Have a question? Like to know more? - Contact us or Call +44-1865 292200 or +44-20 7436 4773, Mon-Fri 8:15am - 5:15pm
Have a question? Like to know more? - Contact us or Call +44-1865 292200 or +44-20 7436 4773, Mon-Fri 8:15am - 5:15pm
3 minute read
Q I’ve just come to the UK to live for the first time, should I be filing UK tax returns whilst I am here? What about if I am only here temporarily?
Not everybody in the UK is required to complete and file a tax return automatically and HMRC list the current criteria on their website (www.hmrc.gov.uk).
Generally, you will be required to file a UK tax return in the following cases:
There are certain other scenarios which will necessitate the filing of a UK tax return but the above selection tend to be those that we see most often.
A One of the key things about the UK individual tax scheme (called Self-Assessment and operated by HMRC) is that the UK only operate independent taxation, meaning that if your spouse or partner has remained in your home country, their income and circumstances do not need to be considered for the purposes of your individual UK taxes.
This can be considered by some new arrivals as beneficial (typically from states that apply tax rates according to total household income levels) and others as a negative (typically from states with high levels of income splitting/transference between spouses or good family benefits).
There are also a couple of common misconceptions about UK taxes which could result in UK taxes not being paid correctly. These include:
Over the last few years, HMRC’s systems have become more adept at finding UK tax ‘avoiders’ – both intentional and unintentional – and it is therefore vital to ensure that you consider your UK tax position and obligations either upon your arrival or prior to arrival where you wish to plan ahead.