The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is encouraging migrants who come to live, work or study in the UK to make use of its free online guidance materials and trial support services For those seeking help with their UK tax affairs.
LITRG is half way through two twelve-month pilots it is running in partnership with Northern Ireland's Advice NI and the London based Migrants Resource Centre. The project, supported by HMRC, offers an email helpline for advisers of low-income migrants, providing free guidance on tax, National Insurance and tax credits. Many of the poorest members of the migrant community do not have access to the internet, so there is also a telephone service offering free basic guidance on tax.
Anthony Thomas, LITRG chairman, said: 'Understanding our tax system is unlikely to be regarded as an immediate priority for newcomers to the UK; they will be rather more occupied with a multitude of opportunities and an eagerness to make a positive contribution to society. Tax is though a fundamental aspect of residency and understanding your duties and obligations as a resident here is an essential requirement in making that positive contribution.'
The 'Migrants' section of LITRG's website has also been designed to provide migrants and their advisers with access to information on how to deal with the most common tax and benefits issues faced by those coming to and leaving the UK. LITRG has recently published a basic tax guide for migrants, together with a set of factsheets going into greater detail on some of the most important areas of the tax system.
Thomas said: 'Migrants may well be under significant stress, facing language barriers for example, and it is our aim to make their transition to complying with the UK tax system as pain-free as possible. Migrants have the right to be fully informed about their tax affairs and I recommend the use of our online information for low income migrants, their advisers and the email and telephone help services provided by our partners.'
The telephone number for the migrants helpline is 033 33355 333, and it is open on Tuesday 10-12.30pm, Thursday 2-4.30pm and Friday 10-12.30pm.
