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What's the best date to leave the UK?
Leaving at the right point in the tax year can save thousands. If you leave after 5 April, you're taxed as a UK resident for a full year. If you leave before, the split-year rules may apply. See the scenarios for your income.
Timing your departure can save thousands
A departure in March vs April can be the difference between a full UK tax year and a split year. If you have significant income, bonus payments or capital gains to time, the maths really matters.
Your income and situation
This tool analyses three scenarios: leaving before 6 April (start of new tax year), leaving on your planned date, and leaving after 5 April. Results are illustrative — your actual position depends on the full SRT.
Departure scenarios
Enter your details to see scenarios.
📅 Key departure timing rules
Leave before 6 April (end of tax year): If you leave during the tax year, split-year treatment may apply — you only pay UK tax on income earned in the UK part of the year. The leaving criteria must be met (Case 4, 5 or 6 of HMRC split-year rules).
Leaving Case 4 (most common): You stop being UK resident in the year. Your UK part runs from 6 April to the day before you become non-resident under the SRT. After that, only UK-source income is taxable.
Stay under your day-count threshold: After leaving, any UK visits must stay under the threshold for your tie count. Even 1 day over can pull you back into UK residence for the whole year.
Bonus and redundancy timing: Bonuses paid before departure are taxed in full. Consider whether deferring to a later payment date (after you become non-resident) could reduce UK tax — but be aware of HMRC anti-avoidance rules.
Leaving after 5 April: If you leave at the very start of the next tax year, you'll be treated as UK resident for the whole prior year and must complete a UK Self Assessment. No split-year treatment applies to the year you've just finished.
Complete form P85: Tell HMRC you're leaving the UK. Claim any tax refund for overpaid PAYE. Available on GOV.UK.
Guidance, not advice. Tax savings shown are illustrative estimates based on simplified UK income tax calculations. Actual liability depends on the full SRT analysis, your specific circumstances, type of income, and whether split-year treatment applies. Always take advice from an FCA-authorised tax adviser before timing major financial decisions around your departure date.