signy Commercial Centre. This is just the beginning on pumpkin season... get ready for all the fun activities in the region throughout the month!   LACTO-FERMENTATION WORKSHOP Adults are invited to participate in a lacto-fermentation workshop to learn how to preserve all the nutrients in your food. On Tuesday evening at Local de quartier de La Redoutte, only a ten minute walk from Nyon train station. Atelier lacto-fermentation PLANS FOR SENIORS Ville de Nyon is offering several free sportive activities for Seniors: Keep active and healthy this Autumn. Table Tennis on Monday afternoon - agenda Urban Training on Wednesday morning - check for details LE LAC DU CYGNE at LEMAN MUSEUM  Musée du Leman is hosting an exhibition about Swans, our beautiful feathered neighbours on the lake. It has just started and will be open until September 2022.  Another great reason to visit one of the most popular museums in Nyon. Remember for the first Sunday of every month, museum access is free. Musée du Leman: Lac du Cygne TEARS4TEARS: Exhibition  Xenia Lucie Laffely, a swiss artist, living between Lausanne & Montreal has a temporary exhibition at Espace Eeeeh! in Nyon. Espace Eeeeh!

October half term break is fast approaching and many of us have plans to travel, some visiting friends and family for the first time since the pandemic hit. Over the last 18 months we have learnt to navigate the ever changing rules both here in Switzerland and abroad. Here is a snapshot of some more recent changes. Background The Covid Certificate was introduced here 7 th June 2021 with the aim of creating more freedom of movement. It provides documentary evidence of either a vaccine, recovery from Covid within a 180 day period or a negative test. The QR code contains the relevant information either stored in the app or in pdf form to be printed. From 13th September the Covid Certificate, along with a piece of identification became a requirement at restaurants, bars and indoor leisure facilities. Tests for the Certificate were paid for by the government for Swiss residents and eligible travellers. Latest As of this Monday 11 th October, tests will no longer be free for most residents. The cost of the tests will be between CHF40-50. As an example, the CMC in Nyon are charging CHF47 for a rapid antigen test. Some reasons behind this decision were the huge costs of testing, CHF47 million per week based on 1 million tests. Also, the slowing rate of the vaccination program, this week 60% of the population is vaccinated, just below the European average by a few points. There are some exemptions for paying for testing: if you are under 16 years of age if you have covid symptoms (no Certificate will be issued) if you are waiting for your 2 nd shot of the vaccine (free until 30 th Nov) if you have a medical certificate showing you are unable to take the vaccine. Now fully vaccinated people travelling into Switzerland must obtain the Swiss Covid Certificate . It is free for EU/EFTA countries but for other non EU/EFTA countries including the US, UK and India there is a cost of CHF30. All travellers must complete the Swiss Passenger Locator Form online before entry into Switzerland.   There is an upcoming second Swiss vote on 28 th November to decide whether to make the Covid Certificate illegal. The result of the last vote, held early June was 62% in favour of the Covid Certificate. Click here for more information on the latest government Covid guidelines.

Our new weekly feature where you can find out about upcoming events and any latest news in Nyon and the surrounding area. Every Monday, Next in Nyon brings you ideas of things to do for the week ahead. MURDER PARTY at Musée du Léman This Thursday check out the murder party at Musée du Léman. An exciting evening for those over 16 years with a good knowledge of French. You can also book a private session for a group of 9-12 people. Murder Party Pumpkin Festival and Autumn Market at Schilliger Garden Centre The annual pumpkin festival is being held on Saturday as part of the Autumn Market and will have lots of prizes and activities for young and old!  Showcasing a variety of regional crafts and products to try and buy from local artisans. There will also be a free workshop for children where they will learn to hollow out and carve their own pumpkin under the guide of a helper.   LA NUIT DES CHÂTEAUX - Château de Nyon La nuit des Châteaux takes place in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain for the third time. Hundreds of castles offer a magical experience by night. Nyon castle opens its doors on Saturday 23rd with free entrance from 17:00 until 23:30 and there will be many activities to participate in. Château de Nyon - nuit des châteaux Atelier  Día de los Muertos Día de los Muertos is a big festival in Mexico and now in Nyon this week! There are two weeks of fun Mexican themed activities; face painting, mask crafting, photo collage and a big celebration on the final day. Have a look at what's available for kids over 4 years old.   ARBORETUM du Vallon de l´Aubonne The stunning, unique park in Aubonne is worth a special visit at this time of the year. Experience Autumn with all of your senses as you make your way through the different paths and enjoy the one-of-a-kind collection of trees from all around the world. L´Arboretum

