First time buy to let.
First time buy to let.
Author
Discussion

Hamster69

Original Poster:

747 posts

177 months

Thursday 1st May 2014
quotequote all
Hi guys, I am currently moving out of my flat into a rented property closer to work. I have lived in my current flat for 7 years and do not want to sell it really. I have arranged with agents to let it out. I have a buy to let mortgage being arranged for me. The only thing I'm not really sure on is the tax. I know I can deduct the interest on the btl mortgage, along with the ground rent, service charge, agents fees and insurance from the profit and pay tax just on the remainder. But how do I do this. Can I do it online, can I do it monthly and is it just 20% of the profit?

Any advise would be gratefully received as this is all new to me.

Edited by Hamster69 on Thursday 1st May 22:02

Devilstreak

8,088 posts

212 months

Thursday 1st May 2014
quotequote all
Short answer(typing on phone) is :

You need to register for self assessment. You will be issued a utr to complete a tax return.

You're understanding is largely correct, it is 20% if you are a basic rate tax payer.
The tax will be due yearly by 31st of January, or if below 3k can be collected through your paye income if you have it.

Eric Mc

125,920 posts

296 months

Friday 2nd May 2014
quotequote all
As well as the costs you mention, you can also deduct any repairs and maintenance costs you incur as the landlord.

Billsnemesis

817 posts

268 months

Friday 2nd May 2014
quotequote all
It is well worth paying an accountant to work through this.

When we first did this we found out that we can claim a significant part of the income as tax deductible simply because we include white goods. It is therefore let "part furnished" and there is a simplified tax structure that allows us to use that to offset tax. It means we can't claim the actual replacement cost of appliances but having done this over several years we seem to be coming out ahead even with Bosche and Miele kit going in.

There are other subtleties that the accountant has worked out and it is well worth the £150 or so it costs for him to do the return every year.

Eric Mc

125,920 posts

296 months

Friday 2nd May 2014
quotequote all
There is a general "10% Wear and Tear" allowance that can be claimed for FULLY furnished lets.

Hamster69

Original Poster:

747 posts

177 months

Sunday 4th May 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for the advise guys. The profits will be well under 3k at the moment so how would the paye system work. Has anyone done the return online?

Pit Pony

11,515 posts

152 months

Sunday 4th May 2014
quotequote all
As a procrastinating BTL wannabe, I'd suggest popping over to www.moneysavingexpert.co.uk - find the property rental bits of the forum, and read the horror stories, from land lords who are trying to get rid of problem tenants, and from tenants who are trying to avoid eviction.

I'm not saying DON'T do it, I'm saying understand MORE about your obligations than the Letting Agent, and make sure that the agent does everything by the book.

98elise

32,874 posts

192 months

Sunday 4th May 2014
quotequote all
Hamster69 said:
Thanks for the advise guys. The profits will be well under 3k at the moment so how would the paye system work. Has anyone done the return online?
You just complete the self assessment, and HMRC send you a bill (or they can adjust your PAYE code to collect it).

Edited by 98elise on Sunday 4th May 15:46