After living in Thailand since 2002, I am considering a temporary return to the UK to 'restock' my bank account. Unfortunately, apart from teaching jobs, I have been unable to secure any form of employment in Thailand after the divorce from my Thai wife. But I am being offered IT/telecoms contract employment in the Uk at 45 pounds per hour (similar to what I used to earn many years ago). It would seem sensible to return to the UK, work for a couple of years to put money in the bank, and then return to Thailand, (which I consider as my 'home').

Are there any tax (or other) implications that I need to consider if I return to the UK in the next few weeks? I have no assets or savings in the UK.

As stated, I would expect this return to UK employment to be only temprary, so I want to be aware of any tax-breaks etc.

Thanks

Simon

I'm no Tax expert Simon. But at least this might open up the debate.

My belief is, as long as you have not spent more than an average of 91 days in the UK over that period, you should be ok. If you had been renting out a property, or had other income from the UK, it would have been a different issue but this doesn't seem to affect your situation. I would however, contact the Tax office to confirm.

On another note. The first thing i would do on my return, is to contact the NI office and see where you are upto with your contributions. For a few quid per week, you could up your contributions to get you back on track for your pension rights.

Good luck back in the Uk.

Negotiate a freelance rate,buy and operate through a limited (£99 )company and find a good accountant ....know wot I mean.

Should be Ok for a couple of years.

Hi Simon, I returned to the UK six months ago with my son after 8 years teaching in LOS. I was able to claim jobseekers after an appeal and child benefit for my son. Then I found a job and was able to claim working tax credits and child credits which came to 4200 pounds per tax year based on my income in Thailand which was a low paid teaching job . So you shouldn't have any problems with the taxman. No worries about your NI contributions you can still make it up depending on your age. 45 pounds is good wage in this enconomic climate

So think well before you return But do you really want to come back?

Riceboy