British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Nusa Dua,, Indonesia, for the G20 meeting on Wednesday. Reuters
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Nusa Dua,, Indonesia, for the G20 meeting on Wednesday. Reuters
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Nusa Dua,, Indonesia, for the G20 meeting on Wednesday. Reuters
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Nusa Dua,, Indonesia, for the G20 meeting on Wednesday. Reuters

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'No problem' publishing my tax return, says UK's Rishi Sunak

British Prime Minister says he will 'of course' follow established precedent and publish his tax affairs

Soraya Ebrahimi
Soraya Ebrahimi

November 16, 2022

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  • Arabic

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said he has “no problem” publishing his personal tax return.

Multi-millionaire Mr Sunak said he would "of course" release information on his tax affairs, but could not say when his return would be released.

“That is the established precedent and I’d be very happy to follow the precedent," he said.

“In terms of timing, I will have to speak to the Cabinet Office and figure out the right way that happens. But yeah, I have no problem doing that.”

He said that "of course" this would happen in his first year in No 10.

Rishi Sunak through the years - in pictures

  • British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces July 4 as the date for the 2024 general election at No 10 Downing Street. Here, The National looks back at his political career. Getty Images
    British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces July 4 as the date for the 2024 general election at No 10 Downing Street. Here, The National looks back at his political career. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak during local election campaigning in Teesside in May 2024. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak during local election campaigning in Teesside in May 2024. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak presents cupcakes to journalists on board a plane on the way to Warsaw in April 2024. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak presents cupcakes to journalists on board a plane on the way to Warsaw in April 2024. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak during a press conference in Downing Street in January after the Safety of Rwanda Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak during a press conference in Downing Street in January after the Safety of Rwanda Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons. Getty Images
  • Being applauded after his speech at the Conservative Party conference in October 2023. Getty Images
    Being applauded after his speech at the Conservative Party conference in October 2023. Getty Images
  • Looking pensive alongside then-home secretary Suella Braverman at No 10 in October 2023. She didn't last much longer in the cabinet. Getty Images
    Looking pensive alongside then-home secretary Suella Braverman at No 10 in October 2023. She didn't last much longer in the cabinet. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak sits in an old Special Branch police vehicle which was used to transport former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, in July 2023. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak sits in an old Special Branch police vehicle which was used to transport former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, in July 2023. Getty Images
  • On board Border Agency cutter HMC Seeker during a visit to Dover in June 2023. Getty Images
    On board Border Agency cutter HMC Seeker during a visit to Dover in June 2023. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the G7 Summit in May 2023. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the G7 Summit in May 2023. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty arriving in Japan ahead of the G7 Summit in May 2023. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty arriving in Japan ahead of the G7 Summit in May 2023. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt sending a message at Accrington Market Hall in January 2023. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt sending a message at Accrington Market Hall in January 2023. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in Ukraine's capital Kyiv in November 2022. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in Ukraine's capital Kyiv in November 2022. Getty Images
  • King Charles III welcomes Mr Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government in October 2022. Getty Images
    King Charles III welcomes Mr Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government in October 2022. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak makes a statement outside No 10 in October 2022 after taking office. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak makes a statement outside No 10 in October 2022 after taking office. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak arrives inside Number 10 in October 2022. Photo: Simon Walker/ No 10 Downing Street
    Mr Sunak arrives inside Number 10 in October 2022. Photo: Simon Walker/ No 10 Downing Street
  • Greeted by colleagues at Conservative Party HQ after having been announced winner of the leadership contest in October 2022. Getty Images
    Greeted by colleagues at Conservative Party HQ after having been announced winner of the leadership contest in October 2022. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak at Westminster Hall in London following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. PA
    Mr Sunak at Westminster Hall in London following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. PA
