Taxing the spotlight

Football transfers, the World Cup and competing internationally: the UK tax risks for footballers

A football transfer is more than a new contract or a move between clubs—it can completely reshape a player’s UK tax position, often with unexpected consequences. In this episode, Ross Tracy and Nick Hall join host Pete Hackleton to explore the key tax risks facing footballers and agents when moving into or out of the UK. They discuss cross-border complexities, from double tax treaties to sponsorships, image rights, and other income, and explain why paying tax overseas (or leaving the UK) doesn’t remove UK reporting obligations. The episode also covers the new foreign income and gains (FIG) regime (from April 2025) and Overseas Workday Relief (OWR). Looking ahead to the World Cup 2026, they flag the key considerations for international players, including US withholding taxes and how UK tax relief may apply. Listen now for a practical guide on navigating tax in the modern football world. For more Taxing the Spotlight podcasts, head to: https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/ [https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/] Saffery official website * Visit saffery.com [https://www.saffery.com/] Follow Saffery online * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery [https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/ [https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/] Email: info@saffery.com [info@saffery.com]

MTD for Income Tax: understanding the new rules and how to prepare

The UK’s shift to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is no longer a distant headline; it’s a fixed deadline that will change how affected people and landlords keep records, file, and plan. We bring clarity to this complex rollout, explaining what MTD requires, who’s in scope, and how to avoid the penalties that will catch late filers off guard.   We walk through the timeline: mandatory adoption for those with combined self‑employment and UK property income above £50,000 from April 2026, dropping to £30,000 in April 2027, with a proposal to reach £20,000 from 2028.  We break down the fixed quarter dates, the end‑of‑period statement that replaces the annual return, and why “turnover, not profit” is the threshold test. For sports and entertainment professionals with multiple income strands— eg gigs, endorsements, image rights, and rentals—these rules can bite sooner than expected. There are some exemptions, and we decode the current list, including some automatic cases and others that require application, plus temporary relief for those using residence and remittance basis pages and recipients of trust income until at least April 2027.  We tackle the myths, for example that spreadsheets will be simple (bridging can work, but often adds friction and risk) and then we get practical: how to pick HMRC‑compatible software, set up digital records, organise receipts, and build a repeatable quarterly workflow that keeps you compliant without derailing your day job.   If your combined income may cross the threshold, now is the moment to take action. We can help you select tools, set them up correctly and ensure you’re meeting your filing obligations.  Subscribe for more guidance, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review to tell us what you want covered next. For more Taxing the Spotlight podcasts, head to: https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/ [https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/] Saffery official website * Visit saffery.com [https://www.saffery.com/] Follow Saffery online * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery [https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/ [https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/] Email: info@saffery.com [info@saffery.com]

Behind the scenes: tax challenges for film & TV

The UK remains a top destination for film and TV production, thanks to attractive incentives, but navigating the tax landscape can be complex for both studios and individuals. In our latest podcast episode, Pete Hackleton [https://www.saffery.com/our-people/pete-hackleton/] and Kathy Johnson [https://www.saffery.com/our-people/kathy-johnson/] explore the unique tax challenges faced by the film and TV industry, from major studios and production companies to the cast and crew who bring stories to life.  They cover: * Available UK film tax relief incentives for studios and production companies, * Tax implications for non-UK resident cast and crew, including withholding tax obligations, * Specific rules on payments and perks, from fees and per diems to flights, accommodation, and other benefits, and * Potential administrative requirements plus practical tips to stay compliant. If you have any queries on this topic don’t hesitate to get in touch. We hope you enjoy our podcast, so please rate our channel, subscribe and leave a review. For more Taxing the Spotlight podcasts, head to: https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/ [https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/] Saffery official website * Visit saffery.com [https://www.saffery.com/] Follow Saffery online * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery [https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/ [https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/] Email: info@saffery.com [info@saffery.com]

Music and tax: How to keep your finances in tune

In this episode, Pete Hackleton [https://www.saffery.com/our-people/pete-hackleton/] is joined by Kathy Johnson and KJ Singh to explore the tax planning and compliance challenges facing artists and bands. As experts in this field, they explore: * The key tax and practical areas to be wary of if you’re a UK-based artist/band. * The issues that can crop-up for non-dom musicians and how we help these clients. * Our top tips to successfully navigate the various tax challenges and the importance of having a trusted adviser on hand. Whether you're touring globally or just starting out, this episode gives practical advice for successfully navigating the complexities of the music industry.  For more Taxing the Spotlight podcasts, head to: https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/ [https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/] Saffery official website * Visit saffery.com [https://www.saffery.com/] Follow Saffery online * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery [https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/ [https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/] Email: info@saffery.com [info@saffery.com]

Game, set, tax: The tax challenges of tennis players

Navigating the complex world of tax is one of the greatest challenges facing professional tennis players today. Beyond the physical demands of competing at the highest level, these athletes must manage a labyrinth of tax obligations spanning multiple continents, all while constantly on the move. Tennis professionals maintain an almost entirely nomadic lifestyle, rarely spending more than a few weeks in any single location. Their annual calendar is a whirlwind tour across the globe —each presenting unique tax implications.  Successfully dealing with these challenges requires players to be proactive in their planning, have meticulous record-keeping, and receive comprehensive advice. Rather than reacting to tax events after they occur, being organised and having proper planning helps to optimise the tax position before any agreements or contracts are signed.  Working with advisors who understand the complete global picture provides not just compliance peace of mind, but delivers substantial benefits through effective strategic planning, and that’s where we can help. For more Taxing the Spotlight podcasts, head to: https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/ [https://www.saffery.com/podcasts/] Saffery official website * Visit saffery.com [https://www.saffery.com/] Follow Saffery online * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery [https://www.linkedin.com/company/saffery] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/ [https://www.instagram.com/saffery_uk/] Email: info@saffery.com [info@saffery.com]