US to UK Contractor looking for tax advice

Hello all!

I am moving from US to UK and just got a new job. They are looking to pay me as a contractor so question is- would it be better for me to have them pay me as an American, or under my UK work visa? I have no idea where to start with this question and how this will later affect taxes so any help is very appreciated. Thanks so much.

You'll be paying taxes to HMRC, so I personally would prefer having the money sent directly to the UK.  But it's up to you.  So long as you complete your taxes correctly to the UK it won't affect future visas.  Just be sure to follow all HMRC procedures as this is part of the checks UKVI will do for your future visas. 

And then there's the exchange rate.... 

And then there's the exchange rate.... 

Yes,  it has been great from a US $ to UK £ for a couple of years but now it is now headed back up. I would prefer to be paid in £s given the OP’s circumstances.

You'd want to know if under English law you might be considered an employed worker. HMRCs status tool may help a little but is not comprehensive, an employment lawyer might be worth speaking with given how generous English employment rights can be: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-employment-status-for-tax