Prince Harry and Meghan’s shock return to Britain after six years could land them a major tax perk

PRINCE Harry and Meghan could benefit from a major tax perk after deciding to move back to Britain. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will avoid rules surrounding capital gains tax — because they are coming back after six years rather than five. Prince Harry and Meghan could benefit from a major tax perk after deciding to move back to Britain Credit: Getty The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will avoid rules surrounding capital gains tax Credit: Getty Under the UK’s temporary non-residence rules, people are prevented from moving abroad briefly, selling assets, and then returning without incurring the duty. HMRC can tax any profit made by selling or giving away assets such as shares or property where these have risen in value. Sign up for the Royals newsletter Thank you! But this is only the case for five years. Harry and Meghan however have managed six full tax years as non-UK residents — enough to avoid the penalty. READ MORE ON PRINCE HARRY Returning to the UK after six years rather than five works in Prince Harry’s favour Credit: AFP Meghan’s US citizenship could still land the couple with an extra tax bill Credit: AP Financial expert Michele Tieghi said: “The six-year stay in America could prove important for capital gains tax.” It is not clear if the couple made any capital gains while in the US. But they face higher stamp duty if they buy property here, as they are keeping their homes in Montecito and Portugal. And Meghan’s US citizenship will land them with an extra bill, as the US taxes citizens on their worldwide income regardless of where they live. Most read in Royals Security scramble A DECISION on Harry’s security could be forced to the front of the queue — ahead of other VIPs. The Sun understands his announcement, giving only two weeks’ notice he is returning to live in the UK, will inject urgency into the Royal and VIP Executive Committee. It is almost nine months since the body overseen by the Home Office vowed to carry out the Duke’s new risk assessment. He has been told the report was on hold while the system copes with the growing number of former PMs needing protection. Comment now