New Capital Gain Tax Reporting Requirement

The 5^th April is fast approaching and following this date any residential property disposal by UK resident individuals will trigger a reporting requirement upon the sellers to make a return of the capital gain tax arising and paying any tax due, if appropriate, within 30 days of completion. This has been the position for non-resident individuals since April 2015.

Even in instances where no capital gain tax liability arises, there is still an obligation to compute any gain to evidence how that decision was arrived at. Other instances may not trigger a reporting requirement. Knowing the rules and the requirements will be key. Failure to comply could give rise to interest and penalties.

This will catch many sellers out even those who are aware of capital gains tax and paid this in the past.

We would recommend any seller selling a property which will be subject to capital gains tax to seek advice from an accountant at the point of marketing not at the point of completion. If you don’t know whether capital gains tax is payable you should likewise seek advice from an accountant.

In addition to sales this could affect you if you transfer a property or gift it away. 

• Residential