Our website uses cookies to enhance the visitor experience (what's a cookieCookies are small text files that are stored on your computer when you visit a website. They are mainly used as a way of improving the website functionalities or to provide more advanced statistical data.). Are you happy for us to use cookies during your visits?
Please note: continuing without making a choice equates to giving us your consent, which you can withdraw at any time via our cookies policy page.

Tel: 01329 282222

Email: mail@rjg-accountants.co.uk

  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Subscribe to RSS

Free Consultation

Call today to receive an initial consultation worth £200 for FREE


VAT Opting to Tax on Buildings

Newsletter issue - July 2012.

Buildings are generally exempt from VAT, but there are a lot of exceptions to this.

A person who holds an interest in a building (freehold or leasehold) can opt to tax the building, such that income from selling or letting the building is subject to VAT.

If you purchase a building and the purchase price includes VAT, you do not have to opt to tax that building.

Consider Ali who owns a VAT registered car repair business. He purchases a new commercial unit for £200,000 plus VAT of £40,000. The unit is used entirely for the car repair business, so Ali can reclaim the VAT of £40,000 in the same way he reclaims VAT on other purchases.

Ali does not have to opt to tax the unit to reclaim that VAT. In a few years Ali may want to sub-let the unit, in which case the rent will be exempt from VAT. This will make Ali's business partially exempt, which may mean he cannot reclaim all the VAT charged on his purchases. In that situation Ali may choose to opt to tax the building so the rent must have VAT added.

Please check with us whether you should opt to tax a building you own or lease.

Free Tax & Business Tips


Resources

Click here for forms, reports,
calculators, tax calendar, tax rates, news, budget, company searches and more.

Become a Client

Click here to find out great
reasons why you should, get a quote and a FREE gift worth £500.

Click here RJG Accountants secure portal

Make an Enquiry