Consultation on Residency
Over recent weeks, HMRC have issued numerous consultation documents totalling hundreds of pages.
One of these details how individuals will be judged to be resident or not resident in the UK for tax purposes.
The government proposes to introduce a statutory residence test (SRT) to take into account both the amount of time the individual spends in the UK and the other connections they have with the UK.
There are parts of the test where a distinction will be made between:
- arrivers - defined as individuals who were not UK resident in all of the previous three tax years
- leavers - defined as individuals who were resident in one or more of the previous three tax years.
The SRT will:
- determine tax residence for individuals but not companies
- apply for the purposes of income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax
- not apply for non-tax purposes (including national insurance contributions)
- supersede all existing legislation, case law and guidance for tax years following its introduction.
The SRT will have three parts:
- Part A contains conclusive non-residence factors that would be sufficient in themselves to make an individual not resident.
- Part B contains conclusive residence factors that would be sufficient in themselves to make an individual resident.
- Part C contains other connection factors and day counting rules which will only need to be considered by those whose residence status is not determined by Part A or Part B.
The above is part of a consultation process at present. HMRC intend to implement the measures from 6 April 2012.
We will keep you informed of developments but please do contact us if you have any concerns in the meantime.
Internet Link: Press release
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