This article was written by David McKeegan from Greenback Expat Tax Services.All information was accurate as of January, 2015. Many US expats who move abroad require a means to financially support themselves and their families. For those who work overseas as contractors, this is a more flexible set up and allows more mobility for the individual...

In the other articles on expat tax equalisation we explored how it works and if you are paying too much. Now the question is, is it fair? This depends on whether you are seconded to a low tax or a high tax country. By The Fry Group In our experience, a country will operate a...

With tax equalisation there are distinct swings and roundabouts, depending on in which country you are working. By The Fry Group In the article Expat Tax Equalisation: How Does It Work? We explained the theory behind this common expat pay arrangement. Of course, the theory is all well and good. An individual bears tax to...

The fundamental principle behind tax equalisation is that an expatriate should be no better off or no worse off as a result of being assigned abroad. By The Fry Group Tax equalisation is presumably in place to encourage expatriates to work for their employers wherever they may be sent, sure in the knowledge that they...

Many expat contractors use umbrella companies to bill for their services to clients. But UK tax rule changes mean contractors may need to review this arrangement if there is any UK element to it. By Matt Walters The UK Chancellor’s Autumn Statement 2014 posed a number of questions for umbrella companies, with the Chancellor announcing...

If you find yourself considered as UK resident for tax purposes, it is as well to know what rates of tax you will now be required to pay – and which you may be able to avoid if you successfully achieve UK non-resident status. By Iain Yule Income Tax In the 2014-15 tax year...

I had some medical tests which used up my outpatient limit on my employer’s medical insurance scheme, and I couldn’t even get a prescription paid for. This means I have been left without further cover for the year. What can I do? Coral Parfitt of advisers Bellwood Prestbury says that there are so many different...

Is it true that the UK might want to prosecute those with money held offshore? You are right that new rules in the UK will make it easier to prosecute offshore tax evaders. The government is consulting on plans to introduce a new strict liability criminal offence for individuals who hide their money offshore. Under...

I have been working in Egypt from August 2013 until April this year, and wondered if I could qualify for the ‘split-year’ aspect of UK taxation? Strictly, an individual is taxed as a UK resident for the whole of a tax year when they are resident in the UK for any part of it. But,...

After a long time overseas I am returning to the UK in a self-employed capacity. I will have no employer pension, so can I set up a pension for myself? By 2018 there will be five million self-employed workers in the UK. They will outnumber public sector employees for the first time since records began,...

I am a British expat and have been non-resident since 1997. I would like to establish if I am able to visit the UK for a holiday of approximately 21 days without prejudicing my liability for capital gains tax on a property I sold in December 2010 for £680,000 “There are two questions to tackle...

I have been on a series of almost continuous short-term contracts overseas but have not paid income tax to any authority as I am not sure where I am resident. Do I need to pay tax as I move from contract to contract? Many contractors working today are under the misconception that if they do...