In previous technical bulletins we have described the widely discussed changes to the regime for the taxation of UK RNDs. The changes embraced many facets of how a RND might structure their wealth. The main considerations for bankable non-UK portfolios are/were:

• Deemed-Domicile status after 15 and not 17 years UK tax residence

• Loss of remittance basis option for Deemed-Domiciles

• Concession of rebasing capital values for those becoming Deemed-Domicile on 6th April 2017

• Concession for all RNDs around the re-segregation of Mixed Funds

• Implementation on 6th April 2017

The normal process to new fiscal legislation in the UK

The delivery of new fiscal legislation in the UK typically follows a well worn path.

• Government announcements, well in advance, of proposed changes to allow interested parties to react and comment (often within an ‘Autumn Statement’)

• The Finance Bill, theatrically announced in Parliament, by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as the Budget Statement (normally in March)

• Final consideration and scrutiny until passage into legislation within a Finance Act, typically before the Summer recess of Parliament (June or July)

These are not normal times

The current RND proposals, first aired in July 2015, were confirmed in a statement in December 2016 following an external consultation process earlier in the autumn. The changes were then included in the Finance Bill in March 2017 and so expected to be integral within the Finance Act 2017. However, we live in unusual times.

Since March, Theresa May has announced a snap election and logistically there is not enough time for the normal processes to proceed.

The RND changes have been dropped from the Finance Act 2017.

What happens now?

No one can say with absolutely confidence what will happen.

RNDs, especially those due to have become Deemed-Domiciled on 6th April 2017, may have already restructured, finalised plans to restructure, intended to use the concessions announced with immediate effect from 6th April,….

The UK Government endeavours to portray itself and the Country as a jurisdiction of stability; a haven of relative certainty. The Conservative Party is effectively committed to these changes. To alter course now would be most unlikely.  Yet, will they win the election?

The most likely outcome?

The following is offered with as many caveats as you wish.

• The Conservatives win the snap election with an enlarged majority.

• The new Government seeks to implement (within Finance Act No. 2 2017) all/most of the planned legislation announced within the 2017 Finance Bill.

• The RND changes are effective from 6th April 2017 (2018?)

Comments

In the UK we have grown used to major fiscal changes being announced each year in March.  These changes, as part of the Budget Statement, then become effective either that evening  or at the start of the next fiscal year (i.e. 6th April); the subsequent legislation underpinning these changes following some months later.

Maybe the process needs to change and so not leave us with the situation we experience now?

UK RNDs should most probably assume that the new regime, as proposed, will come into legislation. The re-structuring plans and tools discussed over recent months should still deliver the planned benefits.

Disclaimer

The content of this memorandum is solely intended for information purposes and is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any life assurance product. Neither is the information intended to constitute any form of legal, fiscal or investment advice and it should therefore not be used to replace appropriate professional advice obtained from a suitable qualified professional source. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained herein. IIII Ltd is not authorised to give financial advice.