ChiFRA

Today, more than ever, there is a range of choice when it comes to what you can do with your pension. An unwelcome side-effect of this freedom is an increasing number of scams targeting people with pension savings.

One option open to British expatriates is to transfer their UK pension into a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). For many people this is a suitable way to bring their pension with them when they relocate. However, it is by no means a ‘one size fits all’ solution. It is also a common focus for scammers looking to defraud people out of their pension savings. It is crucial to look at all your options and seek regulated, personalised advice when considering a QROPS or any other pension transfer.

Wealth tax returns need to be submitted by the end of June 2016, for assets held at 31^st December 2015. Married partners need to make separate returns reflecting your share of any joint assets and liabilities in addition to any personal items.  If you are unhappy with your wealth tax liability now is the time to seek advice to see what you can do to reduce your tax bill next year.

Tax planning is a fundamental part of protecting and maximising your wealth.  Yet so many people do not review their tax planning often enough, or do not have all the knowledge they need to set up effective tax mitigation.

There are two key elements to tax planning.  The first is a good understanding of the tax regimes that affect you, so that you are fully aware of your tax obligations and how they impact your income and wealth.  If there are two regimes – for example, you live here in Spain but are also still affected by UK taxation – you need to know how they interact, which country you should pay tax in etc.  The second part is knowing how to apply the rules to your advantage and use compliant arrangements to lower your tax liabilities wherever possible.

For British expatriates, it may seem like financial sense to keep hold of your house in the UK. However, recent changes have generally increased the tax burden for owners of residential properties in the UK.

If you have UK property, it is important to understand what has changed and how you might be affected.