Inheritance tax for expats

Why UK-Based IFAs Won’t Work with Expats (And What You Can Do)

If you are a British expat, you might have hit a frustrating wall: finding a financial adviser who will work with you. Many UK-based Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) simply won’t take you on as a client once you’re no longer a UK resident. But why is this the case? And more importantly, what can you do about it? Let’s break it down. Why UK-Based IFAs Don’t Work with Expats 1. Regulatory Restrictions One of the main…

Top 10 Mistakes British Expats Make with Their Finances

Expat money mistakes Moving abroad as a British expat can be a life-changing adventure, but it also comes with unique financial challenges. Many make costly mistakes that could have been avoided with proper planning and advice. Here are the top 10 financial mistakes British expats often make — and how to avoid them. 1. Failing to Plan for Currency Exchange Risks When you’re earning in one currency and spending in another, exchange rate fluctuations can have a significant…

What Is Specialist Expat Financial Advice and Why Do You Need It?

Specialist Expat Financial Advice Living abroad can be an exciting adventure. But when it comes to managing your finances as an expat, things can quickly become complex. Different tax rules, exchange rates, and regulations can make it difficult to know if you’re making the right financial decisions. For instance, expats often face challenges like double taxation, where the same income is taxed in both the UK and their country of residence, or currency loss due to unfavourable exchange rate…

Planning to Return to the UK? How the 2025 IHT Changes Could Affect Your Estate

If you’ve been living overseas for years but are now considering a return to the UK, the recent budget changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) could significantly affect your financial planning. From April 2025, the UK government is introducing new rules that shift the focus of IHT liability from your domicile status to your residency history.

New UK Inheritance Tax Rules for Non-Doms: What You Need to Know for 2025

On 30 October 2024, the UK government announced sweeping updates to the inheritance tax rules affecting UK residents who are not domiciled in the UK—commonly known as “non-doms.” Below, I’ll break down the main changes in a straightforward way to help you understand what these new rules could mean 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.

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…

A Seismic Shift in UK Inheritance Tax: What It Means for Expats

The new Labour government is gearing up to make a major move on inheritance tax (IHT), and for British expats, this could be a monumental shift. What’s Changing? The government is planning to overhaul the rules around who gets hit with inheritance tax. Right now, your exposure to UK IHT is closely tied to your domicile – the country that HMRC deems to be your permanent home. This means that even if you’ve been enjoying the expat life…

How Did Anne Robinson Legally Avoid Inheritance Tax?

TV personality Anne Robinson made news recently by gifting her assets worth £50 million to her family to avoid Inheritance Tax (IHT). This bold move is a prime example of how strategic estate planning can significantly reduce tax liabilities. But how exactly did she do it?

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.

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?

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 …