Becoming an
Ex Pat Tax Client

Becoming an Ex Pat Tax client is a straightforward process. This page explains the forms, documents, fees and next steps we need to review your tax position and begin acting on your behalf for overseas work and non residence matters.

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Becoming an Ex Pat Tax Client

How Our Client Setup Works​

We follow a structured process to make sure we have everything we need to review your tax position properly. This includes confirming your personal details, understanding your employment situation and obtaining authorisation to speak to HMRC on your behalf.
Once the forms are completed and your documents are received, we begin our full review and confirm the next steps.

What You Can Expect

    • A clear explanation of what we need

    • Straightforward forms and guidance

    • Secure document handling

    • A detailed review of your tax position

    • Support from experienced advisors

What We Need From You

    • Completed forms

    • Employment and income details

    • Travel or overseas work information

    • Any previous tax documents

    • Payment of the initial review fee

When We Start Work

As soon as your forms and documents are received, we begin reviewing your residence position, overseas work details and any reliefs or claims that apply.
We then prepare your tax return or provide tailored advice based on your circumstances.

Get in Touch
Go to Forms

becoming an Ex Pat Tax client

Information We Need Depending on Your Situation

In addition to the standard forms, we ask for different information depending on whether you are about to start work abroad, already working overseas or returning to the UK. Choose one of the three options below to see the information that applies to you.

You intend to start a contract of employment overseas

 If you are preparing to begin a foreign contract, we will ask you about:

    • Whether you are currently in UK employment and when this will end

    • Whether your overseas work will be for a UK employer or a foreign employer

    • How long the overseas contract is expected to last and in which country you will be based, including a copy of the contract

    • Your work and leave rotation under the contract

    • Whether your leave entitlement is more than 90 days a year and if you are willing to limit visits to the UK in order to achieve non residence or tax free status

    • Whether you or your employer will pay foreign tax on your duties

    • Any UK income you will continue to receive while abroad such as rental income or bank interest

    • Whether HMRC has been told you are going abroad

    • Whether you currently complete Self Assessment returns and your 10 digit UTR number

You are already working abroad

If you are already overseas, we will ask for:

    • The date you stopped working in the UK

    • The date you started working abroad

    • How long each foreign contract is expected to last and in which countries you have worked, plus copies of all contracts

    • Your work and leave rotation for each contract

    • Whether your leave entitlement is over 90 days and if you restrict visits to the UK to support non residence or tax free status

    • Whether you or your employer pay foreign tax on your overseas duties

    • Any UK income you continue to receive such as rental income or bank interest

    • Whether you told HMRC you were going to work abroad and any correspondence you have had while overseas

    • Whether you complete and file Self Assessment returns and your 10 digit UTR number

    • Whether you have had more than one overseas contract and if there were breaks between them, including the dates those contracts ended and began

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You are ceasing employment abroad and returning to the UK or retiring

If you are coming back to the UK after working overseas, or you are retiring, we will ask you about:

    • How long you have been working abroad and in which countries

    • Your work and leave pattern while overseas

    • Whether you limited time in the UK by spending holiday periods abroad

    • Whether you or your employer have paid foreign tax on your duties

    • Any UK income you have received while working abroad and whether it will continue when you return

    • Whether you originally told HMRC you were going to work overseas and any letters or contact you have had since

    • Whether you complete Self Assessment returns and your 10 digit UTR number

    • Any breaks between foreign contracts and the dates they stopped and started, with copies of the contracts

    • Whether you plan to take up UK employment again or retire and receive UK pensions

Become a client

One off appraisal option​

If you only require a one off appraisal of your position, to avoid completing a full client set up, you can send us the information listed in one of the options above.

The fee for a one off appraisal is 100 pounds plus VAT, a total of 120 pounds.

After we have completed the appraisal, if you decide that you would like to appoint us as your personal income tax agents, you can then complete the standard client forms and pay the balance of the fees. The remaining fee will be confirmed once we know how many tax years require our attention.

Step 1:
Complete Your Forms

To begin working with you we need the following documents:

1. Form 64 8
This authorises us to speak to HMRC on your behalf and access your tax information.

2. SA1 Registration Form
Only needed if you are not already registered for Self Assessment.

3. Confidential Fact Find
A short form that gives us the key information we need about your income, employment and personal details.

4. Signed Terms of Business
These explain how we work with you and outline our responsibilities and yours.

All forms can be downloaded from the Forms page.

Step 2:
Provide Supporting Information

We also need supporting documents which may include:

    • Your most recent P45 or P60

    • Details about your overseas work

    • Dates of travel

    • Payslips or foreign tax certificates

    • Any information on UK property or other income

Clear documents help us review your tax position accurately.

Step 3:
Pay the Initial Review Fee

A one off fee of £528 (Five hundred and twenty eight pounds) including VAT covers:

    • Setting up your file

    • Reviewing your circumstances

    • Checking your residence position

    • Assessing overseas income

    • Confirming what tax reliefs apply

For more complex cases an appraisal fee may apply. We confirm this before any work begins.

Step 4:
Your Review Begins

Once your forms, documents and payment are received, we begin our full review.
We check:

    • Your residence status

    • Your overseas work pattern

    • Any claims such as SED or Foreign Tax Credit Relief

    • Any UK income that must be reported

    • Whether HMRC requires additional information

You will be notified if anything further is needed and advised on your next steps.

becoming an Ex Pat Tax client

Become a client

Existing Clients Working Overseas

If you have already started work abroad, we may ask for:

    • Contract start and end dates

    • Employer details

    • Country of work

    • Days spent in and out of the UK

    • Evidence of overseas tax paid

    • Details of accommodation and UK ties

This helps us confirm whether you meet the Statutory Residence Test.

Ready to Become a Client

If you have any questions about the setup process or need help completing your forms, our team is here to help.

FAQs Contact the Team

Becoming a Client

Frequently Asked Questions​

These are some of the most common questions from new clients before getting started. If you are unsure about the process, these answers will help you understand what to expect.

Ready to get started

Send us your details and we will review your situation and explain the next steps clearly.

  • +44 191 740 0450
  • admin@expattax.co.uk

Once you contact us, we review your enquiry and get back to you to understand your situation. We will explain your position, outline the next steps and confirm how we can help.

We usually ask for basic details about your work, travel and UK ties, along with any relevant documents such as tax returns or HMRC correspondence. This helps us assess your position accurately.

No. We will explain your options clearly so you can decide whether to proceed. There is no obligation to move forward until you are comfortable.

Our fees depend on the complexity of your situation. We will outline the costs clearly before any work begins so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes. Once authorised, we can communicate with HMRC for you, respond to enquiries and manage your tax matters directly.

This depends on your circumstances and the type of work involved. Simple cases can be resolved quickly, while more complex situations may take longer. We will keep you informed throughout.

We regularly work with complex cases involving overseas work, multiple income sources and changing circumstances. We will review your position and provide clear, practical advice.

Yes. We handle all client information securely and ensure your data is treated confidentially at all times.