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Changes to Stamp Duty On December 4th 2014 stamp duty on property purchases was reformed by the Government. At the time the Chancellor George Osborne stated around 98% of purchasers in England and Wales would pay less after stamp duty reform. Changes to stamp duty meant people who buy homes for under £937,000 would pay less in tax when compared to the old system. From April 2016 a 3% Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge has applied to purchases of buy to let property and second homes. In Scotland a similar LBTT 3% surcharge applies to additional property transactions from April 2016. Old Stamp Duty System With the old system before December 2014, stamp duty was considered to be a “slab tax” where higher rates were incremented and applied to the whole property purchase price. The old system meant there were sudden increases in stamp duty liability as the purchase priceRead more →

Consultation On Property Wear And Tear Allowance In the Summer Budget 2015 the Government confirmed its intention to introduce measures to improve how landlord’s businesses are taxed. The new measures which are detailed in the full Consultation Document are designed to provide consistency and fairness in the taxation of rented properties. However, you still have until 9 October to submit your comments and responses to the consultation. An outline of the new measures is given below and we’ve also produced a handy fact sheet which you can print out: The changes The current 10% Wear and Tear Allowance which allows landlords to reduce the tax they pay, regardless of whether they replace the furnishings in their property, will be replaced. From April 2016 landlords will only be allowed to deduct the costs they actually incur for replacing furnishings in their rental properties. Eligibility All landlords will be eligible for the relief respective of whether theyRead more →