SMF - Just Installed!

Can I claim this as an expense on my Tax Return?

Started by dreamer, April 09, 2017, 04:02:54 PM

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dreamer

Hi, when the tenants moved out of my property a few months ago I decided to get some structural work done, eg. knocking down a couple of walls, etc.  Myself and my husband have been at the property for numerous days doing clearing up, redecoration, etc. Another Landlord told me that I could claim for our time at a rate of £25 each per hour as an allowable expense on my tax return... and the same applies when we go to the house to do the gardening. Is this correct?  If I go to the house for a short visit whilst the tenants are there I claim 40p per mile, mileage allowance on my tax return.  Again, is this what others do??

Also, just wondered what other Landlords do in regard 'white goods' in the kitchen.  We have always provided a fridge/freezer & washing machine and have paid for any repairs / replacements - do you always provide these (in an 'unfurnished' property).

Many thanks!

Simon Pambin

Short answer: no. Long answer: nope!

Think about it: if you paid somebody else £25 an hour to do the gardening for you, you could claim that as an expense, but then the person you hired would be taxed on it as income. The fact that it's you doing the work makes no real difference: if you add it you your allowable expenses you also have to add it to your taxable income and so you're back where you started. Was the landlord that told you this the landlord of your local pub, perchance?

The other bit is true, though: you can claim motoring expenses up to 45p per business mile (for the first 10,000 miles per year) against tax.

I include white goods, on the basis that they're awkward things to lug around and it seems to be common practice locally, so tenants tend to expect them. I even include a vacuum cleaner - to encourage good habits!

Hippogriff

Quote from: dreamer on April 09, 2017, 04:02:54 PMAnother Landlord told me that I could claim for our time at a rate of £25 each per hour as an allowable expense on my tax return... and the same applies when we go to the house to do the gardening. Is this correct? 

Ask this other Landlord to cite something written down. Anything...

White goods aren't furniture by my definition. They're appliances. Properties need them.

dreamer

Yeah, that's just what I thought... but it was worth checking.  Many thanks for your replies..... and apologies for the delay in mine.