Possible Tax Relief on Utility Charges whilst Selling Property

johnfella

In March 2019 my wife decided to stop renting out the house she inherited from her mother back in 1999 and sell it. Between March 19 when the last tenant vacated the property and August 19 when she eventially got a buyer my wife had to pay Council Tax, Water Rates & Energy Bills (needed power to mow lawn etc). Although she received no rent during this period can she claim these expenses on her tax form? Thank you.

Comms69

afaik - someone may correct me.

In theory she could claim the water and utilities - but i dont think you can claim tax relief on tax.

That said what is she claiming tax relief against, if there was no income?

johnfella

She had some interest which would be taxable and also she will have to pay CGT on the house sale so any relief would help in reducing her liability.

Thrugelmir

Losses can be only be offset against income from a similar source. 

There'll be no offset against CGT. 

People often overlook the cost of winding up a let property. 

maisie_cat

johnfella said:

She had some interest which would be taxable and also she will have to pay CGT on the house sale so any relief would help in reducing her liability.

I'm pretty sure that you cannot deduct expenses against CGT, even on the same property but somebody else with more recent tax knowledge may know better.