Contracting abroad- minimium period not to get additional UK tax charged?

[YHB]

Hello,

Currently contracting in Switzerland on an ongoing basis (agency payroll) since 1st June 2008, someone advised me that if I return to the UK after a certain period then no additional tax is due otherwise I would need to pay the difference as its only 19% ish here.

So If I stay here till 1st April ie most of 2008/9 financial year am I okay? as work is plentiful and even if not could take time off to study as the extra tax saved would pay the rent.

Note: I am not returning to the UK each weekend so living here full time whilst here.

[Manic]

Depends on residency, if you are deemed non-resident UK you will pay swiss tax, otherwise UK tax. Note a short period in Switzerland will mean you are UK resident.

Do a search on the the HMRC website.

[NotAllThere]

IR20

Para 2.2 to 2.7

On the face of it, you'll need to stay until April 2010 to qualify. However, it can start immediately if you've left the UK permanently / indefinitely.

[YHB]

Can't I count April & May which I was in UK for, as you have 183 days allowance in the UK?

[expat]

Can't I count April & May which I was in UK for, as you have 183 days allowance in the UK?

No because you weren't then non-resident. IANAL etc.