Author: British Abroad
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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.…

