‘It is a pity that the introduction of a statutory test for residence has been put back a year. Many individuals who lead international lives therefore face another year of uncertainty’, says James Johnston a partner at Bircham Dyson Bell.
TODAY THE TREASURY released the draft legislation for the Finance Bill 2012 for consultation. Although this included a package of reforms to the taxation of non-domiciled individuals, an accompanying written Ministerial Statement stated that the introduction of a statutory test for residence has been deferred to 2013.
Commenting on this news, James Johnston, a partner in the Private Wealth Department of Bircham Dyson Bell Solicitors, said,’It is a pity that the introduction of a statutory test for residence has been put back a year. Many individuals who lead international lives therefore face another year of uncertainty.
It is however, reassuring that the Government has restated its commitment to a statutory residence test, and on balance good legislation is better than rushed legislation. It will be important for the extra time to be used to consult fully on the practical implications.’