If you’re considering transferring your UK pension overseas, the recent changes to QROPS rules could significantly impact your retirement plans—especially if you’re heading to popular destinations like France, Portugal or Spain. From 30 October 2024, the UK government has removed the exemption from the Overseas Transfer Charge (OTC) for transfers to QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes) in the EEA and Gibraltar. In this article, I’ll explain what these changes mean, how they affect QROPS transfers…
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.
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).
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…
For British expats living in Saudi Arabia, navigating the complexities of UK tax, retirement, and succession planning can be challenging. The financial landscape shifts when you move abroad, and understanding these changes is crucial to safeguarding your wealth and ensuring a secure future. In this blog post, we’ll break down the essentials of managing your UK tax obligations, planning for retirement, and preparing for succession while living as an expat in Saudi Arabia. UK Tax Considerations for Expats…
In a development that underscores the complexities of pension legislation and the challenges of implementing policy changes, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) last week issued a crucial emergency communication.
If you’re been living abroad and have a UK pension, you will have probably heard about Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS). A QROPS is an overseas pension schemes that meet certain standards set by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). For expats, they can offer flexibility, tax efficiency, and currency benefits.
If you’re navigating the complex world of overseas pensions, you’ve likely come across the term “QROPS.” Standing for Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme, QROPS have long been a consideration for expats who want to transfer their UK pension abroad. But there’s one aspect that often causes confusion: the QROPS 5 year rule. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
As we move into 2024, the financial landscape continues to evolve. For expatriates or individuals with UK pension funds living abroad, the question of how to best manage these retirement savings remains a pressing one. Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) have been a popular choice since their inception in 2006, but are they still a viable option in today’s financial climate? In this post, we will delve into the current state of QROPS and assess whether…
As an expat, navigating pension options can be complex, particularly when it comes to understanding Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS). If you already have a QROPS, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments and alternatives. What Is A QROPS? A QROPS is an overseas pension scheme where UK pension plans can be transferred. They have been a common option for expats in recent years but in many cases using a QROPS has…