Earning money through a partnership while travelling abroad - what to do about HMRC?

joecmorgan21

Hi all,

I’ve been part of a software development partnership since 2022, and have filed self assessment for the 22-23 tax year, on behalf of the partnership and myself. We’ve already been paid for 1 invoice in the 23-24 tax year, so I’ll also be submitting a self assessment next year. 

Up until last week I was also in full time employment, however I’ll be leaving the country next week and travelling south east Asia & Australia for between 9-12 months (shouldn’t be over a year). I’ve received my p45 from my old job, and plan to tell HMRC that I’ll be leaving the country. However, I plan on continuing working for the partnership whilst I’m away, as we have more work incoming and I can do it from anywhere in the world. 

That being said, I’m unsure of any implications with HMRC while working abroad and being paid for work. Do I just go about things as normal, paying tax after submitting my self assessment next year? Or will HMRC penalise me/need to be told I’ll be working for a UK based company whilst abroad?

Also, is there anything else Im missing regarding HMRC and travelling for up to the year?

Apologies for asking multiple questions, I just want to make sure I don’t miss anything!

Grumpy_chap

For reference, the OP also has a thread in the Small Biz board:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6477809/earning-money-through-a-partnership-while-travelling-abroad-what-to-do-about-hmrc#latest

Quite reasonable that different advice may be obtained from the different parts of the forum.

[Deleted User]

joecmorgan21 said:

Hi all,

I’ve been part of a software development partnership since 2022, and have filed self assessment for the 22-23 tax year, on behalf of the partnership and myself. We’ve already been paid for 1 invoice in the 23-24 tax year, so I’ll also be submitting a self assessment next year. 

Up until last week I was also in full time employment, however I’ll be leaving the country next week and travelling south east Asia & Australia for between 9-12 months (shouldn’t be over a year). I’ve received my p45 from my old job, and plan to tell HMRC that I’ll be leaving the country. However, I plan on continuing working for the partnership whilst I’m away, as we have more work incoming and I can do it from anywhere in the world. 

That being said, I’m unsure of any implications with HMRC while working abroad and being paid for work. Do I just go about things as normal, paying tax after submitting my self assessment next year? Or will HMRC penalise me/need to be told I’ll be working for a UK based company whilst abroad?

Also, is there anything else Im missing regarding HMRC and travelling for up to the year?

Apologies for asking multiple questions, I just want to make sure I don’t miss anything!

No need to tell HMRC anything at all. 

‘Do I just go about things as normal, paying tax after submitting my self assessment next year? ‘

In short - Yes! I really see no basis for some of the scenarios that you have stated e.g. HMRC penalties. You are going away for 9-12 months and coming back. So long as filing commitments are met HMRC has no reason to be interested.

joecmorgan21

Thanks for the reply - glad I was just over-worrying!

joecmorgan21

Thanks for the reply - glad I was just over-worrying!