Expatriates

Our Expatriate Tax Planning experts can advise on an extensive range of services to employers including:

• International tax planning opportunities for internationally mobile employees
• Personal tax compliance services
• Assistance with policy planning in relation to International assignments
• Pre-assignment tax planning
• Maltese FSS/NIC advisory and consultancy services for companies setting up in Malta
• Tax efficient pay structures

Expatriate Planning
We provide a service that assures both the employer and the international assignee peace of mind.

We liaise with Grant Thornton tax specialists in the overseas countries to identify planning opportunities which will minimise global tax and social security liabilities in relation to international assignments.

We take account of local practice and legislation to plan tax efficient remuneration strategies that maximise the benefit of local planning opportunities.

Some key matters to be considered include:

• Who should employ the individual during the assignment, secondment or transfer?
• Does Malta have a social security agreement with the host country?
• Does the host country provide a favourable tax regime for expatriates?
• Will double tax treaty relief be available?
• What are the implications in the host country if national insurance contributions continue to be made in Malta?
• Should you compensate the employee if he/she has to pay more tax as a result of the assignment? If so, how?

If high calibre employees are to be encouraged to relocate to meet employer requirements in existing and new locations, it is essential that potential problems with tax, social security or pension matters do not deter them. It is also important that overseas assignment costs are minimised and that the assignment policies in place are equitable between the company and its employees.

How can Grant Thornton help?
Grant Thornton can assist in determining appropriate policies, for example, in the area of tax equalisation, which will enable the employer and employee to focus on core business issues.
The combination of pre-assignment tax planning coupled with the provision of efficient, effective and timely local tax compliance services offers you the confidence that assignment costs are being minimised and that your overseas reporting obligations are being met.