HMRC's Property Sales Campaign is aimed at those who have sold second homes in the UK or abroad where Capital Gains Tax (CGT) should be paid. It includes properties that have been rented out and holiday homes.
Taxpayers have until Friday 06 September to pay the tax that they owe. By using the campaign to come forward voluntarily, they will receive the best possible terms, and any penalty will be lower than if HMRC approaches them first.
‘Hundreds of people have come forward to take advantage of this campaign. It is not too late to contact us,’ said Marian Wilson, head of HMRC Campaigns.
She pointed out that people who own second homes and sell them might not know it could attract Capital Gains Tax. She advises them to look at HMRC's website to find out if they owe CGT, adding that telling HMRC about your tax liabilities is straightforward and help, advice and support are available.
After 06 September, HMRC will take a much closer look at the tax affairs of people who have sold properties other than their main home, but who appear to have paid no CGT. The department will use information that it holds about property sales in the UK and abroad to identify people who have not paid what they owe. Penalties or even criminal prosecution could follow.
People do not have to be concerned about the sale of their main home or private residence as this is usually exempt from CGT. This exemption may not apply, however, when it has not been their only home or main residence for some time, or they have used it for business, including letting the property, or they have sold part of the garden.
HMRC holds the database for all property sales/gifts attracting Stamp Duty Land Tax. The department will compare this data with people's tax records to establish whether they have told HMRC about the sale or disposal of second and holiday homes.
Campaigns have so far raised £547 million from voluntary disclosures, and nearly £140 million from follow up activity, including 20,000 completed investigations.
HMRC campaigns have targeted offshore investments, medical professionals, plumbers, VAT defaulters, coaches and tutors, electricians, online traders and higher rate taxpayers with outstanding tax returns.
Seven people have been convicted, with custodial sentences handed out of up to two years. They have between them had to pay over £550,000.