Expats generally have the right to transfer their pension abroad into a qualifying scheme.  For some, the benefits of doing so are manifold.  However, there are risks, and it’s fair to say that you need to tread very carefully when considering all your options. By James McLeod, Head of Pensions at chartered financial planners AES...

I am unsure if my overseas pension (QROPS) is free from UK inheritance tax? It seems the case if you remain offshore, but is a bit grey if you come back to the UK – even after five years away. Stuart Ritchie, Chartered Financial Planner & Chartered Wealth Manager with expat financial advisers AES International,...

I have a query regarding my tax situation. I am British and have been working in Austria for the past 18 months or so. I have quite a large sum invested through an asset manager in Guernsey – in investment trusts, exchange traded funds, real estate investment trusts etc. Could you possibly tell me if...

When moving abroad, there are many logistics to consider – one of which is your US tax obligation. Occasionally, though, US expats find themselves in a situation where they haven’t filed a tax return – whether it’s because they were unaware of the deadline or perhaps didn’t know they needed to file. Luckily, there are...

The Saudi authorities are considering a tax on remittances by expats. By tightening the rules on employees sending money abroad the Saudi government aims to raise revenue. It is considering plans to impose a tax of up to 6 per cent on money sent out of the country by expats. New rules may also limit...

When making a transfer most people focus solely on getting the best exchange rate. However, hidden extras and commission fees make it hard to know whether that means you have got the best deal. By World First If you are ever promised a ‘free transfer’, you should know that there’s really no such thing. All...

Currencies can fluctuate quickly and dramatically, and being aware of how this could affect you is all-important. Whatever the reason for your currency transfer, we’ve put together this short guide to help you with the basics of making an international payment. By World First. What are foreign exchange rates? The exchange rate is determined by...

A new service aims to offer expert tax advice at a time when expats and non-UK domiciles are digesting what ‘Brexit’ could mean for them. Over the coming months and years, this demand is likely to increase as more detail emerges on the potential legislative changes. Tax planning for expats and non-UK domiciles has...

From 1 April 2016, the UK taxman introduced a new higher rate of stamp duty which applies to the acquisition of a ‘major interest’ in an additional residential ‘dwelling’. So beware if you are buying property in the UK. A ‘major interest’ is defined as a freehold or leasehold interest, says Adam Thompson, tax manager...

Following the UK referendum in June, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding how the vote to leave the EU will affect employers and employees who work internationally. While nothing is certain at present, says Anne-Marie Welch of tax specialists RSM, there are a number of tax issues to consider for UK employers who are either sending...

On Friday 24 June the UK woke up to the news that the country had voted to leave the European Union by a majority of almost four percentage points. After seemingly buying into the belief that the Remain camp would ultimately emerge victorious, currency markets, particularly the pound, quickly reversed course as the tide of...

The Bank of England has quickly responded to financial questions raised by the UK’s referendum result on leaving the EU, in a handy Q&A format. What do any financial market movements after the vote mean? The economy will need to adjust to whatever new trading relationships are put in place in the future. These decisions...