Understanding all of the available investment options for ex-pats can be complex and confusing as well as time-consuming, with many British ex-pats are not taking full advantage of tax favourable options available to them.
Expats are generally familiar with the term ‘offshore investment bond’ – which essentially is a life insurance policy acting as a ‘wrapper’ inside which a number of different investment funds can be held. Such bonds are available even to UK residents, but ex-pats and non-UK residents have access to offshore versions of these bonds, typically domiciled in places such as the Isle of Man or Guernsey.
Many ex-pats will already be aware that the offshore bonds provide tax-efficient investment solutions, as the bond will not be subject to capital gains tax and can provide deferred income tax. This can help substantially increase the long-term value of the investment through compound or tax-free growth.
While this seems tempting for shorter-term gains, ex-pats still worry about what tax liabilities will occur if or when they choose to return to live in the UK, and when the bond is finally encashed.
Time Apportionment Relief (TAR) is a tax reduction method not as commonly known to ex-pats, but nevertheless provides compelling benefits to ex-pats returning home and means they could be entitled to significant reductions in capital gains tax due.
TAR is calculated in proportion to the time spent as a resident outside of the UK taken as a percentage of the total length of time the bond is held. The TAR will even apply to any additional investments made into the bonds AFTER the person moves back home and is ‘domiciled’ in the UK once more.
For example, A UK ex-pat living in Europe decides to invest £250,000 in an offshore bond. He remains ‘offshore’ for exactly three more years and then returns to the UK. Any additional investments he makes into the bond after this point are considered (for tax relief purposes) to have been made at the outset of the investment. A further three years pass and he encashes the bond which is now worth £300,000, realising a total gain of £50,000. Because he was resident outside of the UK for exactly half of the six-year investment period, TAR would mean that only 50% of his capital gain (£25,000) would be liable to UK tax instead of the full amount.
Such simple ways of providing tax relief are not always taken advantage of simply because many UK ex-pats do not understand the true benefits. However this is an incredibly efficient avenue for British ex-pats to ensure more of their capital is being retained, and even people working away from the UK for as short a period as one tax year may still be able to take advantage of TAR. The bonds themselves are incredibly easy to set up, generally provide access to a huge platform of individual security options, and can be managed completely in line with your personal investment objectives.
If you are a UK ex-pat who is interested in taking advantage of the offshore bond market, or perhaps you may be returning to the UK and need to clarify your eligibility
For more information, please contact me. I will be happy to help with whatever questions you have. www.rgwealthsolutions.com +6011-51565649
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