Can I work in France but pay tax in the UK?

An interesting question crossed my desk this week.  A client was being guided that they could keep working and being taxed as if they were in the UK but basically be based in France most of the time.  The question was - is this OK?  

The answer is - generally no - but with exeptions:

- sometimes a Cigar is just a Cigar as Freud is quoted as saying - if you work in France you pay tax and social security in France.  Which is sort of common sense.  The flip side is that work you do in the UK does need tax reporting in the UK - we can help on that - do not just declare in France.  If you are also a UK Director there are a few added complications to that too for you and potentially the company.

- there are limited exemptions which need checking out if you are only doing part of your job in France - sort of an incidental part.  That needs engaging with URSSAF.

- there are some exceptions on Social Security if you are seconded to France with an expectation you return to the UK.  So if you do come over here as a secondee then you can still stay affiliated to UK for NICs, but you will still be liable for French tax.

This is definitely an area not to "charge into" and get wrong.  If in doubt check it out.