Alderney - Luxury Holiday Hotspot and Foriegn Offshore Investors first choice in Tax Reduction

Where is Alderney?off-shore insurers subject to the 0% rate.The
Alderney is the third largest of the Channel Islandsstatuses of exempt company and international
and is one of the few unspoiled, peaceful, naturalcompany will be abolished with effect from 1
and totally relaxing British Isles.January 2008, after which all companies will be
It is situated near mainland France (by 8 miles),subject to the 0% or 10% rate as
Guernsey (by 23 miles), Jersey (by 30 miles) andappropriate.Other taxation and revenue raising
the Isle of Wight (by 60 miles). Yet, it hasmeasures will be considered in consultation with
managed to avoid mainstream tourism, making itlocal industry to ensure the impact is structurally
easier for you to relax and take in a great'complementary' to the reduction in the rate of
example of British scenic beauty. From An oasiscorporate taxation. Resident individuals will continue
with an ancient and varied history, to anto pay tax at 20% on assessable income,
abundance of flora and fauna, to beautiful beachesincluding the proportion of the profits of a
and an enviable lifestyle with that unique,company in which they have a beneficial
contagious phenomenon known as 'the Alderneyinterest.The current recommendation is that the
Feeling', Alderney has it all!new corporate tax structure be implemented
Public or Privatefrom 2008. However, the exact timing and details
Alderney Airport is not one of the busiest; as it iswill be dependent on competitive pressures and
'Light Aviation Friendly' and is therefore, ready tointernational standards. For example, international
welcome you seven days a week. The airportcompetition may lead to an earlier implementation
does it best to ensure that your visit is free ofdate.
the delays and frustrations experienced at busierCompanies which are exempt from paying income
airports and thus give you more time to exploretax need to meet these requirements: the
the many delights of the island. Beaches andbeneficial ownership of the company is in the
restaurants are abound, many within walkinghands of non-residents (except in certain
distance.circumstances, e.g. where an interest is held by an
For pilots of private jets, would near to bear inAlderney resident who is not solely or principally
mind the following points: Alderney Airport isresident in Alderney or where a resident holds an
situated within and governed by, the regulationsinterest in a nominee or trustee capacity).
applicable to the Channel Islands CTR (Class [A]Beneficial ownership details have been disclosed to
airspace) and Alderney CTR (Class [D] airspace).the local Financial Services Commission. The
Secondly, pilots who are unable to comply with fullexistence of any Alderney source income (other
IFR requirements may, subject to weatherthan relevant bank deposits) is notified to the
minimum and air traffic restrictions, be cleared forAdministrator of Income Tax. An exempt
flight within the Zone on a Special VFR clearance.company is able to hold board meetings in
Details of SVFR restrictions will be found in theAlderney, e.g. to conclude contracts, without
UK AIP Aerodrome (AD Volume 1), or Pooley'sthose meetings constituting the carrying on of a
Flight Guide.business provided that the only other activities
Finally, prior permission for SVFR Zone entryconducted in the island are of an administrative or
clearance should be obtained by telephone fromclerical nature.
Jersey ATC. (Tel: +44 (0)1534 492243)For international companies, An Alderney
Pilots may be interested in the Alderney Fly-In,incorporated company which is owned by a
which takes place in June. This event attracts upnon-resident may be used for the conduct of
to 150 private aircraft and several hundredinternational trading activities which generate
enthusiastic aviators to the island every year.income derived exclusively from non- residents of
Another exciting aviation event to watch is theAlderney. Such a company may qualify for
'Island Air Races',, held annually during September.International Company Status. In order to qualify
The races are run jointly by the Alderney Flyingas an International Company, no resident of
Club and the Royal Aero Club, with the resultsAlderney may have any beneficial interest in the
counting towards the British Air Racingcompany (unless that resident is an Alderney
Championships.company which itself is wholly-owned by
For more information about the Alderney Flyingnon-residents) and beneficial ownership details
Club, visit: and to travel by yacht, please visit: forhave to be disclosed to Guernsey's Financial
navigation details.Services Commission. An International Company is
Hotels, Pubs and Restaurantsresident in Alderney for all the purposes of the
The following cosy, privately-owned hotels areIncome Tax Law but it will pay tax at a rate
recommended: Belle Vue Hotels, The Victoria, Theabove zero but not more than 30%. The rate of
Georgian House, Braye Beach Hotel (formerly wastax is determined on a case by case basis and
Sea View) and the newly-reopened, Hotel Chezonce set is fixed for a maximum term of five
André.years, after which time it may be renewed. An
All establishments have private bathrooms orInternational Company that does not have its
en-suite facilities, terrestrial TV, central heatingstatus renewed will subsequently be liable to tax
and tea/coffee making facilities. Full details areat the standard rate of 20%. Banks and certain
published in the latest Alderney Brochure and oninsurers are not eligible to apply for International
the respective Internet link pages.Company Status.Companies which are under the
Rates quoted are per person per night, includingIncome Tax Law and have at any time been
breakfast and should be considered as guidelinesregarded as either resident or tax exempt in
only and vary according to type of room andAlderney cannot apply for International Company
season (Low Season: November-March;Status.
Mid-Season: April, May & October; HighFor more information on this, please visit:
Season: June to September).Corporate Services (Alderney) Ltd.
With regards to where to eat out, apart from theThis was formed in 1987 to take over the
restaurants based in the aforementioned hotels,offshore management business in Alderney. Since
the following places are recommended: Bumpsthen, it has been able to create a small, but
Eating House; The First and Last Restaurant;stable, finance industry in the island, particularly
Gannets (terrace-based); Mai Thai Restaurant;with the help of the 1994 Companies (Alderney)
Mañana; The Moorings; Nellie Grays IndianLaw. The company has two principals: Jon
Restaurant; The Old Barn; Braye Chippy and NewKay-Mouat: Barrister at Law Grays Inn,
China Garden.Diplomé of the University of Caen,
Experience Island Life in AlderneyAdvocate of the Guernsey Bar and Notary Public.
