Voluntary disclosure opportunity for landlords of residential properties

Posted on 05 Apr 2021
Share Blog Post

HMRC are offering landlords who rent out residential property and fail to tell HMRC about all the rental income an opportunity to come forward voluntarily, report small business accountants Harris & Co.

The Let Property Campaign, which will run for at least 18 months, is aimed at residential property landlords – from those that have multiple properties, to single rentals, and from specialist landlords such as student or workforce rentals, to holiday lettings – who may owe tax, whether through misunderstanding the rules or deliberate evasion. These landlords are invited to tell HMRC about any unpaid tax on rents, and pay what they owe, including any penalties and interest due. Penalties will be lower than if HMRC comes to them first. In a departure from previous campaigns, the opportunity to come forward voluntarily will remain open throughout the period of the campaign to ensure as many people as possible come forward.

HMRC estimate that up to 1.5 million landlords may be underpaying up to £500 million in UK tax every year.

After the campaign, HMRC will use information they hold about property rental in the UK and abroad, along with information already held on their digital intelligence system Connect, to identify those who have not paid what they owe. Those that fail to come forward will face higher penalties or even criminal prosecution.

Marian Wilson, Head of HMRC Campaigns, said:

‘We appreciate some people will have made honest mistakes, and some may not be fully aware that the rent from a property is taxable, and that is why it always makes sense to talk to us so we can help. It is always cheaper to come forward voluntarily and pay the tax you owe, rather than wait for HMRC to come calling.’

‘Telling HMRC about your tax liabilities is simple and straightforward, and help, advice and support are available. The message for all landlords owing tax is simple – it is better to come to us before we come to you.’

 

View more blog posts

HMRC to close phone lines
Posted on 25 Mar 2024
HMRC to close phone lines
read more
More people in higher rate tax
Posted on 18 Mar 2024
More people in higher rate tax
read more
Tax cuts illusory
Posted on 13 Mar 2024
Tax cuts illusory
read more
MTD extended
Posted on 01 Mar 2024
MTD extended
read more
Back To Top
01604 660661