Tax guidance and property tax accountants for single property owners
Property tax can be a daunting task, whether you’re starting with a single flat or a standalone house. Whether you need assistance with your tax returns or advice on minimizing your tax liabilities, our team is here to provide you with the support you require.
Our mission is to help you enjoy property ownership
Our property tax accountants alleviate the property tax burden by…
- Handling tax returns: taking care of them
Having an expert in property tax handling it accurately, promptly, and within budget simplifies life significantly.
- Standing by your side
We handle HMRC inquiries on your behalf, aiming for a swift and smooth resolution through effective communication.
- Deductions for taxes claimed
The most challenging aspect of taxation is often the final bill. Given our deep involvement in property tax matters, the Really Wicked Accountant Tax team is continually searching for opportunities to reduce your bill by identifying potential reliefs and allowances that may have gone unnoticed.
- Preparing you for achievement
New property owners can access our all-inclusive starter kit, offering a complete guide. Call us now to learn more.
Frequently Asked questions
Indeed, it's of utmost importance. If you are already filing a self-assessment tax return, you must include the property income pages. If you've never filed one before, you need to report this new income source to HMRC by 5 October following the end of the tax year, which ends on 5 April. Failure to do so may result in penalties or, in extreme cases, legal action if you don't disclose your income promptly.
It's logical to assume that if HMRC remains unaware of your income (except for tax-exempt savings and ISAs), failing to declare this income could be seen as tax evasion if discovered later on.
Indeed, HMRC possesses an extensive array of powers and resources. A case in point highlighting HMRC's ability to uncover undisclosed rental income can be found in an article published in The Guardian on May 29, 2007.
If the property is solely in your name, any net rental income generated from it will be subject to taxation solely under your name.
In the case of joint ownership with your partner, any income derived from the property will be evenly divided between both of you, typically in a 50:50 split. Each of you will be individually liable for tax in this scenario.
Assuming a gross monthly rent of £600 before expense deductions, your taxable rental income can be calculated by subtracting relevant property-related expenses. These expenses can encompass various items, including:
- Mortgage interest and finance costs (restricted to the basic income tax rate for most residential properties).
- Maintenance and repair expenses.
- Charges for property-related services.
- Fees levied by letting agents.
- Payment of several utilities on behalf of the tenant, such as electricity, gas, water, and council tax.
- Insurance costs for both the property and its contents.
If your allowable expenses surpass the rent you receive, you won't owe taxes on the income generated. You can carry forward any annual losses incurred from renting your property and offset them against future profits.
Consider the scenario where you solely own the property, earn £25,000 annually from employment, and have taxable rental profits of £100 per month, equivalent to £1,200 per year, after accounting for expenses. In this example, your rental profits, which amount to £240, would be subject to taxation at a lower rate, approximately around 20%.
It's advisable to set aside this amount to cover your tax obligations, especially if your income levels are higher, as your effective tax rate may exceed 20%
A straightforward response is that it's not possible.
You can freely rent to anyone, but renting below market value delays offsetting losses against other profits. Carry losses forward for future use.
Certainly, under specific circumstances, the answer is affirmative. Various ownership structures exist, and prior to deciding to embark on this course, it is prudent to take the following into consideration.
Different Ownership Structures in England and Wales
Sole Ownership
Property owned by a single individual incurs income and capital gains tax solely on that individual. For tax purposes, income and gains cannot be distributed or shared.
Joint Ownership
In this scenario, the property is jointly owned, and if one owner passes away, the surviving owners inherit the property. When a property is owned jointly, the last surviving owner becomes the sole owner before any provisions in a will can apply. Income and capital gains are distributed equally among all joint owners because they all have an equal entitlement, and there is no option to allocate income differently. It is advisable to consult with your solicitor when purchasing a property jointly to confirm the specifics of the joint ownership.
Common Ownership
An individual owns a portion of the property, which may be divided equally or in varying proportions. When a tenant passes away, their share becomes part of their estate, subject to distribution according to their will or intestacy laws. In cases where a property is owned by individuals who are not married or civil partners, income and gains are divided proportionally. However, married couples or civil partners are considered to have equal income for tax purposes, regardless of beneficial ownership, unless they both sign a declaration confirming an alternative income split based on beneficial ownership of income and property.
Here are some strategies to potentially reduce capital gains tax liability based on the aforementioned ownership structures:
Transferring a property into joint names prior to selling it is advisable if one spouse owns the property individually, and the other spouse has not yet utilized their CGT (Capital Gains Tax) exemption. Timing is crucial for this transaction, as HM Revenue and Customs may scrutinize it if it occurs shortly before the sale. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that each spouse's tax return accurately reflects income received after the property transfer, which may lead to increased tax payments. Furthermore, the property transfer into joint names must be legally executed.
In most cases, no. Typically, losses from rental income can only be carried forward to offset against future profits. However, if the loss is a result of excess capital allowances in commercial lettings or specific agricultural expenses, it may be eligible for deduction against other income.
We have written a must-read article on this topic – essential for any property owner, regardless of their property portfolio size: Deductible Expenses Against Rental Income.
In short, material costs are deductible, and travel expenses related exclusively to property renting are allowable. However, time spent working on the property cannot be deducted.
Fees for UK Residents
For single-property owners in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, simply specify sole or joint proprietor, and we’ll manage everything.
Two Properties
Sole Owner
- If you're renting out a flat or house that you previously resided in, inherited, or purchased as an investment, we'll manage your tax filing
- Contact us to get a fixed fee quote
Three Properties
Sole Owner
- We handle tax returns for individuals who co-own property with a spouse, partner, sibling, parent, or even a friend.
- Contact us to get a fixed fee quote
Fees for Non-Residents
Whether overseas for business or leisure, renting a UK property, the process is the same. We only need ownership info.
Two Properties
Sole Owner
- Whether it's a flat in Manchester or a cottage in the Cotswolds, we ensure they're accounted for in your global tax filing.
- Contact us to get a fixed fee quote
Three Properties
Sole Owner
- If you co-own property with a spouse, family member, or business partner, we simplify remote tax filing for you.
- Contact us to get a fixed fee quote
Our individual property tax services are tailored to your needs If you...
Inheriting a house or flat
Inheriting a property may tempt selling for cash, but keeping it for long-term income, especially with low interest rates, has benefits.
Moving in together with your partner
If you and your partner each have separate homes and decide to live together or get married, you might have an extra property. We can help with joint ownership and tax planning.
Property Investment
Investing in property can be a great choice to make your capital work harder. Buy-to-let is a solid investment option.