Acquisition costs need to split into capital and revenue expenses.
“Several tests have been developed through case law to ascertain whether expenditure is revenue or capital in nature. The ‘enduring benefit’ test, which originated from Atherton v British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ltd [1925] 10 TC 155, is one such test.
“In this case, that expenditure incurred with a view to providing the business with an ‘enduring benefit’ was not allowable as a trading expense. ‘Enduring benefit’ means that the expense will benefit the business not just in the year in which it is incurred, but also in the years that follow. [Taxation]
Capital Expenses
- Legal costs for the property purchase
- Property Acquisition Cost
Capital expenses are only recovered as part of the capital gains calculation when they are added to the purchase cost to reduce the overall gain.
Revenue Expenses
- Mortgage arrangement fees
- Legal fees on arranging loans
- Lenders normally include valuation fees in their charges
Revenue expenses are charged to the P&L and are deductible against income tax/corporation tax.
When loan costs are material they would normally be amortised over the period of the loan in order to apply the matching principle of accounting.
You cannot deduct:
- Expenses incurred in connection with the first letting or subletting of a property for more than a year. These include legal expenses such as the cost of drawing up a lease, agents’ and surveyors’ fees and commission.
- Any costs of agreeing and paying a premium on renewal of a lease.
- Fees for planning permission or registration of title on property purchase.
steve@bicknells.net
