We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

2nd property sale help : minimizing tax liabilities

Hi,

Due to illness my partner and i had to leave mainstream work, but we still wanted to work.
We were lucky enough to be able to buy a small inexpensive second property and we have been renovating it, and thankfully increased the value.
We now intend to sell the property and use the profit to pay bills and live on.

We are not claiming any benefits etc, and are not currently registered as self employed (and we wonder whether we should register?).
I understand that we may have to pay Capital gains tax?, and at this stage we intend to purchase another property after this one hopefully sells.

We would be very grateful if any one could advise how we are best to minimise our tax liabilities, and advice on whether we should register as self employed or proceed in another way, as this is the first time we have done this.
Thank you very much in advance for any assistance.

nigel

Comments

  • Mrs_Z
    Mrs_Z Posts: 1,128 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    Hi, I think if you have owned the property for less than 3 years, you will be exempt. If you are liable for capital gains tax, I think you can deduct the cost of refurbishment as well as cost of buying/selling the property (legal fees, etc). Have a look at the Government's website:

    http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cgt/property/basics.htm
  • anselld
    anselld Posts: 8,684 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Mrs_Z wrote: »
    Hi, I think if you have owned the property for less than 3 years, you will be exempt.

    Only if it has been occupied at some time as the sellers main residence.
  • Thrugelmir
    Thrugelmir Posts: 89,546 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    If you are property developing. Then you are conducting a trade and therefore will be liable to income tax.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 245.2K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.5K Life & Family
  • 259.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.