From what I have read so far it seems that you can legally open an offshore account and you only pay tax of 15% on the INTEREST, not the CAPITAL. (There are also 2 ways of paying this tax, Exchange of Information or Withholding Tax, you can read about it in the links below) BUT, once you bring any monies over to the UK you will pay the extra taxes in whatever bracket you are in.You only pay 40% on any income over £33,300 and the first £8.800 of CG is exempt.(Those are the amounts for this year, should go up next year possibly).
Note that Jersey and The Isle of Man are NOT part of the EU:
Question:How does the European Union Savings Tax Directive affect Jersey and the Isle of Man?
Answer:Both Jersey and the Isle of Man have voluntarily opted to implement local legislation that supports the Directive. The Islands have agreed to implement a 'Withholding Tax' option. This is referred to as the 'Retention Tax' option to distinguish the Islands from the EU Member States and reflect that the Islands are not part of the EU and therefore not directly subject to the Directive.
Check these links, there is some good info:
http://www.gov.im/lib/docs/iomfinanc...axdirectiv.pdf
The EU Savings Tax Directive - One Year On
How to Open an Offshore Bank Account
HM Revenue and Customs: Rates and Allowances - Capital gains tax
If anyone has any more info or if you think I'm incorrect in my thinking please feel free to put me right. I'm not trying to avoid paying any tax, just want to limit the liability, if at all possible.
If we get a reval soon we need to be ready! Bottom line, get yourself a good accountant or tax advisor.
Megansgirl
ps Re: The Halifax, I was also told that we can only exchange what is bought from them.