Ask James – Inheritance Tax

Q:I have lived in Thailand most of my life but I am being told that I am still liable for UK inheritance Tax? Can you please advise?

A: If you are a UK national you automatically obtain the domcile of your father at birth, so assuming he was a UK national then you are also considered a UK domicile and subject to UK inheritance tax on your world-wide assets. Being resident in a foreign country does not changethis.

It is possible to change your domicile but incredibly difficult and you must sever ties with the UK and move the centre of your economic ties to your new country.