Contracting in Norway/Australia

[freeman1980]

Hi

I'm currently contracting in the UK oil and gas industry through my own limited company. In a couple of years I'm planning on taking an overseas assignment to either Norway or Australia. By this time, I should have a reasonable cash balance sitting in my company bank account. Now, as far as I can see, I've got two options:

1) Close the company and claim Entrepreneur's Relief and take the balance out as a capital gain.

2) Keep the company open and continue to take lower rate dividend while being taxed on my overseas earnings at source.

I understand that to establish the best option will indeed be quite complex. So if anyone has had any experience or could give me a contact to gain some advice, it would be very much appreciated.

[AvocadoK]

Yes, if you PM me I will give you contact details.
AK

[Jetsetter4805]

With regard to closing the company down and claiming Entrepreneur's relief, could this be done on 5th April after working full time overseas for a complete tax year? Presumably non-resident status could then be claimed with no CGT due at all?