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What taxes can I get back when returning to my home country?
The question is, what taxes can you get back if you decide to return to your home country or leave the United Kingdom permanently? Let’s take a look at what is currently in place and what you should do.
So, if you decide to leave the UK, you must first find out if there are any changes to your tax payments and notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
You must inform HMRC if:
- You leave the UK to live or work abroad.
- You are returning to live in the country of which you are a citizen, or you are leaving to live and work in another foreign country after living and working in the UK for some time.
If you are employed and have decided to leave before the end of the current financial year, you will need to fill in the P85 form “Leaving the UK – getting your tax right”. You must attach the P45 form to the completed form, which is issued by the employer after terminating the employment relationship with the employee. Originals must be attached, copies will not be accepted.
HMRC will review the information you have provided on the completed form and let you know if you are entitled to a refund.
Here are the answers to FAQs on this topic:
I am registered as self-employed, but I have not been active. Do I have to report this?
In this case, you must submit your last annual income tax return or inform HM Revenue & Customs that you have ceased to operate. Failure to do so and leaving the country will result in fines.
Who can get a tax refund before the end of the financial year?
Almost anyone who has worked and paid income tax in the United Kingdom and decided to leave the country permanently or temporarily, but for at least one financial year.
Can I get a refund of all the fees I paid?
Unfortunately, it will only be possible to recover overpaid taxes. This will depend on the amount of income you received and the taxes you paid. If your earned income is below the tax-free allowance (£9,440 in the 2013-14 financial year, £10,000 in the 2014-15 financial year) and you still paid income tax, you can get that money back.
Can I calculate myself how much tax I would get back?
When you leave your job, your employer must give you a P45 form, which tells you how much you earned and how much tax was paid. You can then use an online calculator for this purpose or contact specialists who will help you calculate the amount of tax to be refunded.
Is it possible to get a tax refund for the previous financial year?
Taxes can be reclaimed for the last four years if you have the P60 and P45 forms for the relevant financial year.
When can I request a refund of overpaid fees?
You can request a refund of overpaid taxes and fill in the P85 form immediately after your employment has ended and your employer has issued you with a P45 form.
Can I get my National Insurance Contributions back as well?
No, social security contributions are non-refundable.
What documents should I bring when returning to my home country?
There is no single list of documents that should be brought back from abroad. Applicants for social benefits will need special European forms (E104, U1, U2, etc.). If you do not apply for benefits, but just want to transfer your work experience abroad, you do not need additional documents, the most important thing is to inform the authorities of the EU country where you work.
However, we can advise you to bring the following documents:
- Documents related to your periods of employment and past employment relationships, that is:
- employment contract(s);
- pay slips or certificates of earned income;
- U1 form (if you apply for unemployment benefits in your country);
- U2 form (if you are currently receiving unemployment benefits in another EU country and would like to transfer it to your country);
- P60 and P45 forms (if you worked in the UK or Ireland);
- pensioner’s certificate, if you are retired.
Documents of paid social insurance contributions, that is:
- Form E104;
- Social insurance certificate with number;
- When leaving the United Kingdom, it is advisable to obtain a statement of taxes paid to HMRC (Statement of National Insurance contributions).
Also, in certain cases, you should have forms S1/E106 (if you plan to live in your country, but work and/or pay social insurance in another EU country) or S2/E112 (if you return to your home country for planned treatment).
Documents related to children’s education, educational programs completed abroad, or part of them.
When returning just for a visit, you should also have a European health insurance card with you in case you need medical help. This card would be free for you.
An international driver’s license, if you do not have one issued in an EU country.
