2026 Self Assessment Tax Guide for Turks Living in the United Kingdom

2026 Self Assessment Tax Guide for Turks Living in the United Kingdom

(Pension income from Turkey, rental income, double taxation, lesser-known details)

January means the same thing for everyone living in the United Kingdom: Self Assessment season. Submitting income declarations to HMRC can be confusing, especially for Turkish citizens who receive income from Turkey. This guide provides clear, simple, and practical information for both newcomers and those who have been living in the UK for many years.

1. What Is Self Assessment?

In the United Kingdom, some individuals declare their income to HMRC themselves. This system is called Self Assessment. The types of income declared may include:

• Additional income outside of salary
• Rental income
• Self-employed income
• Foreign income
• Investment income
• Cryptocurrency gains
• Pension income

HMRC may request tax on UK-sourced income even if you live abroad.

2. Important Dates

Key dates for Self Assessment:

Tax year	6 April – 5 April
Online return deadline	31 January
Payment deadline	31 January
Payments on account (if applicable)	31 January & 31 July

Source: LSR Partners Self Assessment guide.

3. Who Is Required to File a Self Assessment?

If any of the following apply to you, you must file a Self Assessment:

• You receive rental income from Turkey
• You receive a pension from Turkey
• You are self-employed
• Your annual income exceeds £100,000
• You have investment, dividend, or interest income
• You have cryptocurrency gains
• You receive rental income in the UK
• You are a company director

Special Information for Those with Income from Turkey

Critical points that many Turkish citizens are not aware of are explained here.

4. Is a Pension from Turkey Taxable in the UK?

A pension received from Turkey is considered foreign income. If you are a UK tax resident, HMRC requires this income to be declared.

However:

• There is a double taxation agreement between Turkey and the UK.
• If no tax is withheld in Turkey, tax may arise in the UK.
• If tax has been paid in Turkey, you may claim tax relief in the UK.

5. Rental Income from Turkey

If you own property in Turkey and receive rental income:

• This income must be declared in Self Assessment.
• Taxes paid in Turkey can be offset in the UK (foreign tax credit).
• Exchange rates are calculated using HMRC’s annual average rate.
• Expenses incurred in Turkey (maintenance fees, repairs, estate agent commissions) can also be deducted in the UK.

This issue is particularly emphasized in expat tax guides.

6. Bank Interest Earned in Turkey

• If you are a UK tax resident, this income must be declared.
• If withholding tax was applied in Turkey, it can be offset in the UK.

7. Lesser-Known but Very Important Tax Advantages

✔️ Foreign Tax Credit Relief

✔️ Split Year Treatment

✔️ Personal Allowance

• Estate agent commissions
• Repair costs
• Service charges
• Earthquake insurance
• Legal fees

8. How to File a Self Assessment

1) Register with HMRC

2) Gather your income

3) Submit your return online

9. Common Mistakes

• Failing to declare income from Turkey
• Using incorrect exchange rates
• Forgetting to claim foreign tax credits
• Not accounting for payments on account
• Assuming pension income is tax-free

10. Conclusion: Self Assessment Is Not Difficult for Turks

For Turkish citizens living in the UK, Self Assessment is a very manageable process with the right information. Thanks to the double taxation agreement, you usually avoid paying unnecessary tax on income from Turkey.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on publicly available sources and official references. It does not constitute professional tax advice. Tax situations vary from person to person, and professional advice tailored to your circumstances is recommended. The author accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or loss of accuracy.