Working on a Ship what do i do?

nicola.mattey

Hello everyone,
I really need some help!
I have been working abroad on a cruise ship for 2 years and keep being told lot of different things regarding tax by different people. Tried seeking help from HMRC that got me nowhere, and when i tried to do what i thought was the right thing i've been fined left right and centre!! my friends are telling me not to do anything at all. i have no UK income whatsoever, am i just wasting my money in unecessary fines!?
PLEASE point me in the direction of someone who can help!

I have tried the whole Self Assessment and foreign income thing but its so confusing but i cant help but think i'm putting all the wrong answers in and making things worse.

Nicola, Birmingham

agrinnall

Fined by who for what?

Perhaps you should find an accountant to help you out, it'll cost you some money but if you can't do it yourself and it's leading to fines then it may be money well spent.

getmore4less

There must be other Brits working on the ship(Disney) that know about seafarer taxation for UK nationals.

anonandy

You do not earn foreign income on a cruise ship if you still live in the UK, or will bring your money home to the UK after your trip. This rule was set so the next paragraph makes sense:

I am a seafarer and to claim my tax back/keep my no tax status I claim Seafarers Earning Deduction (SED). It was made clear to me by my advisors that it is not foreign earnings, despite happening abroad, and claiming this would lead to problems.


I!!!8217;d recommend, as you!!!8217;re already in a bit of a tizzy, to contact a seafarers accountant to take your file and sort it out. Their normal charge is a flat rate of £200. Seafarer!!!8217;s tax is a doddle if you do it right from the start, but is a huge expensive mess if you get it wrong at the start. A sea tax accountant will see you on your merry way with your money remaining in your pocket.