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Tax situation - freelancing in UK, living in Lille?


Tonyb

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I've read the posts on this forum with interest. Most of the income tax queries seem to be from those with employee positions in the UK who also live in France. My query relates to UK freelancing, so I hope someone can help.

My situation is that I work as a freelance video producer in the UK with a sole trader tax status. All the shooting and editing is done in various locations in the UK but all the planning is done from home. My idea is to sell my UK flat and rent in Lille for a year. If it works out I would stay longer. I can use my mother's address in the UK as a contact address/UK base.

I would then commute from Lille to the UK when necessary. Using Euro Tunnel's 'frequent traveller' scheme it will be easy and quite cheap to get to and from the UK when I need to. Over a year I would anticipate being in the UK for eight months and France (cumulatively) for four months. 

As a UK sole trader/freelancer I am paid gross by my clients and I declare my income and expenses at the end of the financial year. As far as I am aware I will be able to maintain this situation if I was to be based in Lille - I simply declare nil earnings in France. Is this correct?

My other concern is registering for French healthcare etc. How does this work if all your earnings are in the UK and you are in France for less than six months of the year?

Hopefully there are some other freelance types on this forum who work in the UK but who live in France who can advise! Thanks in advance.

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"My other concern is registering for French healthcare etc. How does this work if all your earnings are in the UK and you are in France for less than six months of the year?"

If you do not live in France for more than 183 days a year you are not a resident  You do not have to pay taxes here and you are not entitled to French health care.  You would be covered by a UK E 111 for emergency and accident treatment while living here, for all other treatments you would have to get those from your UK Doctor or pay for it in France and claim it back.

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The IR told us in the UK that 'the country where your bum is on the seat at your place of work is the country where you pay tax'. Talk to them - they are actually quite approachable and will give advice and guidance.

Ron's post also says it all - so have a quick chat with those that know. All be best if you do go ahead with this.

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