Termination payments

STOP PRESS: Abolition of non-dom regime and remittance basis of taxation from 2025–26: Finance Act 2025 abolished the remittance basis of taxation and replaced it with a residence-based regime from 6 April 2025. The changes include the introduction of a new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime, and amendments to overseas workday relief. For information on these changes, see Practice Note: The abolition of the remittance basis of taxation from 2025–26.

The Practice Notes in this subtopic consider the tax treatment of payments (and the provision of other benefits) made in connection with the termination of employment. Tax treatment in this context means the income tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) treatment for the employee or director, as well as the PAYE and NICs obligations for the employing company and the corporation tax deductibility of the particular payment.

Depending on the circumstances, termination payments (or benefits) may be taxable in full, in part, or in limited circumstances may be fully exempt.

The first question is whether a payment made (or other benefit provided) on or in connection with termination of an employment

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