paying uk income tax on overseas contracts

[lloyd1980]

Hi all

I'm after a bit of advice please. :D
Ive been offered a 12 month contract working for an american company in either Afghanistan or Iraq
My money would be paid in US dollars
I'd be over there for 4 months, back here for 10 days, over again for another 4 months then serve out the rest of contract in the uk.

Ive been told by company its tax free
Ive looked into it and it seems you are still liable for uk income tax on all overseas earnings unless you are clased as a non uk resident.
I'd just like to know if anyone on here has done any work over there and if you got taxed at all.
I'm no tax expert at all but it just seems funny that the company are saying its tax free and the info ive collected say otherwise.
also if i left in one tax year and came back in the next how would that affect me - ie left in oct (this tax year) returned june (next tax year)
Would I need a foreign bank account to be paid into , are there special dispensation for contractors going to afghanistan in relation to tax?????

any advice would be really welcomed guys so thanks you all
in advance

I really want to go but if it means handing 40% over :mad: to the inland revenue then i'll leave it!!!!!!

thanks lloyd:D