  • Mr Sunak visits his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy, on the campaign trail in August 2022. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak visits his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy, on the campaign trail in August 2022. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak looks at an NLAW anti-tank launcher during a visit to the Thales Defence System plant in Belfast in August 2022. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak looks at an NLAW anti-tank launcher during a visit to the Thales Defence System plant in Belfast in August 2022. Getty Images
  • At a hustings event in Exeter in August 2022. Getty Images
    At a hustings event in Exeter in August 2022. Getty Images
  • Celebrates England's first goal as he watches the Women's Euro 2022 final in Salisbury in July 2022. Getty Images
    Celebrates England's first goal as he watches the Women's Euro 2022 final in Salisbury in July 2022. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak and Ms Truss take part in the BBC Leadership debate at Victoria Hall, Hanley, in July 2022. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak and Ms Truss take part in the BBC Leadership debate at Victoria Hall, Hanley, in July 2022. Getty Images
  • With daughters Krisna and Anoushka and wife Akshata Murthy in July 2022. Getty Images
    With daughters Krisna and Anoushka and wife Akshata Murthy in July 2022. Getty Images
  • Opening the Great Ayton Village Fete during the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Getty Images
    Opening the Great Ayton Village Fete during the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak and Ms Murthy speak to then-Prince Charles at a British Asian Trust event in February 2022. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak and Ms Murthy speak to then-Prince Charles at a British Asian Trust event in February 2022. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak arrives at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 when he was chancellor. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak arrives at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 when he was chancellor. Getty Images
  • Holding the budget box as he departs 11 Downing Street to deliver his Autumn Budget in October 2021. Getty Images
    Holding the budget box as he departs 11 Downing Street to deliver his Autumn Budget in October 2021. Getty Images
  • At a press conference on the 2021 Budget in London in March 2021. Getty Images
    At a press conference on the 2021 Budget in London in March 2021. Getty Images
  • With former prime minister Boris Johnson during a visit to PD Ports on the River Tees in March 2021. Getty Images
    With former prime minister Boris Johnson during a visit to PD Ports on the River Tees in March 2021. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak poses with the budget box at 11 Downing Street in March 2021. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak poses with the budget box at 11 Downing Street in March 2021. Getty Images
  • Meeting staff back at work after being furloughed at Hamleys toy shop in London, December 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
    Meeting staff back at work after being furloughed at Hamleys toy shop in London, December 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
  • Mr Sunak visits the Imperial Clinic Research Facility at Hammersmith Hospital, London, in November 2020. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak visits the Imperial Clinic Research Facility at Hammersmith Hospital, London, in November 2020. Getty Images
  • Lighting a candle for Diwali on Downing Street, November 2020. Getty Images
    Lighting a candle for Diwali on Downing Street, November 2020. Getty Images
  • Working on a speech in his flat above 11 Downing Street in November 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
    Working on a speech in his flat above 11 Downing Street in November 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
  • Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak visit the headquarters of Octopus Energy in London in October 2020. Getty Images
    Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak visit the headquarters of Octopus Energy in London in October 2020. Getty Images
  • With his 'Winter Economy Plan' outside 11 Downing Street in September 2020. AFP
    With his 'Winter Economy Plan' outside 11 Downing Street in September 2020. AFP
  • Decorating a plate at Emma Bridgewater pottery in Stoke pottery in September 2020. Getty Images
    Decorating a plate at Emma Bridgewater pottery in Stoke pottery in September 2020. Getty Images
  • Promoting 'eat out to help out' on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, in August 2020. Getty Images
    Promoting 'eat out to help out' on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, in August 2020. Getty Images
  • A member of the public takes a selfie with Rishi Sunak during a visit to Scotland in August 2020. AFP
    A member of the public takes a selfie with Rishi Sunak during a visit to Scotland in August 2020. AFP
  • Visiting a Wagamama restaurant in central London in July 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
    Visiting a Wagamama restaurant in central London in July 2020. Photo: HM Treasury
  • Rishi Sunak visits a Pret A Manger in Westminster in July 2020. HM Treasury
    Rishi Sunak visits a Pret A Manger in Westminster in July 2020. HM Treasury
  • With Mr Johnson at his first Cabinet meeting after a reshuffle at 10 Downing Street in February 2020. Getty Images
    With Mr Johnson at his first Cabinet meeting after a reshuffle at 10 Downing Street in February 2020. Getty Images
  • Mr Sunak speaks during a general election debate in Cardiff in November 2019. Getty Images
    Mr Sunak speaks during a general election debate in Cardiff in November 2019. Getty Images

Mr Sunak pledged to publish his tax return during his unsuccessful Tory leadership campaign during the summer.

