Member Article

Landlords offered chance to tidy up tax affairs

Leeds based chartered accountancy firm Thomas Coombs is advising that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is giving landlords who let residential property the opportunity to put their tax affairs in order.

HMRC and the Treasury believe that up to 1.5 million landlords may have underpaid or failed to pay tax owed, and the loss is estimated at up to £500 million in UK tax every year.

Now it has launched the Let Property Campaign, under which landlords who may owe tax – whether through misunderstanding the rules or deliberate evasion – can come forward and tell HMRC about any unpaid tax on rents, and pay what they owe, including interest due, plus reduced penalties.

The campaign, launched on 19 September, is open to all residential property landlords, including those who let out a single property, a large property portfolio, student or workforce rentals and holiday homes.

Christopher Darwin, partner at Thomas Coombs, said: “This is the latest in a series of campaigns by HMRC targeting sectors where it believes some people are not paying their fair share of tax.

“HMRC has already warned that it will be using information it holds on property rental both in the UK and abroad, as well as on its digital intelligence system Connect to identify people who have not paid what they owe. Therefore, it is important to take advantage of this opportunity to put your affairs in order with more favourable terms.

“If you fail to come forward and HMRC catches up with you then you will not only face higher penalties but could also face criminal prosecution. If in doubt about your tax position, it is always best to seek professional advice.”

For further information, please contact Christopher Darwin, email: christopher.darwin@thomascoombs.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Christopher Darwin FCA - Thomas Coombs Chartered Accountants .