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The research from Old Mutual International shows that a lack of knowledge can lead to unexpected consequences.

"Inheritance tax will be a concern for many UK expats and appropriate planning needs to be in place to mitigate any on-going liability.”

British expats mistakenly believe they are no longer UK domiciled

OMI's research shows 74% of UK expats who consider themselves no longer UK domiciled still hold assets in the UK, and 81% have not ruled out returning to the UK in the future.

This means HMRC is likely to still consider them to be deemed UK domiciled.

Griffin explained: "British expats are likely to have a UK domicile of origin, acquired at birth. They can try to acquire a new domicile (a domicile of choice) by settling in a new country with the intention of living there permanently.

"However, it is very difficult for someone to lose their UK domiciled status and acquire a new one.

"There are no fixed rules as to what is required to do this and the burden falls on the individual to prove they have acquired a new domicile, and often this isn’t finally decided by HMRC until someone passes away."

She continued: "Living in another country for a long time, although an important factor, does not prove a new domicile has been acquired. Among the many conditions that HMRC list, it states that all links with the UK must be severed and they must have no intention of returning to the UK."

British expats mistakenly believe they are only liable to UK IHT on their UK assets

A staggering 82% of UK expats do not realise that both their UK and WORLD-WIDE assets could be subject to UK IHT, OMI found.

Griffin explained: "As most British expats will still be deemed UK domiciled on death, it is important that they understand that this means their worldwide assets will become subject to UK IHT.

"A common misconception is that just UK assets are caught. This lack of knowledge could have a profound impact on beneficiaries.

"Before probate can be granted, the probate fee and any inheritance tax due on an estate must be paid.

"With UK IHT currently set at 40%, there could be a significant bill for beneficiaries to pay before they can access their inheritance. Setting up a life insurance policy could help ensure beneficiaries have access to cash to pay the required fees.

"Advisers setting up policies specifically for this purpose must ensure they place the policy in trust to enable funds to be paid out instantly without the need for probate.

British expats mistakenly believe they are no longer subject to UK taxes when they leave the UK

Research shows 11% of UK expats with UK property did not know that UK income tax may need to be paid if their property is rented out, and 27% were unaware that Capital Gains Tax may need to be paid if the property is sold.

Griffin explained: "All income and gains generated from UK assets or property continue to be subject to UK taxes.

"Some expats seem to think that just because they no longer live in the UK they don’t need to declare their income or capital gains from savings and investments or property held in the UK.

"By not declaring the correct taxes people can find they end up being investigated by HMRC, and the sanctions for non-disclosure are getting tougher."

British expats mistakenly believe that their spouse can sign documents on their behalf should anything happen to them

OMI's research shows 44% of UK expats wrongly believe their spouse will be able to sign on their behalf should they become mentally incapacitated.

Griffin explained: "The misconception that a spouse or child or a professional will be able to manage their affairs should they become mentally incapacitated (often by a critical illness such as a stroke) is leading people to think they don’t need a power of attorney (POA) in place.

"This could result in families being left in a vulnerable position as their loved ones will not automatically be able to step in and act on their behalf.

"Instead, there will be a delay whilst they apply to the Court of Protection to obtain the necessary authority.

"This extra complication is all avoidable by completing a lasting POA form and registering it with the Court of Protection."

British expats unsure if their will is automatically recognised in the country they have moved to

Half of UK expats do not know if a will or power of attorney (POA) is legally recognised in the country they have moved to, OMI found.

Griffin explained: "It is wrong to assume a will or POA document is automatically recognised in the country in which they move to.

"Often overseas law is driven by where the person is habitually resident, and the laws of that country will apply.

"Therefore, people may require a UK will and POA for their UK assets and a separate one covering their assets in the country they live.

"The wills also need to acknowledge each other so as not to supersede each other."

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