ballak

I am starting a new role soon in Saudi and I wanted to know if anyone have contact details for a good tax advisor. So far I have had mixed feedback from brits and recruiters working in the middle east with recruiters often claiming it is tax free and you pay nothing back to the UK govt. However, some expats I have spoken with have said they have had to make non resident declarations and the .gov website also suggests there are tax deduction based on the residency classification. My problem is interpretation of the residency classification for tax purposes is not as straigh forward. Is there anyone that can share the details of a certified and experienced tax advisor? Also please comment on your personal experiences with regards to eligibility of tax payments back to UK on foreign income whilst living abroad.

I have no businesses
No mortgage
Children and wife will be joining me after six months.

thanks in advance

UKexpat2021

Key thing to think about is the timing you depart and when you come back to the UK (not always in your control). Any UK based accountant should be able to advise you on this along with the resident form

TopNik

Hello ballak,

As UKexpat2021 said, the key factor is timing!

ballak

What or when is a good time. Its not really in my control in that respect. I am due to start remotely on 15th OCTOBER and onsite on 23. When is a good time and what is the difference we are talking about.

UKexpat2021

The timing I am referring to is in relation to the UK tax year. Go see an accountant and they help you with your situation. For full tax years abroad you should not pay tax whilst in saudi, it is the split/stub years that you need to advice with

Millhouse

leave in the first three months of the year you go and return as close to April 4 as possible in the year you return.

TopNik

Just to be clear, the UK tax year ends on 05 April.

Millhouse

Oops yes. Don’t listen to the internet.

ballak

Thank you UKexpat2021

ballak

thanks millhouse. not in my control and not that lucky unfortunately. lool

ballak

hahahaha. Thanks again.
I have booked a brief consultation with an accountant for tomorrow morning and hopefully not too much to be paid.

I am sure I wont be told everything and will probably give me a price list of services first.

doankim

hi there can you share the advice you were given on this please?

Lfqopati

the 180 days rule being very important to define residency in the first year

TopNik

Hello Lfqopati,

That is not correct.

Individual circumstances need to be looked at in detail to determine under the Statutory Residence Test (which was introduced by HMRC with effect from the 2013/14 UK tax year) which of those tests an individual passes which in turn determines their residence status for that tax year.

The area of residence is complex so professional advice should be taken.

Johnnyboy11

Best get specialist, professional advice on how to become and remain UK non-resident for income tax purposes, which will vary depending on your personal circumstances and is more difficult than you might initially think. You are currently UK resident and liable for UK income tax on your worldwide earnings, and will remain so until you are confirmed as UK non-resident, which in your case will be 6th April 2024 at the very earliest (one full UK tax year overseas). In certain circumstances you can split the tax-years that you leave and return to the UK, but again this depends on your personal circumstances. From what you've posted you should aim to meet the Third Automatic Overseas Test (Working full-time overseas) and keep good records to prove this if required.
There's a good flowchart on the Statutory Residence Test here.

Good luck with your new role in Saudi, the weather should be nice when you arrive...