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.
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.
When it comes to preparing your offshore investments for a return to the UK, the most important thing is to ensure you start planning as early as possible. Most tax specialists recommend that you should ideally give yourself at least a full UK tax year between deciding to move home and actually making the move. Aside from the obvious reason of being well prepared, the reason for starting the planning so far in advance is that things rarely run smoothly.