Self employed tax question UK or ROI?

gtothec

I work for various organisations as a sort of consultant, so I work on projects for a freelance fee. Last financial year I completed a uk tax return for this.

I've now moved 20 minutes away but technically over the border to the Republic of Ireland where I plan to live for the foreseeable future. I work from my laptop and home office, but the groups I work for are based in Northern Ireland.

Here's my question - Where do I pay tax? UK or ROI?

Thanks:money:

scheming_gypsy

if your company is based in the ROI, i'd say you pay their tax.

Mistral001

You obviously want to pay the lower tax in the UK or else you would not be asking this question. There are EU rules with regard to this as obviously the question arises at every EU border. It was explained to me once by someone who worked in Northern Ireland and lived in The Republic of Ireland that they had to pay the tax that was highest in the two countries. This was an EU rule to stop concentrated residential developments along borders of people wanting to take advantage of lower taxes in neighbouring countries.

Since you both live and work in one country there is no question of waht tax you have to pay. You could get an accommodation for both your business and your residence in the north and you might have a chance, but then it is not unknown for the taxation authorities try to prove by video evidence etc that a scam is being operated and you might end up having to pay tax in both counties.

gtothec

Thanks guys,

Don't mind where I pay tax at all - it's just something that taxes my brain! Not sure of what to do having never lived in the South.

Am I correct in thinking that I will be at year zero here - I haven't paid tax or national insurance or had any credit rating in ROI- I am unknown to the Irish systems? The reason I ask about all these things is becasue I have just found out we are expecting our first baby, and I'm thinking to the future re statutory maternity pay. If I try to claim it in ROI will they say "Who are you?". If I try to claim it in UK it will surely be against the law? It's all so confusing to me!

But yes, re the actual original question - I willprepare a tax return for ROI.

proteuspal

Hi gotothec. Did you ever figure this one out. I am in a similar position. I am self employed in the UK. I am thinking of doing a small amount of self employed work in ROI. I would be able to do it every now and then, not on a regular basis, but if I decide to accept it, it will literally come to only maybe 2,000 euro in the next year. I know this is small, but I like to keep things straight. Last thing I need is a call from Dublin claiming I did something illegal! I realise there are limits, under which you do not pay any tax at all. I think its like 7k ish here in the UK. Since I would be earning around 2k in ROI, is this under the lower income limit and hence I would not need to actually declare it?? If you have gone through this process, then you are the man I need to ask!! Ive searched online, but to no avail at this point. :money::D

agrinnall

The OP's situation was completely different to yours, they were living and working in ROI whereas you are a UK resident doing a small amount of work in ROI. You will definitely have to pay UK tax on it but you'll need to check out the double taxation rules in force with ROI. You can start reading here http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/international/dta-intro.htm but hopefully someone who has done the same as you will be along to give some specific advice.