Self employed based abroad from UK?

[Marath]

Hi all , I'm sure I have heard other people doing this but I cannot seem to find the information elsewhere.
I started by business in the UK as a sole trader nearly 10 years ago. I have just relocated to southern Europe and am wondering if it is absolutely necessary to change to the system here or can I stay registered with HMRC as do my tax returns there - is this legal and or what else do I need to know?

Thanks!

 

[Scalloway]

You need to determine your residence for tax to work out what you need to do. I recommend speaking an accountant in the country you are moving to.

https://www.gov.uk/tax-foreign-income/residence

 

[Darren_Ssc]

Really depends what you do and where your income is coming from. As a digital nomad type of affair it's easy enough to just carry on and say nothing. Above this level it can get complicated.

As Scalloway says, you are best consulting a local expert but, be warned, in southern Europe you are looking at an awful lot of bureaucracy and one expert's advice will often contradict another's.

 

[Newchodge]

As a digital nomad type of affair it's easy enough to just carry on and say nothing.

By that do you mean that you should not do it, but you probably won't be caught?

 

[Darren_Ssc]

By that do you mean that you should not do it, but you probably won't be caught?

Caught doing what, earning income in the UK and paying tax on it?

Until OP says otherwise I will go on what he stated from the outset. Since you missed it:

"..wondering if it is absolutely necessary to change to the system here or can I stay registered with HMRC as do my tax returns there ..."

 

[Newchodge]

Caught doing what, earning income in the UK and paying tax on it?

Until OP says otherwise I will go on what he stated from the outset. Since you missed it:

"..wondering if it is absolutely necessary to change to the system here or can I stay registered with HMRC as do my tax returns there ..."

It was the way you phrased your advice. And it is not accurate. It all depends on where the OP is tax resident and the tax laws there ans the agreements between here and there

 

[Darren_Ssc]

It was the way you phrased your advice. And it is not accurate. It all depends on where the OP is tax resident and the tax laws there ans the agreements between here and there

Here's something else you missed:

'Really depends what you do and where your income is coming from'

 

[SteveHa]

Scalloway has the correct advice. Speak to an accountant in the jurisdiction where you are living, and speak to your UK accountant. There may be double taxation issues to consider, and if you get it wrong and get caught, there are international agreements to ensure that you can escape the long arm of (any) tax man.

 

[Darren_Ssc]

... there are international agreements to ensure that you can escape the long arm of (any) tax man.

Is that a typo?

 

[SteveHa]

It is, I meant "Can't escape".