Underlining planning options for FHL owners

If you read our post of last week, Property Tax Changes, you will be aware that the Chancellor recently confirmed – as part of his Spring Budget – that the present tax advantages that owners of Furnished Holiday Let (FHL) property enjoy will be abolished from April 2025.

While a deadline in a year’s time may seem a long time away, taking action to mitigate future taxes or undertaking changes during the 2024-25 tax year will require “what-if” analysis.

Start considering your options now

The following planning ideas may or may not benefit you personally and do not action any of these suggestions without first contacting us to undertake the necessary research for you.

Possible options for FHL owners before 6 April 2025:

• As past profits from FHL activities count towards earnings for pension purposes, could you pay a sizeable top-up to your pension pot during 2024-25?
• Is there a way to facilitate, and fund, a disposal of FHL property that triggers the Capital Gains Business Assets Disposal Relief, so that you effectively pay 10% tax on any chargeable gain, and re-establish a base cost for CGT at current market value?
• Are there options of involving your spouse, civil partner or adult children in a CGT planning exercise?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating your FHL business?

Change is always a challenge

It is possible that when HMRC publish the fine print of their changes to the tax treatment of FHL businesses, some or all of the above ideas may prove to be dead ducks. However, it pays to stay ahead of the planning curve.

Initially, we suggest that FHL owners that want to explore their options get in touch to start the planning process, and then as more detailed information becomes available you will be best placed to shift from planning into action.