His family’s finances came under intense scrutiny when he was chancellor, when the “non-domiciled” status of his wife Akshata Murty was revealed.

The arrangement reportedly saved her millions in British taxes while the cost of living soared.

The billionaire’s daughter who married Mr Sunak in 2009 is thought to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds and the couple made the Sunday Times Rich List in May, with a combined fortune of £730 million ($870m).

Rishi Sunak's childhood landmarks - in pictures

  • Rishi Sunak was born in Southampton on the south coast of England. Here he is pictured visiting his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy, in Southampton, during his campaign to be leader of the Conservative Party in August. PA
    Rishi Sunak was born in Southampton on the south coast of England. Here he is pictured visiting his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy, in Southampton, during his campaign to be leader of the Conservative Party in August. PA
  • The childhood home of Mr Sunak: 21, Spindlewood Close, in Southampton. Getty Images
    The childhood home of Mr Sunak: 21, Spindlewood Close, in Southampton. Getty Images
  • The former Oakmount Prep School where Rishi Sunak was a pupil before going on to Winchester College. The school closed in 1989. Getty Images
    The former Oakmount Prep School where Rishi Sunak was a pupil before going on to Winchester College. The school closed in 1989. Getty Images
  • The Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Southampton, which was established by Ramdas Sunak, Mr Sunak's grandfather. Getty Images
    The Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Southampton, which was established by Ramdas Sunak, Mr Sunak's grandfather. Getty Images
  • The Vedic Society Hindu Temple prepares to celebrate the Hindu New Year. Mr Sunak's family were regulars at the temple during his childhood. Getty Images
    The Vedic Society Hindu Temple prepares to celebrate the Hindu New Year. Mr Sunak's family were regulars at the temple during his childhood. Getty Images
  • The Raymond Road Doctors Surgery where Yashvir Sunak, Rishi Sunak's father, practiced medicine in Southampton. Getty Images
    The Raymond Road Doctors Surgery where Yashvir Sunak, Rishi Sunak's father, practiced medicine in Southampton. Getty Images
  • The former site of Kuti's Brasserie in Oxford Road Southampton, where Mr Sunak worked shifts in the 1990s. Getty Images
    The former site of Kuti's Brasserie in Oxford Road Southampton, where Mr Sunak worked shifts in the 1990s. Getty Images
  • Southampton Football Club's St Mary's Stadium. Mr Sunak claims to be a big fan of his home-town team. Getty Images
    Southampton Football Club's St Mary's Stadium. Mr Sunak claims to be a big fan of his home-town team. Getty Images

Ms Murty’s tax status typically applies to someone who was born overseas and spends much of their time in the UK, but still considers another country to be their permanent residence.

While the non-dom status is legal, critics said it looked bad at a time when the then-chancellor increased the tax burden on the British public.

Indian relatives of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrate his new job - video

Mr Sunak said his wife was entitled to use the arrangement because she was an Indian citizen and planned to move back to her home country to care for her parents.

After the controversy, Ms Murty said she would pay UK taxes on all of her worldwide income.

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1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

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"I tell students that eventually, 30 years later, I hit the million-dollar mark, but I could've had $2 million," Ms O'Neill says.

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1 Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 3:48:53

2 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana Pro Team -

3 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott - 

4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ  0:00:04

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General Classification:

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Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

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Red flags
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The most severe type of the condition is typically inherited when both parents are carriers. Those patients often require regular blood transfusions - about 450 of the UAE's 2,000 thalassaemia patients - though frequent transfusions can lead to too much iron in the body and heart and liver problems.

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Updated: November 16, 2022, 10:14 PM
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