However the HMRC does have the power to offer "extra -statutory concessions" allowing a small tax break in instances where it accepts the law is not able to meet the hardships at its margins. It also says that it can only very rarely relax the ruling as it would otherwise cost the taxpayer too much.

Brian Slater, chair of CIOT Property Taxes Sub-Committee, said: “The concession, as it previously existed, provided incentives for private landlords to maintain their properties by offering tax relief for the costs of replacing white goods and other furnishings. Additionally, tenants who might otherwise have been forced to manage with worn out furnishings and broken fridges benefited from the replacements. This incentive no longer exists, likely creating an increased level of tension between landlord and tenant over costs and maintenance.
 
“Additionally, what can be classed as a ‘replacement’ or a ‘repair’, is sometimes complex turning on fine distinctions. While the Government has been taking real steps to engage with landlords and help them understand the taxes which affect them, the removal of this tax relief will only create more confusion, apparently denying relief for what is quite rightly seen as a legitimate business cost.”

Is there such thing as a helping hand from HMRC for landlords ?  The HMRC (HM Revenues and Customs) has uploaded tutorials providing training to help landlords with their tax returns. This is a project to ensure that landlords fully understand their duties when to fill in their returns and the amou… Read news