RENEWALS BASIS IS BACK

RENEWALS BASIS IS BACK FOR BUY TO LET LANDLORDS Following the restriction of tax relief for mortgage interest and the 3% increase in Stamp Duty Land Tax, all is not doom and gloom for buy to let landlords. Following on from the consultation this summer, the draft Finance Bill 2016 includes the legislation to reintroduce tax relief for the replacement of furnishings in buy to let properties from 6 April 2016.  This will apply to both furnished and unfurnished lettings and will mean that the cost of replacing items such as cookers and washing machines will again qualify for relief following the withdrawal of a concession from 6 April 2013. Note that the alternative, and simpler, 10% wear and tear allowance will be withdrawn from 6 April 2016 for those letting properties fully furnished. Those letting properties under the more stringent furnished holiday letting rules will continue to be able to claim the Annual Investment Allowance which provides 100% tax relief for the initial furnishing as well as renewal of furniture in holiday properties.