I wrote on twitter that I’m having woes with the UK tax office. I’m trying to apply for certain benefits I’m entitled to like child aid. But not having paid any tax for the last 4 years is making it difficult. It’s as if I didn’t exist to them. And to a certain exent I haven’t.
Even though I’m English and was born in England, I’ve had to answer questions like:
When did you first come to the UK?
Who supported you?
Did you keep in touch with friends and family?
How did you keep in touch with them?
It’s very bizarre and is worth thinking about if you ever decide to go abroad with an eye towards returning one day.
I get your point, but some people might disagree. Why should you get child care benefits when you haven’t paid a penny in income taxes for the last 4 years? Because you’re a citizen. But for some people, it’s not enough of an argument.
It’s tough, especially since you can’t win using the opposite logic in Japan. Presumably, you paid some level of income taxes in Japan, but you wouldn’t be eligible for benefits there either, specifically state pension and their version of welfare, because you’re a foreigner.
Somehow, you were welcomed and allowed to work but you were still persona non grata – and that’s the biggest problem I have with moving to Japan.
I find this very strange given it seems fairly common for British folks to head overseas for a stint at some point in their lives. I would think your tax offices would be used it.
I think most of the UK Government offices are quite ridiculous. Half the people who work there don’t know their own laws.