Promotion and office/country move - claim flight on tax?

[estate]

I've been offered a new role with my company in their London head office.

I'm funding my own way over there. Does anyone know whether I can claim the cost of the flight back on tax either here or in the UK?

I realise this may be better placed on a tax forum, but thought it was worth asking here as well. Thanks for your help.

 

[newformula]

I would imagine it will depend on whether you will be paid in GBP or AUD, i.e. by the UK or AU office. From my limited knowledge of both systems, I believe if you continue to be paid in AUD it might be claimable, but if it's a completely new role being paid in the UK in GBP then I don't think it would - I think you would then be a UK resident for tax purposes and I doubt the incoming travel into the UK would be eligible. You never know though - clearly someone else with more info needs to weigh in.

 

[markis10]

Relocation expenses are a deduction to an employer but are classed as a private expense if paid for my an employee, so they are not deductable under Australian law, that may be irrevelant if you no longer qualify as an Australian Tax Payer. Suggest you get professional advice, there are many different things to consider besides airfare deductability.

 

[simongr]

The UK system tends to work on the principle of "wholly, exclusively and necessarily" for work purposes. So if you self funded a trip there for a three weeks say you might get away with it in the UK. If taking a permanent job in the UK then it is unlikely to get past the tax man.

 

[estate]

I figured it was a bit of a longshot - thanks very much for your thoughts.

 

[JohnK]

Are you moving there permanently? I don't know all the details but have you looked at living away from home allowance and what is allowed?

 

[HardieBoys]

I'd suggest seeking the advice of an accountant who is experienced with relocation.

If you're seconded from your current job in AUS to the UK, then you should be able to claim it off your tax. Additionally, you may be eligible for a LAFHA (Living away from home allowance) which is calculated on a daily rate. My understanding is that if you've resigned your job in AUS, and are travelling to take up a new job in the UK, then that's a different matter.

 

[trooper]

Just curious... (seriously)

WHY is the OP funding the move?

 

[Sprucegoose]

I've been offered a new role with my company in their London head office.

I'm funding my own way over there. Does anyone know whether I can claim the cost of the flight back on tax either here or in the UK?

I realise this may be better placed on a tax forum, but thought it was worth asking here as well. Thanks for your help.

I would pay for the advice. nothing more unreliable than unrenumerated tax advice.

 

[estate]

Thanks for the further thoughts.

I've looked into LAHFA, but since, yes, it is a permanent position and I'm also a British citizen (I'm Australian first and foremost, but I'm British as well, by, and for, convenience) I'm told I don't qualify.

I'm funding my own way over there because it's not a particularly senior role. I'm quite young and this is as much for my career progression as it is for anything else. I considered asking the company to fund relocation costs but since the small amount of furniture I do own will be stored here for a few years, those costs are minimal. I negotiated a better salary instead.

I might place a call to an accountant this week, that's a good point about free tax advice! (Helpful advice in this thread not included, of course.... )

 

[trooper]

Thankyou! That makes sense!