The June deadline has come and gone, but if you haven’t filed your taxes yet, there’s still time to get caught up and become compliant with the IRS this year. Not sure where to begin? Don’t fret – the information you need to know is right here in this Q&A. By Greenback Tax I...

Were you offered ‘free’ advice by your financial adviser when he or she sold you that investment product, pension or regular savings plan? If the answer is yes, then you have probably been taken for a ride. All advice costs money, and there are two ways you can pay for it: fees or commission. Fees...

Historically, in countries where there is no tax-driven, government-approved pension savings framework (most countries in the Middle East and Africa for example) expat workers have relied on ‘international pension plans’; in reality a marketing name for what is essentially a long term savings plan. By Paul Beard For a long time these were the only...

As a couple we are considering a move to Spain. I am 57 and eight years in from breast cancer, and my husband is 69 with a pacemaker. We are just starting to look and wanted any advice you can give. Andrew Apps of expat financial advisers Bellwood Prestbury answered this question. As an expat,...

In global prime property markets even small percentage changes in currency can have significant monetary implications. Currency, ownership costs and taxation are becoming increasingly important considerations for investors, especially as the rate of price appreciation slows in some global city markets. New research by property consultancy Knight Frank suggest that individuals need to be conscious...

People and businesses set up in America for many reasons. With the American economy the largest in the world, for many it is an opportunity for expansion, for others it is more about lifestyle. Whatever your reason for setting up you will need to consider a number of factors: Immigration and visa requirements. You can...

I’m working with a German contractor, billing it for my services through my UK limited company. I have heard that after two years contracting by German law they need to employ me direct. Is this correct? Nick Broughton of Capital-GES answered this enquiry. “If you are working in Germany on a contract for any...

From July, Saudi Arabia is collecting a new tax from expats and their dependants, a move that is seen to boost the country’s revenues amid weak oil prices. The new fee will be 100 Saudi riyals (SAR) per dependant per month, around £21 or $27. The amount is expected to increase gradually every year until...

In managing your money you may wish first to consider your residence and tax situation before looking at the principles of investing. By Iain Yule First of all – where are you resident? If you are British, make sure you are truly UK non-resident, meaning you do not have to pay UK income tax (and...

You may not be aware as a British expat who pays no UK income or capital gains taxes that you can still be liable to inheritance tax (IHT). Your liability for UK IHT depends on if you are deemed domiciled in the UK, says Stuart Ritchie of expat financial advisory firm AES International. If you or your...

Many expats can benefit from using offshore bank savings accounts. They are useful for working in different currencies and for gathering interest without deduction of taxes. By Iain Yule See the article ‘British Expats – Do You Need An Offshore Bank Account?’.   The best current offering for sterling offshore savers is Standard Bank’s 1.2%,...

South Africa is one of the expatriate jurisdictions where proactive planning makes a significant difference to the tax and exchange control implications of an international mobile employee. The primary reasons for this proactive planning are: Unlike most other countries, with good planning you only become ‘tax resident’ in the beginning of your sixth year in...