Author: British Abroad

• Latest HMRC National Insurance Report Feb 2026

  

  The UK took more money in NIC receipts this year – some highlights from a recent HMRC National Insurance report. “Receipts” just means the cash the government actually collected in that tax year. “As a proportion of GDP” means “as a share of the UK’s total output”, so it shows how heavy these taxes were…

• Contracted Out: Explained

  

  Quick answer: If you were contracted out, your State Pension forecast can look lower because some of what you would have built up in the state system got pushed into your work pension instead. That’s why “35 years means full pension” is not always true for everyone. A lot of people see a big list…

• Moving to NZ? Super and UK State Pension

  

  The rules for combining the New Zealand Super and UK State Pension If you retire in New Zealand and you also (plan to) get a UK State Pension, you need to know one rule before you do anything else. New Zealand can treat your UK State Pension as an overseas pension for its own payments.…

• New UK – Portugal Tax Treaty: Pensions, Property and More

  

  If you live in Portugal and you get income from the UK (State Pension, private pension, dividends, rent), the new UK – Portugal tax treaty is coming into force. It sets the ground rules on who can tax what, and when. When the new rules start The treaty was signed in London on 15 September…

• UK Confirms HUGE Class 2 NI Changes For Expats

  

  Voluntary National Insurance contributions are getting more expensive. From April 2026, British expats will face big voluntary Class 2 NI changes for future periods overseas. Only Class 3 rates will be available. 1. HMRC Guidance HMRC quietly issued a policy paper on changes to voluntary contributions for expats. No more Class 2 rates ongoing. Other…

• UK Government Revives Pensions Commission to Confront Crisis

  

  The UK government has announced the revival of the landmark Pensions Commission, tasking it with confronting what many fear is an impending retirement crisis. The move is widely seen as a recognition that the current system is failing to deliver adequate retirement outcomes for future generations. For British expats, particularly those relying on the UK…

• Summer Travel 2025: What You Need to Know About Flights to the UK

  

  This summer, British expats flying back to the UK from somewhere like the Philippines will encounter several significant complications due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The situation remains unstable, with particular concern around Iranian and Israeli airspace closures, US military involvement, and shifting Gulf state alliances. All of this affects flight safety,…

• New IHT on SIPPs in 2027

  

  For British expats who hold Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) or other defined contribution (DC) schemes, these changes are more than just technical adjustments. From 6 April 2027, the UK government will significantly alter the tax treatment of pensions at death. They mark a fundamental shift in how retirement wealth can be passed on to your…

• FAQ – The Guide to Company Pension Freezes

  

  The real questions about company pension freezes 1. Is my company pension (Defined Benefit scheme) going to be frozen?No, not officially. But many schemes are now refusing discretionary increases (like BP and Shell), even when inflation is high. So while your pension may rise by 3% or 5% as guaranteed, if inflation is 8%, you’re…

• British in Israel and Palestine Must Register Now

  

  The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is urging all UK Passport Holders / British in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories to register their presence with the UK government as airspace closures and regional hostilities with Iran continue to escalate. The UK plans to charter flights from Tel Aviv when Israeli airspace opens.…