With the 31 January tax return deadline just around the corner, HMRC has revealed the ‘Top 10 oddest excuses’ for sending in a late return. The following bizarre, exotic and flimsy excuses have all been used by tardy taxpayers: My pet goldfish died (self-employed builder) I had a run-in with a cow (Midlands farmer) After.. read more →
A look, with working examples, at pre-letting expenses and the issue of whether repairs are a capital or revenue expense. Profits from UK land or property are treated, for tax purposes, as arising from a business. The broad scheme is that rental business profits are computed using the same principles as for trades (ITTOIA 2005,.. read more →
Several of my clients have recently told me that they’ve been receiving emails, supposedly from HMRC, inviting them to click links within the emails in order to apply for tax refunds. Regrettably, some have confirmed that they did indeed click the links then log onto fake HMRC websites, which looked every bit real to them,.. read more →
Some of the key announcements in the Spring 2016 Budget : Residential Landlords A number of changes happening: First, the 10% wear and tear allowance on furnished properties goes from April 2016, to be replaced with a deduction for actual repairs and replacement costs incurred. Secondly, starting from 17/18 and tapering over four years, relief.. read more →
Since the recent announcement of various changes to the taxation of unincorporated property businesses, there has been renewed interest in incorporation: would it be possible to shelter property income and capital gains inside the lower Corporation Tax regime? Unfortunately, this apparent quick-fix for property business owners is fraught with dangers for the unwary. For example:.. read more →
David K Crossley CTA, ATT
Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation