UK Residents: Would you pay less tax if you lived abroad?

The average rate for the higher earner would increase from 51% to 67% if the UK imported the Belgian tax system. That would be an extra £91,000 in tax revenue.

The countries that raise more in tax than the UK almost all do this by raising more from income tax and social security contributions.

Compared with European countries, the UK stands out most in its relatively light taxation of middle earners’ incomes. Rates for high earners are closer to those seen elsewhere.

If the UK imported the tax system of another European country that raises more tax, average rates would increase for high earners but middle earners would be the most affected.

What other taxes does the government collect?

The amount the UK raises from other taxes is similar to that of other developed countries.

For example, VAT – the 20% tax charged when we buy many goods – is close to levels seen elsewhere. The same goes for corporation tax – the 19% charged on businesses’ profits.

Income tax, social security contributions and VAT are the three largest taxes in all developed countries.

They typically bring in over 70% of total government income from taxes.

But, similarities in the amounts raised by certain taxes can mask important differences in who is paying them.

In the UK, zero or reduced rates of VAT are charged on many items, including food or children’s clothes.

Together, these reduced rates cost £53bn each year.

This approach is intended to help those on lower incomes. However, because richer households spend most on these items, they benefit more.

An alternative approach could be to apply the full 20% VAT rate to a wider range of goods, to raise more money. This could be used to fund benefits or income tax cuts for those who are less well-off.

Careful choices

Whether we choose to have higher or lower taxes matters for the level and quality of public services the government provides.

Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that the government tax plans would cost the government tens of billions of pounds.

There is a lot to think about.

For example, pressures will continue to grow on the NHS, largely because of our ageing population. That will make health and social care more expensive.

It is likely that we will need higher taxes in future if we want to maintain the quality of public services. But how we raise tax can be just as important as how much we raise.

Whatever choices we make, we need to keep one important thing in mind – who’s paying?

For discussions on your taxation, whether you are thinking of becoming an expat or returning back to the UK, get in touch HERE

Mike Coady is an award-winning financial expert and a well-known leader in the financial industry.

Having taken two of his previous firms to Chartered Status in the UK and also achieved the prestigious National IFA of the Year Award – Highly Commended.

Mike is qualified to UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) standards, a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, a Fellow of the Institute of Sales Management (FISM), and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (FIoD).

Blog originally posted by the BBC.