Alderney is some 3.1/2 miles (5 km) long and 1.1Mr Kay-Mouat was also awarded the OBE in 1994.
2 miles (3 km) at its widest point, with aMrs. Fay Webster is the second principal, who has
population of 2,400. The capital, the small town ofacquired 10 years experience in company
St Anne, is the shopping centre catering for mostmanagement with this Company.
modern-day needs.Corporate Services (Alderney) Limited provides
Amongst its many qualities Alderney is a relaxed,services to around 350 company clients. One of
safe and friendly island with a great deal to offer,its main services is to provide expert
including a quiet, stable way of life amidst beautifulinterpretation of the 1994 Law, ensuring a
surroundings and enjoying a generally warmercompany is formed to your exact requirements.
climate than the U.K!If speed is important, formalities can be
Alderney is twinned with the Normandy village ofcompleted within two days! The principals provide
Beaumont-Hague which is just across the Channel.a personal service and guarantee it to be efficient
Leisure interests are well catered for, with overand friendly.
forty clubs and societies and there is alwaysE-Commerce in Alderney
something going on. Alderney also has aThe Channel Islands are renowned for the stability
professionally maintained 9-hole golf course andof government and for the highest standards of
some of the finest sea-fishing in the Channelregulation, accompanied by a sound judicial
Islands. Sailing, surf-boarding, tennis and squash aresystem.Alderney boasts a healthy, well-balanced
all popular activities pursued here.economy generated by its rapidly growing
Banking in Alderneye-commerce and offshore finance industry and its
There are three major banks represented in thetraditional tourism and fishing industries. Moreover,
island: sub branches of Lloyds TSB Bank, HSBCthe island's government has acted where others
and the National Westminster Offshore Ltd. All thehave prevaricated to make the process of
banks provide a full banking service. All bankestablishing an e-commerce presence as easy as
interest is paid gross and interest paid topossible. A number of companies in the finance
non-residents is not subject to local tax.sector have established successful back office
Setting up your own business in Alderneyoperations on the island. In parallel, Alderney is
Alderney has been a financial centre since therapidly heading for pole position as a leading
1950s and through the 1994 Company (Alderney)internet gaming and gambling jurisdiction.The latest
Law Act, which came into force since mid-1995,state-of-the art computer and communications
setting up businesses have been better facilitated.technology, a well-structured "user-friendly"
This is because the law has the following features:company law and a good selection of residential
A minimum membership of one person,and commercial properties with few restrictions
incorporation by registration; provision for theon ownership, are available as a part of the
application of standard form articles if required;infrastructure you wish to have. Cable &
distinction between public and private companies;Wireless Guernsey whose approach to e-business
abolition of the ultra vires rule; provision formakes possible mission-critical communications
companies limited by guarantee; provision forover a business quality IP infrastructure. Resilience,
companies with a share capital and limited byreliability and security are key aspects of the
guarantee ("Hybrid" companies). Furthermore,service and are deployed over a high-bandwidth
there is provision for the adoption ofnetwork for voice, data and IP traffic.
pre-incorporation contracts; provision for shareIn terms of human resources, Alderney has a
capital in any currency; issue of fractional sharescompetent computer literate workforce offering
and shares of no par value; provision forpart-time, full-time, tele-working and contract
redeemable shares; provision for purchase of ownstaff, thus providing businesses with the required
shares; simplified accounting records for privatelevel of flexibility. Those not wishing to engage
companies without the need to appoint an auditor;staff can call on expertise as required from the
private companies may have a minimum of oneisland's experienced computer and technology
director and a secretary;reduction of share capitalfirms. Alderney has no shortage of specialist legal,
subject to Court approval; general meetings maybanking and accountancy experts on hand.
be held anywhere and private companies mayTo facilitate establishing a global e-commerce,
dispense with AGMs; provision for resolutions ofe-gaming or e-betting presence, the States of
members and directors in writing and modernAlderney has passed legislation to further the
provisions for amalgamations, arrangements,development of e-commerce on the island and to
investigations and winding up.support the electronic transactions of business in
Regarding confidentiality of companies, Alderneya straightforward, non-bureaucratic way. The
companies are under the general supervision ofGovernment of Alderney actively embraces the
the Bailiwick of Guernsey Financial Servicesdevelopment of online gaming and betting
Commission as well as the Alderney Registrar ofoperations. Shortly after introducing its own
Companies. The Commission receives details oflegislation to allow electronic betting on the island,
the beneficial owners; this information is held init appointed the Alderney Gambling Control
confidence and is not a matter of public record.Commission. Founded in May 2000, the
In terms of taxes, the provisions of Guernsey'scommission i. an independent and non-politicial body
Income Tax Law apply equally to Alderney bywhose members are nationally recognised experts
virtue of the Alderney (Application of Legislation)in gambling regulation and licensing. It has already
Law 1948. A new strategy for corporate taxes isestablished itself at the forefront of regulation of
in the pipeline too. The provisions of this include:Internet gambling worldwide. The States of
The general rate of income tax paid byAlderney remains committed to working closely
companies will be reduced to 0 % from 2008.with the Alderney Gambling Control Commission
The profits of certain companies licensed by theand all existing and potential licensees, to protect
Guernsey Financial Services Commission, e.g.and safeguard the best infrastructure, within a
banks, fiduciaries, insurance and fund managers)well-regulated environment.
will be taxed at 10%, but with domestic and