Common Questions
Questions we hear every day
If your question isn’t here, book a free call — we answer everything directly with no obligation.
International Tax & Global Mobility
Do I need to register with HMRC when I arrive in the UK?
Yes — if you have any income from employment, self-employment, property, or overseas sources, you almost certainly need to register for Self-Assessment and file a UK tax return. The timing matters: ideally you should register within the first few months of arrival. We handle this entire process for clients and ensure you’re compliant from day one.
What is the Statutory Residence Test and does it affect me?
The Statutory Residence Test (SRT) is the legal framework HMRC uses to determine whether you are a UK tax resident. It considers days spent in the UK, your connections here, and other factors. Your status determines which of your worldwide income and gains is subject to UK tax. Getting this wrong in either direction can be very costly. We provide a full SRT analysis for all mobility clients.
Do you work with clients based outside the UK?
Yes — a significant portion of our clients are based outside the UK or split their time between countries. We work remotely with clients worldwide and have particular expertise with clients from the Gulf region, South Asia, and Europe. All consultations are conducted by video or phone, and all documentation is managed digitally.
Leaving the UK — Destination-Specific
I'm moving to the UAE / Dubai — do I still owe UK tax?
This is one of the most common questions we receive — and one of the most misunderstood. Simply moving to Dubai does not automatically end your UK tax obligations. You must formally break UK tax residency under the Statutory Residence Test, which involves meeting specific day-count and connection tests. If done incorrectly, HMRC can still tax your worldwide income for the year of departure and beyond. We handle the full exit process — from split-year treatment to closing your UK tax position — ensuring you genuinely start your UAE chapter with a clean slate. The UAE has no personal income tax, but your UK property, pensions, and investments still have UK implications that need careful management.
I'm relocating to the United States — what do I need to know about UK tax?
The UK-US tax situation is particularly complex because the US taxes its citizens and residents on worldwide income regardless of where they live, and the UK also has its own exit obligations. Key issues include: breaking UK residency correctly under the SRT; the UK-US double taxation treaty, which determines where different income types are taxed; treatment of ISAs (not recognised as tax-exempt by the IRS); UK pensions (require specific treaty elections to avoid double taxation); and any UK property or investments remaining after departure. We work through all of this with you before you leave, so there are no surprises on either side of the Atlantic.
I'm moving to Singapore — are there UK tax implications I need to plan for?
Yes — and they are often underestimated. Singapore has no capital gains tax, which makes timing your departure strategically important if you hold UK assets with embedded gains. The UK-Singapore double taxation treaty provides relief in certain areas, but UK-sourced rental income and property sales still have UK reporting obligations even after you leave. Split-year treatment determines which part of your departure year is subject to UK tax. We help you plan the optimal departure date, manage the crystallisation of gains, and ensure your UK tax affairs are properly closed before you settle in Singapore.
I'm leaving for Canada — what happens to my UK investments and pensions?
Canada and the UK have a comprehensive double taxation treaty, but the interaction between the two systems still requires careful planning. Key areas include: the treatment of UK pension income in Canada (generally taxable there, with treaty relief); UK ISAs (not recognised as tax-exempt by the Canada Revenue Agency); capital gains on UK property (still reportable to HMRC); and the deemed disposition rules in Canada that treat you as having sold all your assets on departure. We guide you through a coordinated exit and arrival plan that accounts for both tax systems simultaneously, typically starting 6–12 months before your planned departure date.
I'm moving to Europe (EU countries) — what should I be aware of?
Post-Brexit, the UK’s relationship with EU member states is governed by bilateral double taxation treaties rather than EU-wide rules. This means your situation depends on which specific country you’re moving to — France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and others each have different treaty terms with the UK. Common issues include: how your UK pension is taxed in your new country of residence; whether UK rental income is still taxed in the UK (usually yes); capital gains on UK assets; and whether your new EU country applies exit taxes or wealth taxes. We provide destination-specific advice for all major EU jurisdictions, and help you structure your affairs in the most tax-efficient way across both systems.
Real Estate & Property
Is it better to hold UK property personally or through a limited company?
It depends entirely on your situation — your income level, number of properties, financing, and long-term goals. For some clients a company structure saves significant tax; for others it makes no sense. This is one of the most common questions we receive, and it requires a proper analysis of your circumstances. That’s exactly what our free consultation covers.
I own property in the UK but live abroad — what are my tax obligations?
Non-resident landlords still have UK tax obligations on rental income. You must either pay withholding tax via your letting agent or apply to HMRC to receive rent without deduction and file a UK tax return. Capital gains on UK residential property must also be reported to HMRC within 60 days of completion. We manage all of this for overseas landlords.
How can I legally reduce stamp duty when buying a property?
There are several legitimate strategies depending on your circumstances — including first-time buyer relief, multiple dwellings relief, and purchasing via a company structure in certain cases. The right approach depends on what you’re buying, who’s buying it, and what else you already own. This is something we assess on a case-by-case basis, and the savings can be substantial.
Business Finance & Advisory
My business is losing money — where should I start?
The first step is always a thorough review of where money is going — not just P&Ls, but contracts, subscriptions, payroll structure, supplier agreements, and operational inefficiencies. Most businesses can reduce operating costs by 10–20% without cutting capability. We also look immediately at whether you’re claiming all available tax reliefs and allowances, as this is often the fastest route to improved cash position.
Does my business qualify for R&D tax credits?
Many more businesses qualify than most people realise — the definition of qualifying R&D activity is broader than just software or laboratory work. If your business has worked on any kind of technical or scientific uncertainty to develop or improve a product, process, or service, you may qualify. We carry out a full R&D eligibility assessment as part of our initial engagement for all business advisory clients.
What makes Ausaf different from a general accountant?
A general accountant handles a wide range of clients across all sectors and service types. We focus exclusively on three areas: international tax and UK mobility, real estate and investment structuring, and strategic business finance. This depth of specialisation means our advice is significantly more sophisticated — and our results reflect that. We’re not cheaper than a generalist; we’re more effective.
Working with Ausaf
How long does the free consultation take and what will we cover?
30 minutes. We’ll understand your situation, identify the one or two areas where specialist advice will make the biggest difference, and give you a clear view of your options. There is no obligation and no sales pitch — just honest, focused advice. You can book a slot directly on this website and pick a time that works for you.
Can I switch to a different plan later?
Yes. All our monthly retainers can be upgraded, downgraded, or cancelled with one month’s notice. We don’t believe in locking clients in — if we’re doing our job well, you won’t want to leave. Many clients start with an entry-level package and expand their engagement as their situation grows in complexity.
Still have questions?
Book a free call — we’ll answer whatever you need, with no obligation and no sales pitch.