Immigration, Tax & Accounting Services Referral Case

Client Background – Mr. Ho

• Age: 46
• Occupation: Doctor
• Family Status: Married with 3 children

• Property Holdings: Currently owns a Hong Kong residential property (current market value: HKD 12 million; purchase price: HKD 6 million)

• Assets Composition: Cash, fixed deposits, and funds

Immigration Planning & Objectives

Having studied in the UK in his early years, Mr. Ho has long planned for his children to receive a British education and intends to relocate his family to the UK. However, he is aware that the UK’s tax regime is significantly stricter than Hong Kong’s, including:

• Income Tax: Up to 45%

• Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Up to 28%

• Inheritance Tax (IHT): Up to 40%

Concerned about potential asset erosion due to tax liabilities post-migration—and its impact on future generations—Mr. Ho sought proactive legal tax planning to mitigate exposure.

Professional Advisory & Asset Restructuring

Mr. Ho engaged our consultants, who emphasized that tax optimization focuses on legally minimizing liabilities, not evasion. Our team:

1. Income Tax: Assigned an immigration specialist to handle documentation and relocation procedures.

2. UK-HK Tax Analysis: Arranged consultations with UK-certified accountants and tax advisors to clarify key differences (e.g., taxation of salary, property/stock gains, Hong Kong rental income, dividends, and estates).

Key Considerations & Recommendations

•  Hong Kong Property: The HKD 6 million unrealized gain could trigger UK tax obligations. Advisors suggested:
  •Selling pre-migration if long-term retention is unintended.
  •Restructuring ownership (e.g., transferring to a trust or recalculating cost basis) if retaining, to optimize future tax efficiency.

Through this tailored plan, Mr. Ho successfully restructured his assets, enhancing tax efficiency while securing a stronger foundation for intergenerational wealth transfer.

(Note: The above illustrates client scenarios and strategic approaches; it does not constitute specific tax advice.)