The journey of refurbishing or fitting out an existing property is not just about altering its physical appearance. It’s a strategic play that involves understanding underlying construction principles, classifying expenditures correctly, and harnessing the potential tax benefits.
Key considerations include:
- Works Incidental to Installation or Removal of Plant:
Frequently, businesses overlook or underutilise the tax reliefs available for works incidental to the installation or removal of machinery or equipment. For instance, while a new lift shaft’s construction might not qualify for capital allowances in a new building, it would qualify in an existing one because the work is incidental to the lift installation.
- Repairs & Maintenance Expenditure:
Properties in use or deemed usable can harness significant tax advantages if their refurbishment works are categorised as ‘like for like’ replacements or as their ‘modern day equivalent’. Proper categorisation can lead to full deduction benefits for these expenses.
However, diving into the complexities of Capital Allowances for fit outs and refurbishments requires expert navigation. While some costs can be treated as revenue items, others need to be capitalised. The thin line separating the two often requires thorough scrutiny and understanding.
Just as Full Expensing offers businesses a chance to drive down their tax liabilities, Fit outs and refurbishments have their own set of advantages in the realm of capital allowances. Different types of Capital Allowances, be it Annual Investment Allowance (AIAs), Writing Down Allowance (WDAs), or First-Year Allowance (FYAs), each offer specific benefits. The key is to identify which ones align with your refurbishment plans.
At HMA Tax, our team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to assist businesses in harnessing the full potential of their fit outs and refurbishments. From categorising expenditures to ensuring every available tax relief is capitalised upon, we’re here to ensure your renovation ventures are both visually and financially rewarding.