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11:29 AM, 14th January 2022, About 2 years ago 4
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Homeowners who leave properties empty while pretending to let them to holidaymakers will be targeted by HMRC under the new rules that holiday lets must be rented out for a minimum of 70 days a year to qualify for business rates.
The changes will target people who take advantage of the system to avoid paying their fair share towards local services in popular destinations such as Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District, Suffolk, West Sussex and the Isles of Scilly.
Currently, owners of second homes in England can avoid paying council tax and access small business rates relief by simply declaring an intention to let the property out to holidaymakers. However, concerns have been raised that many never actually let their homes and leave them empty and are therefore unfairly benefiting from the tax break.
Following consultation, the government will now bring changes to the tax system, which will mean second homeowners must pay council tax if they are not genuine holiday lets.
From April 2023, second homeowners will have to prove holiday lets are being rented out for a minimum of 70 days a year to access small business rates relief, where they meet the criteria.
Holiday let owners will have to provide evidence such as the website or brochure used to advertise the property, letting details and receipts.
Properties will also have to be available to be rented out for 140 days a year to qualify for this relief.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up Rt Hon Michael Gove said: “The government backs small businesses, including responsible short-term letting, which attracts tourists and brings significant investment to local communities.
“However, we will not stand by and allow people in privileged positions to abuse the system by unfairly claiming tax relief and leaving local people counting the cost.
“The action we are taking will create a fairer system, ensuring that second homeowners are contributing their share to the local services they benefit from.”
Kurt Jansen, Director of the Tourism Alliance said: “Establishing these new operational thresholds for self-catering businesses is welcomed by the tourism industry as it makes a very important distinction between commercial self-catering businesses that provide revenue and employment for local communities, and holiday homes which lie vacant for most of the year.
“It is recognition that tourism is the lifeblood of many small towns and villages, maintaining the viability of local shops, pubs and attractions.”
The move will protect genuine small holiday letting businesses across the country and will support local economies by encouraging tourism and by ensuring second homeowners pay a fair contribution towards public services.
Around 65,000 holiday lets in England are liable for business rates, of which around 97% have rateable values of up to £12,000. Currently, there is no requirement for evidence to be produced that a property has actually been commercially let out.
Further information:
The government’s consultation response announces that, from 1 April 2023, a property will only be assessed for business rates rather than council tax if the owner can provide evidence that:
The Valuation Office Agency will be responsible for determining whether a property should be assessed for council tax or business rates under this new system.
Coastal
13:34 PM, 14th January 2022, About 2 years ago
Still can't believe the Gov originally created loopholes and benefits for landlords moving over to holiday lets, whilst hammering landlords providing stable long - term and much needed homes for families!
This policy must have been thought up during one of the wine fuelled Westminster parties!
Helen
20:08 PM, 14th January 2022, About 2 years ago
Will holiday lets have to conform to the strict rules and regulations that private landlords have to? I understand that they have only just had to provide carbon monoxide monitors and several deaths have occurred as a result. What is the position on gas safety certificates and electrical checks?
Dennis Forrest
7:24 AM, 15th January 2022, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by at 14/01/2022 - 20:08
As one of my properties is a holiday home rented out for well over 100 days a year I can confirm that an annual Landlords Gas Safety Check is needed. No legal obligation as yest for 5 year electricity test. Although we have only gas fired central heating there is no law to say we must have a carbon monoxide detector. However we and many other owners fit them to give peace of mind to guests. Only cost £20 or less for a sealed 10 year battery model.
Smiffy
8:28 AM, 15th January 2022, About 2 years ago
I doubt they "created" the loopholes, its more likely they just didn't for see them. Like most loopholes they tend to be outside the intent of the law as in this case. In the same way those who had property listed for business rates could also claim the covid grant last year.
At least they are closing the loophole.