Earning money from overseas while on tier two

Hi all,

Quick question - I'm switching to a tier two in a couple of months when I go back home for a holiday (currently on tier 5). Sponsorship and everything is all good. I'm working as a paramedic, that is my main occupation, but I also write fiction and occasionally get paid for it.

I understand I cannot earn money outside of my occupation in the UK. Are there any restrictions on earning money outside of the UK? For example, if I submitted things to only US publishers, would that be an issue? Would I have to keep a bank account in Australia open for it to remain "outside" work? (I would prefer to be paid into my british bank account, but I'm not sure if I can do that) And what happens if the rights to something I've published overseas are sold back to the UK?

Thanks for your help. I did look at the .GOV website, but I couldn't find an answer. I understand writing for a publisher in the UK is a no-go, but I'm a bit confused about writing in another country, and about rights being sold back here.

Thanks in advance,

Sian

I think not, tax is due where the work is done, so you'd be liable for UK tax which you'd need to declare.

Of course whether anyone finds out is a different animal, but all it needs is a disgruntled friend......

Wanderer wrote:I think not, tax is due where the work is done, so you'd be liable for UK tax which you'd need to declare.

Of course whether anyone finds out is a different animal, but all it needs is a disgruntled friend......

Yeah, you're probably right - I'd get taxed twice, because I'm working in multiple countries, but probably okay otherwise?

I really wish there was someway to get in contact with them (tried the phone pathway - just ended up with voicemail that directed me back to the website), for more specific questions.

secha6 wrote:Yeah, you're probably right - I'd get taxed twice, because I'm working in multiple countries, but probably okay otherwise?

And, how do you think you declare UK tax for this income when on Tier 2 - employed (cannot) or self-employed (not allowed)??

sushdmehta wrote:

secha6 wrote:Yeah, you're probably right - I'd get taxed twice, because I'm working in multiple countries, but probably okay otherwise?

And, how do you think you declare UK tax for this income when on Tier 2 - employed (cannot) or self-employed (not allowed)??

Good point. But I would not be employed in the UK, or doing work inside the UK? Or would it still count as self employment within the UK? If I was to sell something while I was on my tier five, but receive royalties while I was on my tier two would that be an issue?

I think I'll probably need to find a lawyer to ask, honestly. I've got a year and a half left on my tier five, and I might just wait that out and chance being able to find a sponsor at the end of that period.

secha6 wrote:

sushdmehta wrote:

secha6 wrote:Yeah, you're probably right - I'd get taxed twice, because I'm working in multiple countries, but probably okay otherwise?

And, how do you think you declare UK tax for this income - employed (cannot) or self-employed (not allowed)??

Good point. But I would not be employed in the UK, or doing work inside the UK? Or would it still count as self employment within the UK? If I was to sell something while I was on my tier five, but receive royalties while I was on my tier two would that be an issue?

I think I'll probably need to find a lawyer to ask, honestly. I've got a year and a half left on my tier five, and I might just wait that out and chance being able to find a sponsor at the end of that period.

You can do it on Tier 5, I thought you meant when you plan to be on Tier 2?

I've been offered the chance to change to a tier two now (I'm going home for a month on holidays). It seems the logical course of action given I don't know whether I'll have the same opportunity in 1.5 years time.

Re the royalties question - I could very well publish something this week (i.e., while on the tier 5), and receive money from it after I was on the tier 2.

Hope that makes things clearer

secha6 wrote:I've been offered the chance to change to a tier two now (I'm going home for a month on holidays). It seems the logical course of action given I don't know whether I'll have the same opportunity in 1.5 years time.

Re the royalties question - I could very well publish something this week (i.e., while on the tier 5), and receive money from it after I was on the tier 2.

Hope that makes things clearer

Ahh.

In my opinion no, since you will need to declare the self employed earnings to HMRC, and on T2 you are forbidden to engage in self employment.

The one off thing u highlight I wouldn't worry about - just if u do go T2, it would be a no-no.

I'm sure you'd be able to get away with it, but it's one for your conscience really, personally I wouldn't risk it, as the controls are getting tighter and tighter, already people are in bother all over this board for fiddling their taxes, under/over declaring to suit app/income levels, UKVI and HMRC are linked, I know because of the stuff I did at HMRC a few years ago.