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by objclxt 2122 days ago
> I'm from the UK and if you spend more than 180(?) days abroad in a tax year you become non-resident which has some implications

This isn’t quite accurate. There are other tests that come into play, including whether you own a house in the UK, and how long you spent outside the UK for the rest of the year (and the preceding years).

Basically if you live in the UK, then spend 180 days (or even a whole year) outside the UK but then immediately return HMRC is not going to consider you a non-resident for that period.

It is worth paying for tax advice before you leave because the rules are complicated and there are other factors aside from just not being in the country.

3 comments

"worth paying for tax advice"

I knew someone who, through their employer, got tax advice from one of the big name accounting firms that turned out to be completely wrong - leaving them liable for tax both in the UK and in the country they had travelled to. It all got sorted out in the end but took a long time and was he was rather unhappy with the whole thing, as you can probably imagine.

Yeah it's also worth doing your research and seeing if it matches what the advisor is telling you

"you owe/doesn't owe this because A, B, C" is the answer you should be looking for, they might give general advice but they might not know 100% about some specific situations

Note: I'm not saying "you can deal with this by yourself", I'm saying "double checking is a good idea"

I had this situation where an employee insisted on tax advice from the company's lawyer. The law firm represents who is paying, same for liability. In the end we sponsored an expensive email basically saying as such.
One thing I have learned through bitter experience is if there is a significant tax issue at stake then get your own lawyer and/or tax adviser.
If you are considered a non resident - does that mean you pay less UK tax or that you need to register in another country?
If you permanently emigrate and then work for a foreign company, why would you pay tax in the UK?

Rules for temporary emigration are more complex, but if you get a job in Germany and move there, returning to the Uk occasionally to see friends and family (say 3 or 4 weeks a year) clearly you don’t need to pay tax in the Uk. Will still have to repay your student loans though - declare your income and pay the bill (which is 9% above an income that varies depending on the country you have loved to)

Ah OK thanks for the clarification. I will definitely consult an accountant once I'm moved and settled.