A question I get asked all too often is around whether to set up a limited company or not?  I’ve always maintained my expertise is not around tax (as much as it is the Accountant’s job and that’s why I have one..you should do too), but on this platform I can always share my thoughts with you.

In November 2015, George Osborne disclosed plans to restrain the buy to let (BTL) market, implying its growing attractiveness was leaving aspiring first time buyers contesting with landlords for the restricted number of properties on the market.  One of things he brought in was that tax relief on BTL mortgages would be capped, starting in April 2017.  Before April 2017, a private landlord could claim tax relief from their interest on their BTL mortgage at the rate they paid income tax – (i.e. 20% basic /40% higher rate and 45% additional rate).

So, for example, let’s say we have a Walsall landlord, a high rate tax payer who has a BTL investment where the rent is £600 a month and the mortgage is £400 per month.  In the tax year just gone (16/17), assuming no other costs or allowable items …

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