International Mobile Employees
As businesses expand across borders and adopt flexible working models, many now employ individuals who move between countries for work. These international mobile employees present a unique set of tax and accounting challenges that differ significantly from domestic workforce management.
At My Tax Consultants, we provide a complete accounting solution for businesses with internationally mobile staff. Our team helps you meet all obligations for global payroll coordination, assess tax residency status, manage shadow payroll, and comply with cross-border tax laws. We also support correct P11D reporting, handling of termination awards, and timely statutory payments.
Understanding the Tax Complexity of International Mobility
Internationally mobile employees may trigger tax liabilities in multiple jurisdictions. Depending on where, how long, and under what terms your employees are working abroad, you may be responsible for tax withholding, social security contributions, and reporting requirements in both the home and host countries.
Common challenges include:
- Determining tax residency and avoiding dual taxation
- Establishing accurate global payroll coordination and managing foreign payroll obligations
- Complying with local and international tax regulations, including cross-border tax laws
- Operating shadow payroll for tracking tax and social security obligations in the host country
- Submitting P11D reporting and ensuring accurate benefit disclosures
- Managing termination awards in line with local rules
- Making appropriate statutory payments based on employment events and jurisdictional requirements
Without careful handling, businesses may face double taxation, penalties, or compliance failures. That’s where we step in.
Our Accounting Services for International Mobile Employees
We provide an integrated service that addresses every aspect of tax and payroll compliance for international assignments, temporary relocations, and cross-border staff.
Tax Residency and Dual Taxation
We assess employee movement and advise on their tax residency status. By applying relevant double tax treaties, we help reduce or eliminate dual taxation where possible and advise on disclosure obligations in both jurisdictions.
Global Payroll Coordination
Managing payroll across multiple jurisdictions requires consistency and compliance. We handle full global payroll coordination, including gross-to-net pay analysis, exchange rate applications, shadow payroll arrangements, and benefit tracking.
Shadow Payroll
When employees remain on their home country payroll while working abroad, shadow payroll helps track and report tax liabilities in the host country. We calculate accurate shadow payroll entries that align with local obligations while avoiding over-reporting or duplication.
Social Security and Statutory Payments
We determine which social security system applies and support applications for A1 certificates or Certificates of Coverage, depending on treaty arrangements. We also manage statutory payments, including sick pay, parental leave pay, and redundancy pay, in line with applicable local rules.
P11D Reporting and Termination Awards
Our team ensures accurate P11D reporting for benefits-in-kind, including company cars, accommodation, and relocation expenses. We also advise on taxation rules around termination awards, helping employers apply exemptions, NIC thresholds, and proper PAYE treatment.
Compliance and Record-Keeping
We help businesses develop internal controls to track international movements, maintain day-count records, and retain audit-ready documentation for HMRC and overseas tax authorities. Our solutions are tailored for organisations with mobile teams or a presence in multiple jurisdictions.
Who Benefits from This Service?
Our support is suited to businesses and HR teams that:
- Employ expats, assignees, or secondees
- Have staff working remotely from overseas locations
- Host business travellers from other branches or affiliates
- Manage UK-based employees with temporary or permanent foreign postings
- Need to align policies for tax equalisation or assignment compensation
We also work with payroll providers and global mobility teams to align processes with statutory requirements and internal policies.
Why My Tax Consultants?
We deliver clear, practical solutions for complex international tax matters. With experience across multiple tax jurisdictions and deep knowledge of cross-border tax laws, we help you remain compliant and avoid risk. Our accounting support gives you confidence in managing international staff without added stress.
Ready to streamline international employee tax compliance?
Get in touch with My Tax Consultants today and speak with our experienced accounting advisors about support for international mobile employees.
