The sharing economy has revolutionised the way we travel and experience new places. In the United Kingdom, Airbnb has emerged as a prominent platform for property owners to list their accommodations, whether it’s a spare room, an entire home, or even a unique experience.
As experts in UK property accountancy and taxation, we’re here to guide property owners through the nuances of Airbnb, covering income tax, VAT, capital gains tax, and more.
Income Tax Considerations
When you open your property to Airbnb guests, you’re essentially entering the world of property rentals. As such, you need to consider the income generated as part of your tax liability.
Here’s what you should know:
- Rental Income: Income earned from Airbnb rentals is subject to Income Tax. It’s crucial to keep meticulous records of your earnings and related expenses.
- Allowable Expenses: Fortunately, there are allowable expenses you can deduct to reduce your tax liability. These include property maintenance costs, mortgage interest, and cleaning fees.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
VAT is a complex matter for Airbnb hosts in the UK. Understanding when and how to register for VAT is essential:
- VAT Threshold: If your Airbnb Income exceeds the VAT threshold, you must Register for VAT. However, rental income from residential property is typically exempt from VAT.
- VAT on Service Fees: Airbnb’s service fees may be subject to VAT, which can affect your overall profitability.
- TOMS applicability: In light of the recent Sonder case, the property listed on Airbnb may potentially qualify for the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS) scheme, provided it meets certain conditions.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Capital Gains Tax comes into play when you decide to sell your property. Here’s a brief overview:
- Principal Private Residence Relief: If your property was your primary residence, you may be eligible for relief on capital gains tax when selling.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax payable when a property is bought or transferred.
If a property is purchased with the intention of using it as a short-term property letting, SDLT may be payable at a higher rate.
The additional SDLT surcharge applies to properties purchased for more than £240,000 and is payable on top of the standard SDLT rates.
Local Variations in the UK
Airbnb’s impact isn’t uniform across the UK. In London and other major cities, local authorities may impose additional regulations:
Short-Term Letting Laws: In London, for instance, there are rules limiting the number of nights you can rent out your property without planning permission.
The Advantages of Airbnb
Despite tax considerations, Airbnb offers numerous benefits for property owners:
- Extra Income: Generate additional income by renting out unused space or your entire property.
- Flexibility: You can choose when to make your property available for rent, giving you control over your schedule.
- Benefit of Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL): Assuming your Airbnb listing can be considered as Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL), you are in for numerous tax benefits like non applicability of Interest Relief Restrictions, Capital Gains Relief, Capital Allowances, etc.
General Compliance Rules for Airbnb
To stay in good standing with Airbnb and tax authorities, follow these rules:
Transparent Listings: It is essential to maintain honest and transparent property listings on Airbnb, providing accurate information to prospective guests.
Efficient Guest Communication: Maintain open and clear lines of communication with your guests, including providing precise instructions for both check-in and check-out through Airbnb.
Host Guarantee: Familiarise yourself with Airbnb’s Host Guarantee, which acts as a safeguard against potential damages caused by guests. This valuable resource can provide peace of mind in the event of unforeseen incidents.
Superhost Status: Strive for, and maintain, the coveted Superhost status by consistently delivering exceptional hospitality. Superhosts enjoy several benefits, including increased visibility and enhanced credibility on the platform.
Understanding Host Fees: Property owners should have a comprehensive understanding of the host fees charged by Airbnb for utilising their platform. This knowledge is essential for accurate financial planning.
Encouraging Reviews: Actively encourage your guests to leave reviews following their stay. Positive reviews can significantly enhance your property’s reputation on Airbnb, attracting more potential guests.
Enhancing Amenities: Set your property apart by providing a diverse range of amenities that cater to your guests’ needs, such as complimentary toiletries, high-speed Wi-Fi, and well-equipped kitchens. A thoughtful selection of amenities can enhance the guest experience and lead to positive reviews and higher ratings.
Exploring Airbnb Property Types
Airbnb offers diverse accommodation options. Some common property types include:
- Private Rooms: Rent out spare bedrooms while sharing common areas with guests.
- Entire Homes/Apartments: Offer a complete living space for guests.
- Unique Accommodations: Consider unique listings like treehouses, houseboats, or even castles.
Tax-saving tips for your Airbnb lettings
Rent a Room Scheme
The ‘Rent a Room Scheme’ is a UK government initiative that allows landlords to rent out room within their main residence and get a tax-free allowance of £7,500 per year.
If you’re a landlord and let your main residence for short-term letting, then you will qualify for Rent a Room Scheme.
- The accommodation must be within your main residence i.e., the property where you live.
- The property must be fully furnished.
- The letting is not for business use (e.g., for office).
It’s important to note that:
- The £7,500 allowance applies per property and not per tenant. Therefore, if you’re a landlord who takes in two tenants, then the £7,500 allowance can only be deducted once.
- if the property is jointly owned, half the rent-a-room limit is given to each joint owner i.e., the £7,500 allowance is reduced to £3,750.
- the £7,500 allowance is an allowance on gross rental receipts i.e., total receipts before deducting any expenses. Therefore, if your gross rental receipts are below £7,500 in a tax year, you don’t need to declare your income in your tax return, and the tax exemption is automatically applied.
Property Allowance
The property allowance is a tax relief that allows landlords to earn up to £1,000 tax-free from their rental income.
If you’re a landlord with gross rental receipts not exceeding £1,000 per year, the income is not charged to tax.
It’s important to note that:
- You must elect to apply property allowance on or before the first anniversary of 31 January following the tax year
- You cannot claim deduction for your expenses if you claim the property allowance.
- If the property is jointly owned, the share of gross rental receipts of each joint owner is considered.
The Future of Airbnb in the UK
The future of Airbnb in the UK remains promising. As the travel industry adapts to changing preferences, Airbnb continues to evolve. It’s important to stay informed about potential regulatory changes and market trends.
As experts in UK property accountancy and taxation, we’re here to help you navigate the intricacies of Airbnb. Whether you’re a seasoned host or considering joining the platform, understanding the financial aspects is key to your success. For personalised guidance and to ensure compliance with tax regulations, reach out to us.
