Do Holidays Count Towards Residence?
Someone who looks after my affairs has told me that days on holiday overseas are not classed as working, so these days are counted as being in the UK. This means I can spend much less time back in the UK if I want to remain non-resident. Is this correct? Adam Thompson, tax manager of...
Don’t Renounce Your US Citizenship Yet
While filing US taxes can be confusing, cumbersome and downright frustrating, renouncing your citizenship isn’t always the answer. Before you race down to your local US embassy, take a look at five reasons you may not want to hand over your passport. 1. Renouncing isn’t free In years past, the State Department charged a...
The Currency Challenge
As a globe-trotting expat you have many financial matters to monitor – particularly your taxes. But you must also cope with spending and saving in foreign currencies, writes Iain Yule. The itinerant expat needs to juggle a number of currencies quickly, efficiently and cheaply. So a number of offshore banks have...
Ten US Tax Tips For Americans Living Abroad
There are an estimated 8.7 million Americans living overseas and more than half fail to file their US tax return each year. Perhaps they don’t know they need to file or, more likely, it’s too overwhelming to attempt. But we are here to tell you that it doesn’t need to be this way. Follow these...
U.S. Expats: How To Handle Delinquent Tax Returns
US citizens and residents living abroad are still required to annually file a US tax return and pay taxes on their worldwide income. US taxpayers, who have not filed US tax returns each year, are considered delinquent and can face potential civil and criminal penalties from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). By Anthony N...
US Expats: Learn About The Statement Of Specified Foreign Financial Assets
In an effort to curb tax dodging by United States citizens with foreign assets, Congress passed The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act. The act imposes a new reporting requirement for foreign financial assets, in addition to the requirement of filing an FBAR. The new law applies to specified persons with specified foreign financial assets which...
I Want To Be UK Tax Resident
In February 2015 I received my UK residence permit. I am married to a UK resident and now live in the UK. I own a holding company based in Canada from which I earn dividends. I have not received any dividend income since arriving in the UK and I have filed my 2014 return with...
Five Things American Expats Need To Know About Foreign Bank Account Reporting
If you live abroad, chances are you have heard about FBAR and FATCA—but do you really know what they are and whether or not you need to file? It’s important that you fully understand because the penalties for failing to file if required can be steep! So let’s take a look at the five things...
Contractor Or Company?
I have (I think uniquely) been paid like an employee by my company as I travel between international assignments. They say they can no longer do this. Can I remain UK non-resident and would it be better to bill them directly as a contractor or set up a UK company to manage my finances? Adam...
Guide To Overseas Mortgages
If you’re thinking of moving abroad, one of the biggest things you’ll have to consider is the mortgage. Edward Hardy has the answers to some of the questions you’ve been asking about a mortgage overseas. What are the advantages of taking out a mortgage overseas? As well as the cut-price properties that have been available on...
Musician Wants To Change His Tax Tune
We specialise in business management for international recording acts etc. We recently had a question from a UK citizen relocating to Canada as a permanent resident. Can he sever his UK residency and file taxes in Canada until his return? “In short, it is possible for your client to sever their UK tax residency,” says...
Top Five Things to Be Aware Of Before You File Your US Taxes
It’s that dreaded time of year again—tax time! While US expats may cringe at the thought of filing US taxes, understanding the important US tax laws will make the filing process a lot easier By David McKeegan If you are a new expat, new to filing US taxes abroad or filing on your...