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Press Coverage • March 18, 2026

Hoxton Wealth’s Head of Tax featured in IFA Magazine

Hoxton Blog • Hoxton Wealth’s Head of Tax featured in IFA Magazine

  • Press Coverage
  • Tax Planning

Hoxton Wealth’s Global Head of Tax, Claire Spinks, has been featured in IFA Magazine, providing expert insight into the complex tax implications facing UK expatriates returning from the Middle East.

In the article, Claire highlights a growing issue affecting British nationals leaving regions such as the UAE amid rising geopolitical tensions. While many individuals may return to the UK for safety, doing so can unintentionally trigger UK tax residence under the Statutory Residence Test (SRT), potentially exposing them to significant tax liabilities.

Claire warns that even short stays in the UK can be enough to re-establish tax residency, meaning an individual’s worldwide income could once again fall within the UK tax net. For high earners accustomed to low- or zero-tax jurisdictions such as Dubai, this shift can result in substantial and unexpected tax bills

The feature also addresses common misconceptions around HMRC’s “exceptional circumstances” rule. While some expats assume this provides protection during periods of crisis, Spinks explains that the criteria for exemption are narrow and unlikely to apply broadly in the current environment. As a result, days spent in the UK are often still counted when determining residency status. 

Importantly, Claire emphasises that the real financial impact may not be immediate. Instead, risks often materialise months later when tax returns are reviewed, and HMRC scrutinises residency claims and day counts. This can lead to unexpected tax exposure on employment income, investments, and other global earnings. 

Her key message is clear: UK expats must carefully assess their residency position before returning and seek professional advice. In some cases, temporarily relocating to a third country rather than the UK may help mitigate the risk of triggering UK tax residency.

This feature reinforces Hoxton Wealth’s expertise in cross-border tax planning and its commitment to helping internationally mobile clients navigate complex, multi-jurisdictional financial challenges.

Read the full article here

Speak to a Hoxton Wealth Adviser

If you are a British expatriate living in the UAE and are considering returning to the UK, temporarily or permanently, it is important to understand how your decision could affect your tax position. 

A conversation with a Hoxton adviser can help you review your situation and make informed decisions with a clear understanding of the potential tax implications. 

Matt Morgan, Global Advice Manager at Hoxton Wealth, sat down with Claire Spinks, Global Head of Tax, to talk about tax year-end planning and all the things that you need to be aware of, as the deadline approaches.

Matt and Claire discuss: 
  • The main allowances to review before 5 April
  • Common mistakes we see at tax year-end
  • How changes from April 2026 affect effective tax rates
  • Why proposed changes to the inheritance tax treatment of pensions from April 2027 could impact long-term planning

WATCH THE VIDEO: UK Tax Planning: Beyond 5th April | with Claire Spinks and Matthew Morgan

About Author

Claire Spinks

March 18, 2026

Claire Spinks leads our global tax function, specialising in wealth preservation, intergenerational planning and complex UK tax matters for internationally mobile individuals. She is a Chartered Tax Adviser with more than twenty years advising high net worth clients on UK income tax, Capital Gains tax, Inheritance Tax and trust and estate planning. A Fellow of the Association of Taxation Technicians and an affiliate of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, she holds advanced credentials in international UK taxes and probate. Before joining Hoxton Wealth, she headed UK tax teams at Progeny and The Fry Group, guiding cross border clients with clarity and discipline.

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