Spear's Salon
Strong Opinion from our Stable of Star Turns
William Cash
I have spent the last three years renovating a country house in Shropshire and I am finally ready to move in this summer.
Stephen Hill
They announced the stress tests' results now so everyone could enjoy the holidays as though all was right with their world.
Vanessa Neumann
I remember vividly my struggles with the English language - but I was already in love with its potential.
Nigel West
Many believed Roth to have been Canadian, a view he often encouraged, but in reality he was steeped in Soviet espionage
Josh Spero
Now that you know what a spork is, try and imagine this: a mobile phone which is also a mechanical watch. Which costs £230,000. That is what I had the pleasure of holding at Harrods yesterday - a Celsius X VI II LeDIX.
Unbillable Hours
Our specialists solve your HNW problems (gratis!)
Q
I currently earn over £200,000 per annum and have a portfolio of investments that are actively managed. The gains exceed the annual allowance by a considerable margin. Following the increase in the rate of Capital Gains Tax to 28% announced in the emergency budget, is there anything I can do to reduce my tax bill?
A
One of the simplest things to do would be set up an Offshore Bond to hold your investment portfolio. An Offshore Bond has a number of advantages, including ease of administration, tax deferral and simple access to a range of assets. One of the main drawbacks of managing a portfolio independently is the burden of administration and record keeping.
Q
I am a US citizen but have been living in the UK for the past 17 years. I was relocated to the UK by my employer, and I will probably remain in the UK until my retirement. Are there any US and/or UK tax benefits to me renouncing my US citizenship?
A
As a long-term UK resident and a US citizen, you would currently pay tax on a worldwide basis in both the UK and the US, subject to treaty relief under the UK/US double tax treaty.
Q
I have been reading in the press recently that if you are not a UK citizen it is going to become more difficult to divorce in the UK. Is this true?
A
It is a fact that in recent years there has been an increase in ‘forum shopping’ divorces and London has been described as the divorce capital of the world.
The Hedgehog
Spear's Spiky Undercover Agent Dishes the Gossip
Spear's Wire
