Revenue issues crackdown on post-cessation trade relief
Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:28
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has introduced new legislation to block a scheme involving post-cessation trade relief, with immediate effect.
Post-cessation trade relief allows individuals to claim a deduction in their income tax calculations for certain costs and bad debts after a trade, profession or vocation has ceased.
HMRC has highlighted an avoidance scheme which involves individuals artificially exploiting the relief in order to claim a tax deduction.
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, announced that the new legislation would prevent the relief from being available where a main purpose of the arrangements is to obtain a reduction in tax.
The legislation supporting the change will be included in the 2012 Finance Bill.