There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Spanish residency requirements for British expats in Spain. With only weeks to go until the so-called “do or die” Brexit promised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the question of Spanish residency is still as clear as mud. There are actions we can take to protect ourselves from a […]
Non resident tax Spain
Exposure to non resident tax in Spain can be a concern to anyone owning property there. Many people separate their time between their property in the Costas and their home country. And why not? Who wouldn’t want to ‘escape to the sun’ in the long, cold days of winter! Many also think that they are […]
The French will
It is vitally important to write a French will if you live in France. French inheritance rules are relatively complex. Understanding how they work and what can be done to mitigate tax requires the input of various professional parties. When someone dies without a will, the estate of the deceased is distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy […]
Assurance Vie taxation
Being aware of the rules surrounding Assurance Vie taxation will help with your French tax planning. Sophisticated tax planning strategies are often seen as the preserve of the wealthy. However, anyone can benefit from simple and cost-effective planning opportunities by investing in an Assurance Vie contract. Tax is payable on withdrawals from the investment growth […]
Divorce and pensions: Breaking up is hard to do!
Divorce and pensions related issues can be complicated for parting couples. Divorce seems to be a topical issue these days, what with the pending Brexit divorce of the UK from Europe. Separating assets and agreeing payment of future commitments is difficult and can drag on for much longer than expected or hoped for. Some claim […]
Spanish inheritance tax
Spanish inheritance tax along with general tax legislation falls under the banner of Napoleonic law. Succession and gift tax, Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones (ISD), apply to beneficiaries of gifts and inheritances for Spanish tax residents. ‘Forced heirship’ rules determine how an estate must be divided and what rate of tax applies to beneficiaries. There […]
Domicile and inheritance tax
There are few ‘famous’ legal cases regarding domicile and inheritance tax, but when a celebrity is involved the media will often pick up on it and create newsworthy stories. One such case is that of Richard Burton, the silver screen celebrity of the 50s, 60s and 70s. His oft reported stormy relationship with the equally […]
Double Taxation Treaties and Overseas Pension Transfers
Double Taxation Treaties (DTTs) are legal mechanisms between countries which ensure individuals and companies do not pay tax twice on the same trade, asset or income in both the country of source and that of residence. As such, if a British person who is tax resident in Spain holds assets in the UK, the DTT […]