Yet another "how can I offshore my company" question

[Katalyst]

I realize that being a UK resident, working in the UK might cause some issues trying an Isle of Man scheme. But I now live in France and would be working in the UK on weekdays. Essentially, France is going to still consider me a resident there.

Suppose I open an Isle of Man co., but only pay myself a minimal salary in the UK (enough to pay rent and meals). On that amount, I'll obviously pay taxes. The rest of the money I'd repatriate to France where I need the bulk of the money.

Is there any way to play this?

[SueEllen]

Nope.

If you work through a UK agency they will probably not deal with an Isle of Man company as they don't want any problems with HMRC themselves.

If you are working in the UK for over 183 days then you have to pay tax in the UK. As you are a resident in France, France also has a claim on your income regardless of how long you are working in the UK.

However what you should be looking at is what country can I pay the lowest tax in regardless of the time I spend there?

The most efficient way in the UK currently is to have your own limited company and pay a minimal salary to cover NI payments and take the rest out as dividends.

Luckily for you the UK and France have a dual tax agreement. Plus if you are working and also resident in one EU country you can pay you social security (NI) payments in that country.

While the UK has one of the most complicated tax systems in the world France doesn't. Therefore you need to look at how will France tax the dividends.