One of the top questions we are asked by Australians who are moving to the UK, is \u201chow am I taxed on my non-UK sourced income in the UK?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since a UK non-resident would only be taxed on any UK sourced income, this question is predicated on the basis that the Australian is moving to the UK on a permanent basis. A permanent move means that they are ceasing to be an Australian tax resident and instead will be considered a UK tax resident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general, just like Australia, the UK taxes residents on their worldwide income. This means that UK tax residents have to pay tax on any income they earn, regardless of where the income is sourced. However, there is a clause for what they consider \u201cnon-domiciled\u201d residents, whereby taxes are instead paid on a remittance basis. Since many Australians moving to the UK would fall into the definition of a \u201cnon-domiciled\u201d resident, this is an important question. We cover what this means below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For comparison, let\u2019s consider the Australian rules on residency. Most people are aware that as an Australian tax resident you are required to pay Australian income tax on income you receive, regardless of where it is sourced. However there are certain exceptions for individuals who are temporary residents. Once you cease to be an Australian resident you are only required to pay Australian income tax on income that has an Australian source. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The UK operates on a similar basis, however their exemption for \u201ctemporary\u201d residents is measured and treated differently than Australia\u2019s exemption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general, tax residents of the UK are liable for income tax in the UK, on their worldwide income. This means that it doesn\u2019t matter where the income is sourced, it is included in the resident\u2019s tax return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the UK you are automatically considered a tax resident when either one of of the following applies: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conversely you are automatically considered a non-resident if either of the following applies: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that in instances where an individual would be considered dual tax residents of Australia and the UK, then the tie breaker rules in the Double Tax Agreement require consideration to determine which country has taxing rights on the different sources of income. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, while the general rule is that tax residents are assessed on their worldwide income, there is, as indicated previously, an exception. This exception is for tax residents whom the UK considers to be \u201cnon-domiciled residents\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-domiciled residents are individuals, including Australian citizens, who are only living in the UK for the short to medium term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A UK resident who has a permanent home outside of the UK is considered to have a domicile in that other country. This doesn\u2019t necessarily have to be a specific, physical house, but more so that the ties to their home country mean that this country is considered to be their \u2018permanent\u2019 home. When an individual has a permanent home outside of the UK they are considered to be a \u201cnon-domiciled\u201d tax resident of the UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the UK a \u2018domicile\u2019 is typically the country in which your father permanently resided when you were born. For instance, the country in which you are a citizen by descent. However, this may not be the case if you have legitimately and permanently moved to another country, with no intention of returning to your original home country. This would mean that your \u2018domicile\u2019 changes to the new country in which you begin to permanently reside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For non-domiciled residents, non-UK sourced income is treated differently depending on the total amount of the non-Uk sourced income. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are a \u201cnon-domiciled\u201d UK resident then you ignore all foreign income and gains if that income is under 2,000 pounds for the tax year and<\/strong> you do not bring that income into the UK. You must have a bank account in your home country, and the funds from that income must stay back in the home country instead of being transferred into the UK. If this is the case then you don\u2019t have to do anything about your foreign income when lodging a tax return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if the income you earn from overseas sources exceeds 2,000 Pounds, or you bring any income into the UK, then you must report that income in a self-assessed tax return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When the non-UK sourced income exceeds 2,000 pounds (or the income is brought into the UK), the income can\u2019t just be ignored. The rules under which foreign income is taxed in the UK, for non-domiciled residents, is the \u2018remittance basis\u2019. This essentially means that you have a choice on how you treat the reported income. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose this option then you will be assessed for income tax on your foreign income. If tax is paid on the Australian sourced income (or may be taxed elsewhere if it is income relating to another country), there are a number of rules that ensure you are not taxed twice on this income. In some cases this will result in a reduction to your UK taxes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose to be taxed on the remittance basis, then you only have to pay tax on any of the income that you actually bring into the UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, in a trade off for this consideration, you will lose any tax-free allowances for income tax and capital gains. You will also be required to pay an annual charge if your residency in the UK exceeds a certain timeframe. This annual charge is 30,000 pounds if you have resided in the UK for at least 7 of the past 9 years, or 60,000 pounds if you have resided in the UK for at least 12 of the past 14 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The remittance basis may be a great option if you are living in the UK for less than 7 years, however, beyond this you would need to assess your situation to determine your optimal position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the remittance basis can get complicated it is best to talk to a UK tax adviser for specific advice. You need to consider your own position, your long term intentions, and where you hold your investments, including rental properties, that are generating taxable income. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOver 2,000 Pounds<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Choice of how UK Taxes are Sorted Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choice 1: You can Simply Choose to Pay UK Taxes on the Income. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Choice 2: You can Claim the \u2018Remittance Basis\u2019. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Seek Appropriate Advice for your Situation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n