In the past, providing you were in the UK for a certain length of time only, you were no longer considered a resident. Your absence and employment from the UK had to cover a complete tax year (that is 6 April to 5 April), you had to spend less than 183 days in the UK during the tax year and your visits to the UK should not average 91 days or more a tax year over a maximum of four years.
But things have changed and HM Tax and Revenue Services are becoming far more demanding – and watchful.
Just moving overseas won't be enough to establish that you've got a new domicile. Essentially you need to show that you've severed your UK ties totally and that you are living overseas on a permanent basis. There's a burden of proof and it is not something that is easy to convince the tax man of.
So…how do you make sure that you qualify for non-resident status? A suggested checklist of what you need to do: let’s start with
Property in the UK:
-Sell your UK property or let it out for at least 12 months - do not leave it unoccupied
-If you are letting the property, ask a UK agent to deal with the property on your behalf
-Pay all property bills before you depart the UK
-Notify your house insurers that you are emigrating and adjust the insurance accordingly
-Notify your mortgage lender that you are emigrating
-Notify your local council that you no longer reside at the property
Business matters in the UK:
-Consider resigning from any UK company directorships or company secretarial positions
-Consider disposing of your UK business interests altogether
Other UK matters:
-Notify your UK doctor and dentist that you have left the UK
-Cancel your UK sporting and social club memberships
-You would be wise to appoint an attorney in the UK who is empowered to deal with your UK affairs
I am going to continue with a few suggestions next week on matters relating to taxes and finance…and more.
Kim Brown
The Overseas Guides Company
Visit my website at: http://www.emigrationguide.com/
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