The Autumn 2018 Budget announced a new 2 per cent straight line tax deduction for the cost of construction or renovation of commercial buildings and structures. HM Revenue & Customs has now issued a technical note setting out the details for the operation of the new relief.
Unlike the old Industrial Buildings Allowance the new relief is available for the construction of shops and offices as well as factories and warehouses.
The new tax break is available where the contract is entered into and construction costs are incurred on or after 29 October 2018. The allowance is available to commercial property landlords as well as trading businesses. There are special rules for leasehold buildings which determine whether the landlord or tenant is entitled to the allowance.
Note that there are more generous plant and machinery allowances available for fixtures and fittings within the building and we can work with you to help you maximise tax relief. The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) would mean that there may be 100 per cent capital allowances for equipment such as central heating and air conditioning.
To find out more, please contact your usual Beavis Morgan Partner.