Tax muddle

Missy j

I wonder if any one can help me. About 15 years ago I came to Ireland from the uk. I have been working here since and intend to retire next year. About 7 years ago due to injury my husband had a serious operation. We had 4 kids in college and a mortgage . To pay all this I drew my UK Teachers pension early as an actuarial reduced sum as I was 55 and it got us through.

I rang my local tax office here and asked if it was taxable. I was told that as it was a government job ( I was teaching in the uk) and as I was a uk national the money was not taxable in this country but in the country that pays it. That was grand and I didn't have any uk tax to pay on it as it was below the threshold for tax as it was only £8000 per year.

A recent conversation with a colleague informed me that in fact I should pay tax here on that money as apparently teaching is not regarded as a government job therefore I was given incorrect information . Now the situation I am in is if this was taxable then it is an undisclosed off shore asset I think. The back tax at 42% would be due and maybe interest. My calculations suggest a figure of about €25000 which is not in my capabilities to pay. Can any one who knows offer any advice please

exaisle

My advice would be to consult an accountant. Whether it's teaching or not or whether it's a government job or not (God knows what that has to do with it but maybe somebody here will enlighten us) I think you're assessible on all worldwide income.

Missy j

Thank you for your reply apparently a government payment in one country cannot be taxed by another country but there are qualifying rules e.g. If you are a national of another country. Well that's what the tax office told me when I first enquired about it. I will look for an accountant so.