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Navigating the FIG Regime: Essential Insights on the UK’s Latest Non-Dom Tax Changes

On 30 October 2024, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced major changes to the tax rules for UK-resident, non-UK domiciled individuals, often known as “non-doms”. These changes will affect how non-doms are taxed on foreign income and gains, marking a shift in the way the UK handles cross-border income. Here, I’ll break down these new tax rules in straightforward terms, with a focus on the Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) Regime and what it means for you.

UK Budget 2024 – What does it mean for expats?

The dust is still settling on last week’s Budget. Things like increased National Insurance Contributions and a higher government borrowing ceiling have already been picked apart by the mainstream media. However, in this post, I want to focus on a few areas that will be of interest to those of us who are either living outside the UK already or who are considering doing so.

Navigating U.S. Estate Taxes for International Investors

The U.S. stock market, particularly its high-performing tech sector, consistently attracts international investors seeking growth and stability. However, for non-U.S. citizens or residents, investing in U.S. assets comes with a significant consideration— U.S. estate taxes. Without a clear understanding and careful planning, investors may face a substantial tax burden on their estates, impacting their families’ long-term financial security. This post outlines the essentials of U.S. estate taxes for Non-Resident Aliens (NRAs) and provides strategies to mitigate potential tax…

Transferring A UK Pension Overseas: Why It Pays to Know Your OTA from Your OTC

If you are considering transferring your UK pension overseas, you’ve likely encountered a bewildering array of jargon and regulations. Among the most important terms you’ll encounter are the Overseas Transfer Charge (OTC) and the Overseas Transfer Allowance (OTA).

Pension Planning Essentials: Why FP2016 and IP2016 Still Matter

With the abolition of the lifetime allowance (LTA) tax charges in April 2024, many individuals assume that they no longer need to worry about pension protections. However, there are still two forms of transitional protection available that can offer significant benefits: Fixed Protection 2016 (FP2016) and Individual Protection 2016 (IP2016). Both of these protections offer valuable safeguards, but understanding which one suits your specific circumstances is critical. This guide will help clarify the differences between the…

Beyond the 7-Year Rule: How the 14-Year Rule Impacts Your IHT Planning

When it comes to UK inheritance tax (IHT) planning, many of us have heard about the seven-year rule. It’s a well-known part of the tax code that says if you give away assets during your lifetime, and survive for seven years after making the gift, those assets will typically be exempt from IHT when you pass away. But there’s another, less familiar rule that can complicate matters—the 14-year rule. If you’re serious about protecting your estate from unnecessary…

How do financial advisers get paid?

Navigating financial advice can be complex, especially for British expats living and working abroad. Ensuring your hard-earned money is working for you, planning for retirement, managing cross-border investments, and understanding tax implications across different jurisdictions can be daunting.

Minimising Inheritance Tax: How Pension Funds Can Help You Beat the Tax Man

Inheritance tax can feel like a daunting final chapter to a lifetime of prudent financial management. It’s a tax which can potentially take a chunk out of what you leave behind for your loved ones. But what if there was a way to reduce its impact? Enter the pension fund – a tool more powerful and versatile in tax planning than many might think. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can use your pension fund to keep more…

How to Manage and Invest an Inheritance Wisely

Receiving an inheritance can be a bittersweet event, often arriving due to the loss of someone dear. However, this influx of assets also presents a unique opportunity to improve your financial stability and future. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to responsibly and effectively invest an inheritance.

Spring Into Financial Clarity: 5 Essential Steps to Refresh Your Finances

For many, spring means opening windows, sweeping out the dust, and rotating our wardrobes. It’s an age-old tradition that is mirrored around the world, including Jewish customs at Passover and those for the Iranian holiday of Nowruz (i.e. the Persian New Year), which coincides with the first day of spring. It’s also the perfect time to spring-clean your finances. You may be surprised by what’s hiding in your accounts, financial documents, and tax returns. Here are 5 tips to help…

Using Your CV As a Map To Find Lost Pension Treasure

It can be all too easy to forget about pensions linked to old jobs, especially when you’ve switched companies, careers, or even countries a few times. But your CV, which lists all your past jobs, can be a super helpful tool in tracking down any pensions you might have left behind. Here’s a simple guide on how to use it to find those lost pensions and make sure you’re not missing out on any money.

Should I Have a Structured Note in My QROPS?

When planning for retirement, the goal is to ensure that your investments not only grow but are also protected. For expatriates, Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) offer a potential solution for pension transfers abroad. However, the decision to include structured notes within a QROPS requires careful consideration. While structured notes can offer attractive features, there are compelling reasons why they might not be the best fit for your retirement planning. Here’s why:

Why Is My Structured Note Performing So Poorly?

Structured notes are complex financial products that often attract expat investors with their promise of higher returns and protection against downside risks. However, like any investment, their performance can sometimes fall short of expectations. If you find yourself wondering, “Why is my structured note performing so poorly?”, here are some potential reasons and factors to consider.

Expat Investing: A Guide To Structured Notes

When it comes to expat investing, the array of options available can be both exciting and overwhelming. Among the plethora of investment vehicles, structured notes have gained considerable attention. But what exactly are structured notes, and more importantly, should you consider investing in them? Let’s dive in.

Beyond the Lump Sum: Why Taking Your Tax-Free Cash in Stages Could Be Your Best Move

Navigating pension options can feel like a maze. Whether you’re eyeing retirement or simply planning ahead, understanding how to efficiently access your pension tax-free cash is crucial. Here’s a straightforward guide on why you might not want to withdraw your pension commencement lump sum all at once and how doing it in phases could benefit you and your family.

New Pension Rules 2024: How to Prepare for the Abolition of the Lifetime Allowance

From April 6, 2024, the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) for pensions will be a thing of the past. This marks a significant shift in how retirement savings are taxed in the UK. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what this change means for you and how to make the most of the new pension landscape.

Will the new “residence-based” approach to inheritance tax affect me?

In his budget last week, UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, announced his intention to move to a residence-based regime for Inheritance Tax (IHT). The question is how will this affect us as expats?

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.

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