Contact

News & Insights

Tax and Benefits Across Borders – Don’t Get Caught Out

UK-originated benefits are a problem too; according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it has recently managed to secure £1.1 billion in reclaimed benefits from expats who should not have been receiving payment.

Fraudulent or negligent personal wealth management in Spain would appear to be a particular problem, with as many as 10,000 expats in the country prosecuted or fined for breaches in this regard.

However, it is likely that not all cases of tax and/or benefit fraud are deliberate. Some expats who are unaware of the rules, or confused by them, may make mistakes in good faith or sometimes as a result of negligent wealth management advice.

Fortunately, the DWP is prepared to make some distinction between benefit and pension overpayment cases that are clearly instances of intentional fraud and those that come about as a result of negligent mismanagement or misunderstanding.

In terms of the consequences for misdemeanours, approximately 50% of cases result in individuals being ordered to repay benefits in full, while the rest not only have to repay sums but also receive prosecution and a substantial fine.

HMRC adopts a similar approach to tax errors that are made in good faith and those that are made deliberately.

It is a difficult problem for the British government, HMRC and the DWP to address; nearly 4 million British citizens live outside the UK and there are a complex range of options available for both tax collection and benefit payments. Advice and clarity are clearly essential in this regard.

Tax reporting requirements for investment funds are constantly changing. Many EU countries, including the UK, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, have recently modified or introduced new tax reporting regimes.

Getting it right with Blacktower

As an established wealth management firm in Spain, Germany and other major UK expat hubs, Blacktower has a detailed understanding of all the country-specific and cross-border tax and asset issues that affect you. For more information, contact us today.

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

Top tips for financial planning in Malta

Sunrise over Maltese HarbourMalta’s favourable residency schemes are likely to stay in place for some time after Brexit and this has propelled the Mediterranean archipelago to the top of the list for some UK citizens who are considering their options for relocation in the near future.

And it’s not just retirees who find this destination appealing. Career-movers will find a number of growth industries on the island; however, wage levels are fairly low when compared to the cost of living so you may be unlikely to make your fortune on the island if you are an unskilled worker. Financial advice in Malta is essential if you wish to make the most of your income and assets.

To help you make a start, we have compiled a list of top tips for financial planning in Malta if you have recently made the move or you are considering making it your main place of residence.

Read More

Number of Expats looking for buy-to-let property increases

Buy to LetFor expats, when it comes to money, planning ahead is essential so that your financial future remains stable.

There are several effective ways to get prepared, which include everything from taking out a suitable life insurance policy for expats, moving your pension into an overseas scheme so that you get tax advantages on your retirement savings, and making smart decisions on investment opportunities so they will provide worthwhile returns in the future.

One major investment opportunity that increasing numbers of British expats are keen to be a part of is the buying of UK property to then rent out to tenants – AKA buy-to-let.

Read More

Select your country

Please select your country of residence so we can provide you with the most relevant information: