Think list for employees coming to the UK to work

1. Do you need a work permit to work in the UK and if so, have you or your employer obtained one?
2. Have you received a letter of consent to allow your spouse and children to accompany you?
3. Do you understand the concepts of residence, ordinary residence and domicile?
4. Have you considered the impact of the intended duration of your stay in the UK?
5. Have you considered the implications of your banking arrangements?
6. Will you be eligible to continue to pay into your home social security system?
7. Do you know how the UK payroll withholding system PAYE operates?
8. Have you considered the tax implications of the receipt of a bonus after arriving in the UK that relates in part to duties performed in the country of origination?
9. Will you need advice about equity / stock option / deferred compensation arrangements?
10. Have you completed the appropriate UK Inland Revenue arrival forms?
11. Will you continue to pay contributions into a non UK pension plan?
12. Does your employer have corresponding approval for the non UK plan that you are a member of?
13. Are you considering buying a UK property?
14. Will you need to apply for a UK National Insurance number?
15. Have you registered with a UK doctor?
16. Do you understand how the UK self assessment tax return process operates?
17. Are you aware of the documentation you will need from your employer to help you complete your returns?
18. Do you know the current tax rates in the UK?
19. Is your employer paying your relocation expenses to help you and your family with your move to the UK?
20. Does your assignment letter describe intended repatriation arrangements?

Additional points for US citizens/green card holders

1. Are you aware that you will continue to be taxed on your worldwide income and gains?
2. Have you heard of the Foreign Earned Income and Housing Exclusions?
3. Do you know how to qualify for these exclusions?
4. Do you understand that you may not be able to file your first year US return until after April 15 due to waiting to meet the qualification criteria for the exclusions?
5. Will you need to file an annual report of your foreign bank accounts?
6. Will you be selling / renting out a US property?
7. Have you considered whether or not you will continue to be a resident of and therefore liable to state tax in the state that you are moving from?
8. Will your employer stop withholding US tax from your earnings?
9. Do you pay estimated taxes currently?
10. Do you understand how to claim foreign tax credits?
11. Has you employer applied for a certificate of coverage?
12. Are you a member of the US company’s 401K plan?
13. Has your employer received corresponding approval for the 401K plan in the UK to ensure you get relief from UK tax of contribution you pay into the plan?
14. Have you signed an undertaking to ensure that you do not, in future, take any loans out against payments into the 401K plan whilst you are working in the UK?

To find out more about any of the above, please call Alison Asher on +44 (0)20 7549 2826 to find out how Stephen Asher Consulting can help.