As we move further into 2023, there are a number of income tax changes that buy-to-let investors should be aware of.

Let us talk you through the most significant changes for landlords and offer insights into how you can optimise your investments in light of these developments.

This article should not be taken as legal or financial advice. It’s always recommended that you discuss your options with an accountant or tax specialist before making any decisions that could impact your investments.

Let’s dive into the changes affecting landlords in 2023 and how you can stay ahead.

Buy-to-let income tax rates

It’s worth noting the new buy-to-let income tax rates.

Landlords will continue to have a personal allowance of £12,570. This has been frozen until 2026. For the 2023-2024 tax year, landlords will pay 20% tax on buy-to-let income between £12,571 and £50,270. Landlords will pay a rate of 40% applied to income exceeding £50,271.

Corporation tax rise

Another change is the corporation tax rise, which has increased from 19% to 25% this April for those generating annual profits exceeding £250,000. For those producing profits between £50,000 and £250,000, the rate will increase gradually.

Capital gains tax allowance reduced

The capital gains tax allowance has been more than halved, from £12,300 to £6,000 as of April 2023. From April 2024, this will be halved again from £6,000 to £3,000. When landlords sell their properties, their capital gains tax bill will be significantly higher.

Stamp duty discount

On a positive note, there has been a stamp duty discount for landlords, thanks to the mini-budget announced in September 2022. The threshold for property purchasers increases from £125,000 to £250,000, meaning landlords will play a flat rate of 3% on all properties up to £250,000.

Digital tax delay

Finally, the government’s initiative to make all tax returns digital has been delayed. It was originally set to apply to all self-assessment taxpayers in 2023, but this has since been postponed until 2026. Landlords earning over £50,000 a year will be required to submit their tax returns using Making Tax Digital software from 2026. This will come into effect for those earning between £30,000 and £50,000 from 2027. It is currently unknown how it will impact those earning less than £30,000.

How can landlords protect their investor profits?

Below are some of the lesser-known expenses that landlords can claim to protect their profits:

Claiming back expenses

Did you know that you can claim back the cost of running and maintaining your property, such as insurance and payments to letting agents? Landlords can claim back expenses such as running advertisements, legal and accountancy fees, and even the petrol costs for travelling between their rental properties.

Claim back void periods

During the coronavirus pandemic, many landlords experienced difficulties finding tenants, resulting in void periods. When a property is occupied, the tenant will usually cover the cost of council tax and heating. Landlords who find themselves having to cover these bills during a ‘void period’ may be able to claim back the cost on their tax return.

Move properties into a company

Another option for buy-to-let investors is to move their properties into a company structure, which could result in more tax efficiency. Investors could sell their properties to their newly formed company and pay stamp duty at the higher rate on the purchase. The tax paid on a limited company is now 25% from April 2023, compared to the 40% or 45% paid by high-rate income taxpayers.

Choose Hancock

By knowing how to claim back expenses and considering transferring properties into a company structure, landlords can take proactive steps to protect their investments. If you have any questions about the buy-to-let tax changes in 2023, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our experienced team. Call us on 01243 53111 today.

To learn more about how we can help with your investment portfolio, please click here.

Please note that this article is for guidance only.