Question:
What is the stamp duty land tax implication, when transferring property to the limited company?
Answer:
Holding a buy to let property via a limited company can be an attractive way of holding property. Lower rates of corporation tax and full mortgage interest deductions apply following the changes to interest relief for individual landlords. There have been changes to stamp duty land tax SDLT implications and as such it has become an area that should be given more than a mere thought.
Here we are looking at the SDLT implications of property transfers in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Transfers of property in Scotland will be subject to land and buildings transaction tax. From 1 April 2018, property transfers in Wales will be subject to the land transaction tax.
Where an individual is transferring a property to a connected limited company the following should be considered:
- The consideration is deemed to have been payable at no less than the market value of the property. The SDLT cannot be reduced if the transfer is for nil consideration or at less than market value. There are no rules relating to gifts etc.
- The additional rates of 3% will apply to all residential property acquisitions made by companies.
- If the transfer to a company comprises a mixed-use property i.e. residential and commercial, then the mixed-used rates apply.
- If two or more properties are transferred to a company. Then it may be possible to make a claim for multiple dwellings relief. This relief calculates the SDLT payable by reference to the average value of the properties transferred.
- The higher SDLT rate of 15% applies where a company acquires a single-dwelling interest valued over £500,000 unless for qualifying business purposes. Relief is available where the properties are held as a buy to let investments through further SDLT may become due if there is a change of use within three years.
Based on the above a thorough review of the SDLT implications should be made before any legal or beneficial transfers of property take place as transactions of this nature can deliver surprising results!