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Gone for a Burton! What Expats Can Learn About Estate Planning from an Acting Legend

Richard Burton was an actor renowned for both his exceptional talent and his turbulent personal life. He also offers a cautionary tale for expats when it comes to estate planning. Despite his efforts to avoid UK inheritance tax (IHT), including living for more than a quarter of a century in Switzerland, Burton’s story reveals the complexities and pitfalls of domicile laws and their impact on inheritance tax (IHT). The Dazzling Life and Unexpected Legacy of Richard Burton …

What do I do with an inherited pension?

A pension is typically the second largest asset that someone owns (after the family home). However, they often get overlooked when people think about passing on their wealth, as they fall outside of an estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. Understanding pensions and what to do when you inherit one can be tricky too, with various options and considerations depending on the type of pension and your circumstances. This blog…

Lost and Found: Securing Your Financial Future

Today is Pension Tracing Day. When it comes to financial planning, pensions often lie at the heart of long-term security. However, with job changes, relocations, and the hustle and bustle of life, many of us lose track of these essential financial safety nets. Enter Pension Tracing Day – a day dedicated to helping people reconnect with their lost or forgotten pensions.

UK Inheritance Tax Rules For Expats: Understanding the Implications for Non-Domiciled Spouses

Inheritance tax (IHT) is a contentious subject for many, especially as it revolves around the sensitive topic of what happens to one’s assets after death. For those affected, understanding the basic IHT rules is crucial. However, the waters become muddier when considering situations involving a non-domiciled spouse.

Global Assets, Local Laws: Navigating Wills Across Borders

Do you have assets in more than one country? Do you know how your Will will be treated in different jurisdictions? From forced heirship in Europe to the role of executors in Asia, here’s what you need to know.

Coming Home: 10 Financial Steps for Expats Returning to the UK

I have been living outside the UK for 23 years. I rarely get homesick. But last weekend it hit me hard. While I’m not packing my bags just yet, I realise that many expats eventually do. Thinking of returning to the UK? Prepare yourself to face a unique set of financial challenges and opportunities. It is always best to start planning as early as possible. Here are 10 financial action points to get you started.

Why Leaving Without A Will Is Like Playing Russian Roulette With Your Legacy

Picture this: you’ve spent a lifetime building memories, accumulating assets, and nurturing relationships. Then, in a blink of an eye, you’re gone. Your life’s work, potentially left to the winds of chance. That’s the harsh reality for those who pass away without a will.

The Costly Mistake of Ignoring Tax Residency Laws: A £186m Lesson

Imagine packing your bags, bidding goodbye to the dreary weather, then suddenly finding yourself slapped with an unforeseen £186m tax bill. This isn’t a fictional horror story – it’s the shocking reality British magnate Alan Sugar faced when he tried to dodge the UK tax net by relocating Down Under.

Understanding UAE Succession Law: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expats

Are you an expat living in the UAE and wondering how succession laws may affect you, your family, and your assets? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step understanding of UAE succession law. Navigating the intricacies of inheritance can be daunting, especially in a foreign country with its unique legal framework. However, with our expert insights, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

My Big Fat Greek Retirement: A Guide for UK Citizens Looking to Retire to Greece

Are you a UK citizen planning on retiring to Greece? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, I will ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions and smoothly transition into your Greek retirement.

Lifetime gifts and Inheritance Tax: How to notify HMRC

There has been much chatter in the press recently regarding the abolition of Inheritance Tax (IHT). However, for the time being, and for the foreseeable future I expect, it remains a thing and should be planned for accordingly. One effective way to do this is via gifting. If you make a gift during your lifetime, it becomes exempt from IHT after seven years. However, many people are unsure how to report these lifetime gifts to the taxman (HMRC).

Navigating the UK Temporary Non-Residence Rules: A Guide for Expats

If you are going to be living or working outside of the UK for a period of less than 5 years, you need to be sure that you don’t fall foul of HMRC’s Temporary Non-Residence Rules.

How is UK residency determined?

UK residency is determined based on a combination of factors and the application of the Statutory Residence Test (SRT). Here is an explanation of how it works.

Unlocking the Benefits of Dubai’s Retirement Visa For Expats – A Comprehensive Guide

Dubai has long been a popular destination for expat professionals. However, back in 2018, the authorities in Dubai decided that they wanted to encourage retirees to live there too. So they launched a Retirement Visa. From tax exemptions to healthcare benefits, the retirement visa is a comprehensive package that guarantees a comfortable retired life in Dubai. But with so much information available online, it can be overwhelming to navigate the ins and outs of the retirement visa.

How spending changes through the “Active,” “Less Active” and “Not Very Active” years of retirement

Depending on when you retire and how long you live, your retirement could potentially last for 3 decades or more. However, most retirements can be broken into three stages, each of which is typically 5-10 years in length. Furthermore, each stage has its own spending characteristics. Understanding these stages can help you feel more comfortable in knowing what your spending in retirement may look like.

Selling Property as a British Expat? Don’t Forget About Capital Gains Tax!

Did you know that selling a UK residential property while living abroad can trigger a capital gains tax (CGT) bill, even if you are a non-resident? According to a recent survey conducted by Experts for Expats at the end of last year, 23% of British expats are considering selling their UK property, with the majority looking to use the equity to support their retirement.

Five Big Tax Mistakes Made By British Expats And How To Avoid Them

For British expats moving or living abroad, there are many traps and pitfalls in the UK’s complex tax regime to be aware of. Based on my experience, these are the top five tax mistakes, assumptions and statements that are made, and how to avoid making them.

The Removal of the UK Pension Lifetime Allowance: What Does It Mean for Expats?

In the Spring Budget of 2023, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced that the pension Lifetime Allowance would be scrapped. This decision was totally unexpected and has significant implications both for pension savers in the UK and those of us who live overseas and retain UK pensions.

Expat State Pension guide (2024/2025 update)

If you’re a British expat it’s easy to let the State Pension fall off your radar. In fact, most expats simply accept that periods abroad will result in gaps in their contribution record and write their State Pension off.

Inheritance Tax Planning For Expats: Using The PASTOR Framework to Effectively Manage Your Estate

Inheritance tax (IHT) is a concern for many expats who retain a connection to the United Kingdom (e.g. domicile), as it can significantly impact the wealth passed down to future generations. However, with proper planning and the right strategies, it is possible to mitigate the burden of inheritance tax.

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