Our new weekly feature where you can find out about upcoming events and any latest news in Nyon and the surrounding area. Every Monday, Next in Nyon brings you ideas of things to do for the week ahead. IT'S HALLOWEEN!  31st October, a spooky date celebrated in many countries and now more and more in and around Nyon. Here you can find out about a few of the many activities going on... COV concerts Conservatoire de l´Ouest Vaudois is playing their Autumn concerts this weekend. There is a special Halloween one for kids on Sunday including a workshop & electronic music concert. COV Halloween concert Centre de Magie de la Côte A two day workshop for children over 7 years old at their location in Nyon. Stage Magique de Halloween Atelier  Día de los Muertos - week 2 of activities Día de los Muertos is a big festival in Mexico and now in Nyon this week! Last week of fun Mexican themed activities; face painting, mask crafting, photo collage and a big celebration on the final day. Have a look at what's available for kids over 4 years old. If you want to try a typical  there is a Mexican food take-away where you can order and taste it. Sabor a Mexico by Mayra Château de Prangins: Halloween at the castle Join Prangin castle on Sunday afternoon for some scary stories and frights! Halloween au Château NON- HALLOWEEN theme activities happening too, find them out here: Cooking Challenge This Saturday show off your cooking skills off at Challenge Culinaire happening at École-Club Migros, grab your cooking partner and get in the race to win some excellent prizes. Live project about NINA SIMONE Nina Simone was a well-known pianist, singer and song writer who lived in Nyon around the late 70s. On Sunday 31st head over to the Nyon Adult Library and join the tribute to this brilliant musician. Nina Simone Château de Duillier - caveau des vendanges Grape harvest season is over and Château de Duillier are offering two days of celebrations from 18:00 until midnight. There will be local food to taste and live music. On Thursday and Friday. Château Duillier Gland - Kids Library Kids 8 to 9 years old have the opportunity to enjoy a ¨Once upon a time¨ workshop at Gland Children's Library. Il était une fois notre conte

Our new weekly feature where you can find out about upcoming events and any latest news in Nyon and the surrounding area. At the start of each week, Next in Nyon brings you ideas of things to do for the week ahead. ALL AROUND GENEVA - Nyon tour This Saturday 6th, Debra Kinson, founder of All Around Geneva - Creative guided tours, will host one of her unique, personalised themed walks in both English and French in our charming town. She invites you to discover local history, fun facts and intriguing personalities. Debra is a fantastic point of contact for English language learning experiences at local and international schools, for new and current parents who form part of the ex-pat community. Themed walk - Charming Nyon DiVINes! - the Swiss Women Winemaker´s Fair - Rolle At the Rolle castle on Saturday 6th, DiVINes! is happening, from 10:00 until 19:00 including wine tasting workshops and an art exhibition. Get your tickets and enjoy! DiVINes! ticket JOURNÉE DES ARTS - Nyon Journée des Arts takes place this Saturday. Visit different galleries and see artist's work as it is open doors to anyone interested in any expression of ART. There will be over 24 different activities happening in one day. Check out the map on their site. Journée des Arts POMPIERS - Recruiting  A great initiative to help be a part of your community. Take action and support our firefighters as a volunteer. Every year, on the first Thursday of November, SDIS Nyon-Dôle invite anyone over 18 years old, in good health and willing to offer their time to an introductory meeting where they will present all their activities and roles in the community. Pompiers Recrutement The PATINOIRE is back in Nyon Are you excited about winter sports? Do you want to start enjoying ice-skating again? Happy to share the news that Nyon's ice rink is back! Season starts this Saturday 6th, same location as every year by the lake. Patinoire Nyon

This region is home to many culturally rich and diverse communities; embracing and learning about other cultures brings us together and we have many associations representing the different nationalities living here. One of which is the Indian diaspora. For the millions of Indians living away from India, celebrating Diwali is a way to stay connected to their roots. With the pandemic leaving many of us separated from our families, it is important now more than ever to keep the traditions alive. Today, many are celebrating the Hindu Festival of Diwali or Deepawali, meaning ‘row of lights’, all over the world. A five day celebration symbolising the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali marks the start of a new Hindu Calendar year - not unlike Christmas and the calendar reset of New Year in the Western World. Significant in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and also with non-Hindus, it is the biggest and most auspicious Festival in India. As with most global celebrations, food plays a major role. Coming together with friends and family to share delicious, home cooked meals and sweet treats make up a huge part of the festivities. Lighting up homes with diyas (oil lamps) and candles, making colourful rangolis , performing rituals, exchanging gifts and not forgetting the biggest part, the huge displays of fireworks! Living in Nyon wish all our readers who are celebrating today a Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year “Sal Mubarak!”, spreading happiness and good health to all. The Indian Association Geneva is hosting an event Namaste Geneva 2021 on Saturday 13th November. Click here for details on their packed program showcasing the rich culture of India with artists from Switzerland, The US and India.