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Tax evasion

The news is expected to make uncomfortable reading for those who have been arguing that new regulations and disclosure laws have been at last putting an end to the use of so-called tax havens by wealthy people and companies keen to hide their assets from authorities.

In its online report, the BBC says the leaked documents “revealed how the rich and powerful use tax havens to hide their wealth”, as well as to help its clients to “launder money, dodge sanctions and evade tax”.

Those mentioned in the report are UK Politicians, current heads of governments from across the world, dictators, celebrities and the super-rich. Even David Cameron is under pressure to reveal if his family still has cash in tax havens after it was revealed his late father Ian ran an investment fund that never had to pay tax in Britain. But worse was yet to come; British-owned or London-based banks were revealed to be at the heart of the Panama tax scandal.

Leaked documents show that HSBC, Rothschild, Coutts and UBS – all giants of the banking industry – are among the top 10 banks who asked Mossack Fonseca to set up 15,600 offshore companies. HSBC, Britain’s biggest bank and the second largest in the world, helped set up more than 2300 offshore companies, according to leaked documents. Private bank Coutts set up almost 500 offshore companies over the past 40 years, Swiss Bank UBS, whose investment bank is based in London, asked for 1,300 offshore companies for clients.

There are many legitimate ways you can mitigate your tax liabilities, without involving companies in far flung places you have never heard of or been to. If you want to know what your options are, I am here to help you find the right solution to make your money work for you, in the most tax efficient way possible.  Fill in an enquiry form here to find out how we could help you with your finances.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Expats can appeal EU Referendum Act decision

Ballot BoxGood news for British expats who are hoping to prove that the EU Referendum Act 2015 unfairly discriminates against them and their decision to exercise their right to freedom of movement in the EU; they have won the right to launch an urgent appeal against the decision to not grant them a vote in the European Union referendum.

The move comes after Lord Justice Lloyd Jones, sitting with Mr Justice Blake at the High Court in London, earlier ruled that section 2 of the Act did not restrict their rights.

The appeal, which is being led by two British expats, is motivated by a desire to prevent Brexit; an event which would unduly affect the lives of the two million British expats who, should Britain leave the EU, face the possibility of having their lives severely disrupted, together with their plans for their expat regular savings. In fact, according to lawyers representing the expats, they face becoming “resident aliens”.

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The cost of care as an expat

Baby's foot with hospital ID tagBecause many UK expats will still have friends and family living back in the UK, it’s common for them to make frequent trips back and forth between their previous home country and their chosen destination, especially during holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

This arrangement works nicely for many expats, allowing them to enjoy the best of both worlds as they set up a new life in an new location while still being able to retain a taste of home. But it’s not without complication, and it is wise for all expats moving between countries to understand their rights regarding healthcare in every place they visit. Otherwise, they may be left to face the financial consequences if their health take an unexpected turn.

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