Hodgens Global: Expert Expat Tax & UK Compliance Partner

Hodgens Global: Expert Expat Tax and UK Compliance Partner

I'm Laurence Hodgens, founder and chief tax adviser at Hodgens Global, a consultancy specialising in UK tax compliance, planning and reporting for:

  1. Expats
  2. Cross-border professionals
  3. Digital nomads
  4. Retirees abroad
  5. Entrepreneurs

We serve clients globally, helping them navigate self-assessment, capital gains, dual domicile, statutory residence, international income and more.

With over 15 years' experience in international tax and personal UK tax matters, I aim to make tax less stressful and more understandable for people living across borders.

Providing Clarity for People Whose Lives Span Borders

I've lived the expat life and worked across various jurisdictions, so I've seen firsthand how confusing cross-border rules can be, how small missteps or lack of clarity can carry big risks.

When I looked for firms that truly understand the nuances of UK tax for expatriates, I found many were too generic or opaque. I founded Hodgens Global to change that: to provide clarity, reliability and a personal touch for people whose lives span more than one country.

What We Do and Who We Serve

At Hodgens Global, we focus on UK tax compliance and planning for individuals with cross-border considerations. Some of our core services include:

Annual self-assessment tax returns for expats.

Capital gains tax returns and relief planning.

Dual residence and statutory residence test analysis to determine UK tax status.

Foreigners in the UK and UK residents with overseas income advice for:

  1. New arrivals
  2. Foreigners relocating /departing the UK
  3. Returning expats

Liaison with HMRC, disclosures, compliance remediation, and ongoing advisory support.

We aim to simplify complexity: no jargon, transparent communication, and tailoring to individual client circumstances.

We also work with a network of international associates in other tax jurisdictions, to coordinate compliance outside the UK when needed.

What Makes Hodgens Global Different

  1. Expat roots and empathy: Because I've dealt with relocation, global income and shifting tax rules myself, I genuinely empathise with the challenges clients face.
  2. Niche focus: We specialise in UK expat tax, not general accounting. That depth lets us better understand edge cases, dual jurisdiction issues, and nuanced strategies.
  3. Personal guidance, not transactional: We listen, take time to understand your situation, and offer support beyond report filing.
  4. Compliance plus planning mindset: We ensure you stay compliant, but also explore legitimate opportunities to reduce exposure where possible.
  5. Global coordination: By working with trusted associates in other jurisdictions, we can help clients maintain compliance not just in the UK but in their home or host countries.

Lessons I'd Share with Other Founders

Here are the key lessons I’d share with other founders. Specialise early, cross-border tax is complex, and trying to cover every area weakens your value. Lead with empathy, as clients dealing with tax stress need clarity, patience, and reassurance. Build reliable networks, since handling multi-jurisdictional issues depends on trusted partners. Document everything, maintaining clear records, workflows, and communications reduces risk. Finally, stay continuously updated, because international tax law evolves constantly and ongoing learning is essential.

What I'd Publish and Formalise Earlier

If I were starting Hodgens Global again, I'd publish more educational content earlier:

  1. Guides
  2. Webinars
  3. Case studies

This establishes trust and visibility in the expat space. I'd formalise client onboarding, process templates and compliance dashboards sooner to scale without sacrificing quality. And I might delegate or systematise more of the "grunt work" earlier so I can focus on strategic advising.

Expanding Reach and Building Digital Tools

In the coming years, I plan to expand Hodgens Global’s reach into more countries, focusing on regions with large UK expatriate communities. I also aim to develop digital tools and client portals that support reporting, dashboards, and document exchange to make the client experience smoother and more transparent. Alongside this, I’ll produce more public content, such as guides and videos to simplify UK tax concepts for expats. Strengthening partnerships with international tax advisors will help us provide true “one-stop” cross-border compliance support. Ultimately, my goal is for Hodgens Global to become the trusted name expats with concerns about UK tax matters turn to when navigating tax complexity or relocation.

FAQs for Hodgens Global: Expert Expat Tax and UK Compliance Partner

What services does Hodgens Global offer for expats?

Hodgens Global provides comprehensive UK tax compliance and planning services for expats, including annual self-assessment tax returns, capital gains tax planning, dual residence analysis, and advice for international income. They also assist with HMRC liaison and compliance remediation.

Who can benefit from Hodgens Global's expertise?

Their services are ideal for expats, cross-border professionals, digital nomads, retirees abroad, and entrepreneurs who need help with UK tax matters. If your life spans more than one country, you will find their specialised support valuable.

How does Hodgens Global simplify complex tax situations?

They simplify complexity by avoiding jargon, communicating transparently, and tailoring advice to your individual circumstances. They also coordinate with international associates to manage compliance outside the UK when necessary.

What makes Hodgens Global different from other tax firms?

Hodgens Global offers a unique blend of personal expat empathy, a niche focus on UK expat tax, and a commitment to personal guidance rather than just transactional services. They combine compliance with proactive planning and offer global coordination.

Can Hodgens Global help if I am a foreigner relocating to or departing the UK?

Absolutely. They provide specific advice for new arrivals, foreigners relocating or departing the UK, and returning expats, ensuring you understand your UK tax status and obligations during these transitions.