UK Tax Advice in Australia

Tax advice is now available in Australia which allows returning expatriates, and UK migrants, to have UK tax returns prepared locally.  It is also usually advisable to obtain some tax advice prior to arrival in the UK; depending on individual circumstances, proper tax planning can make a considerable difference to the amount of tax paid in the UK.  

Preparation of UK Tax Returns in Australia

Both Australian expatriates and British migrants who retain property in the UK which is rented out, or who maintain business interests and UK sourced income, will need to continue submitting UK tax returns.  This can be arranged through accountants in the UK, but access to a qualified UK tax advisor is also available in Australia and this may prove both more accessible and convenient.

Advisors will provide a fixed fee quote for the preparation of returns – both full year and split year (the year of departure from the UK) – and also on other issues such a capital gains tax calculations.

Tax Advice in relation to UK Assignments

If you are an employee being sent from Australia (or any other location) to work in the UK on a temporary basis (i.e. no longer than 2 years), you may be able to claim certain exemptions/deductions in the UK, including:-

• Home to work travel
• Accommodation & utility costs
• Daily subsistence costs

In order to qualify for this very favourable tax treatment it is important that your contract is structured properly prior to taking up your overseas posting.  Access to tax advisors who specialize in working with both employees and employers is available to ensure that maximum allowable savings are achieved both in relation to income tax and social security (National Insurance) for both the employee and employer.

During a UK assignment it may also be possible to exclude your earnings relating to overseas workdays (days you spend working anywhere outside of the UK) from UK tax by careful planning, prior to arriving in the UK.  This can be achieved by having part/all of your salary paid into an overseas bank account. Note that if you are a contractor the above option will not apply to you.  Depending on your circumstances it may then be worthwhile considering changing your status to that of ‘employee’, if this is an option available to you.

Whatever the issue, if it relates to the application of UK income tax, and you believe that professional advice is either necessary or desirable, we invite you to complete an Inquiry form.

Complete the Inquiry form