Are you being kept in the UK due to the Coronavirus and worried how it is going to affect your UK Non-Residence status?

Posted on 30th March 2020 by Streets


Image to represent Are you being kept in the UK due to the Coronavirus and worried how it is going to affect your UK Non-Residence status?

One of the impacts of the Coronavirus is that it is preventing people from moving freely to and from the UK and as a result, many Non-UK Residents who planned to visit the UK for a short period of time have found themselves having to remain in the UK for much longer.


Many Non-UK Residents will be familiar with the Statutory Resident Test (SRT) for the purposes of ensuring they keep in check their residence status. If as a result of the Coronavirus they are stuck in the UK, they may be concerned that the additional time they are now having to spend in the UK could have an impact on their Non-UK Residence status.

There are rules where, based on the facts and circumstances of each case, days in the UK can be disregarded due to exceptional circumstances beyond the individual’s control.

HMRC have updated their guidelines to confirm if you:

  • are quarantined or advised by a health professional or public health guidance to self-isolate in the UK as a result of the virus
  • find yourself advised by official Government advice not to travel from the UK as a result of the virus
  • are unable to leave the UK as a result of the closure of international borders, or
  • are asked by your employer to return to the UK temporarily as a result of the virus

these circumstances are considered exceptional.

As we understand it, the rules only allow an additional 60 days in the UK.

If, due to the Coronavirus, you have found yourself in the UK for longer than you had planned then it is important you seek advice regarding your Residence Status and whether you have breached the UK day count and need to understand your position with regards to the exceptional circumstances relief.

Disclosures will need to be made on your UK Tax Return and you will need to retain evidence of the circumstances that made you stay in the UK.

HMRC may be sympathetic to this situation and provide a light touch approach. However, it is far better to be prepared, understand your position and seek advice.

For more information on how we can help, please get in touch.


No Advice

The content produced and presented by Streets is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice. Furthermore, it should not be considered a recommendation or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities or other form of financial asset. The information provided by Streets is of a general nature and is not specific for any individual or entity. Appropriate and tailored advice or independent research should be obtained before making any such decisions. Streets does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of obtaining Streets' visual or audible content.

Information

The content used by Streets has been obtained from or is based on sources that we believe to be accurate and reliable. Although reasonable care has been taken in gathering the necessary information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information we publish and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions in material. You should always seek specific advice prior to making any investment, legal or tax decisions.


Expert insight and news straight
to your inbox

Related Articles


When you must register for VAT

The taxable turnover threshold for VAT registration is currently £90,000 and has applied since April 2024. Businesses must register for VAT if they meet one of the following conditions: At the end of any month, the value of taxable supplies made


Tracing lost pension details

An online service is available on GOV.UK at www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details to help people find their lost pension funds. You can use this service to find contact details for: your own workplace or personal pension scheme; or someone


Relief for company tax losses

Corporation Tax relief may be available when a company or organisation incurs a trading loss, a loss on the sale or disposal of a capital asset, or on property income. Tax relief may be available to reduce Corporation Tax by offsetting it against

You might also be interested in...