Coming to the UK?
Ensure Your Tax Affairs Are In Order
Entering a new tax system can be daunting. Properly understanding your UK tax affairs before you arrive can save you time, money, and stress.
At Expat Tax Solutions, we help individuals navigate the UK tax system with clarity and confidence.
UK Tax Checklist for Arrivers
1. Register with HMRC
You may be required to register for self-assessment tax returns if you have:
- Self-employment income
- Foreign income or gains
- Income from a rental property, interest or dividends
- Want to claim certain tax reliefs.
You should notify HMRC of your filing requirement by 5 October following the end of the tax year.
2. Understand your UK tax residence
UK tax residence is determined by the Statutory Residence Test (SRT). Relevant factors include:
- Working and personal time spent in the UK
- Access to UK homes
- Where your family reside
Knowing your UK tax residence status is vital in understanding your ongoing exposure to UK tax.
3. Manage your global tax affairs
If you continue to receive foreign income and gains, you may be subject to tax in that country while also taxable in the UK. If so, double taxation mitigation can be sought via:
- The UK's network of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs)
- The Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime
- UK specific reliefs and exemptions
Knowing your eligibility to the above is key in ensuring you are not subject to double taxation and your UK tax bill is minimised.
Understand Your Ongoing UK Tax Obligations
Meet your filing requirements
UK tax returns are due by 31 January following the end of the tax year on 5 April. Knowing your filing obligations is key to ensuring the deadlines are met and penalties/fines are avoided.
Understand the UK tax system
Your employment income should be subject to Pay As You Earn (PAYE) withholding tax and National Insurance Contributions (NIC). Your tax withholding is calculated based on your tax code issued by HMRC.
Understanding your tax code is key to knowing whether your UK tax withholding is correct.
Structure your tax affairs efficiently
It may be possible to structure your global tax affairs to reduce your global tax burden. Being proactive in taking the necessary action will ensure that your tax affairs are optimised and key deadlines are not missed.
How can we help?
Our expert tax advisers can:
✅ Review your tax position before you arrive
✅ Submit forms to HMRC on your behalf
✅ Advise on tax residence and double taxation treaties
✅ Help you declare your global income and gains
✅ Support expats with ongoing UK tax returns
Schedule a free consultation to find out more.
