Home » Capital Allowances

Capital Allowance Advice

What are capital allowances?

Capital allowances are a deduction that can be made from a companies taxable profits.

A business cannot make a deduction for the value of capital items purchased (such as plant and machinery) when calculating its taxable profits or losses. Instead, capital allowances provide a form of tax relief that reflect the reduction in value of the capital asset over time. Essentially, the company can write off the cost of the capital assets over a number of years against their taxable income.

What types of expenditure attract capital allowances?

It is important to note that not all types of expenditure attract capital allowances.

The most common allowances that are available are:

  • structures and buildings allowance – generally construction and renovation costs
  • plant and machinery allowance – costs of acquiring certain plant and machinery
  • annual investment allowance – relief in the year of purchase, on the cost of purchasing qualifying plant and machinery, subject to an annual maximum

How are capital allowances calculated?

There are complicated methods for calculating the different types of capital allowances. The advice of a tax specialist should be sought on how to apply the different types of capital allowances.

What happens to capital allowances when a property is sold?

A buyer of a property can obtain capital allowances if the seller has added the expenditure on capital items for the property to the capital allowance pool when they owned the property.

If the seller claimed capital allowances in respect of plant and machinery within the property, it will need to work out what part of the sale proceeds are related to the assets which qualified for capital allowances. The buyer will need this information in order to claim their own capital allowances after purchasing the property.

What should a buyer do when purchasing a property?

A buyer should investigate whether or not the seller has claimed any allowances and whether the seller has claimed all the allowances it could have claimed.

The buyer will want to find this out as soon as possible in order that they can ensure the seller agreed to pool its capital expenditure and take the steps necessary to preserve any capital allowances for the buyer.

If you need any advice on capital allowances, please contact a member of our commercial property law team in confidence here or on 02920 829 100 for a free initial call to see how they can help.


To speak to one of our experts today, please contact us on 02920 829 100 or by using our Contact Us form for a free initial chat to see how we can help.

Contact Our Team
Catherine Burke
Partner
View Profile
Ciara O’Brien
Trainee Solicitor
View Profile
Donald Gray
Consultant
View Profile
Elin Davies
Associate
View Profile
Elliw Jones
Associate
View Profile
Gareth Wedge
Partner
View Profile
Julia Bridge
Legal Director
View Profile
Lisa Evans
Paralegal
View Profile
Lorna Fraser
Associate
View Profile
Oliver Morris
Senior Associate
View Profile
Sarah Price
Senior Associate
View Profile
Stephanie Kendall
Trainee Solicitor
View Profile

I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”

Becs Beslee
Dice FM Ltd

Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”

Rebecca Cooper
ACT Training

We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”

Karen Gale
Stepping Stones Group

An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”

Gwawr Booth
Portal Training Ltd

PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”

Ledia Shabani
Property Support Services UK Ltd

We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”

Guto Bebb
Farmers’ Union of Wales

Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”

Iwan Hywel
Mentrau Iaith Cymru

My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”

Margot Adams
Guarding UK Ltd

Darwin Gray have acted for myself and my company over a number of years and at all times we have been treated with a professional manner yet maintain a common-sense approach at all levels. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”

Simon Baston
Loft Co

We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism. They work around us, even during awkward hours, and we feel confident we can always rely on them.”

Louise Williams
ACT Training

Darwin Gray has been acting for Siltbuster for more than ten years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray to other organisations small or large.”

Richard D Coulton
Siltbuster Ltd

From the very first conversation, I had no doubt that Darwin Gray should be the firm to receive our instructions on this matter. I would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray.”

Sandra Warr
Tomos TV

We regularly instruct Darwin Gray. Their service in dealing with our transactional matters and disputes is always professional, prompt and efficient.”

John Poppleton
Absolute Property Management Solutions Ltd

Darwin Gray guided me through a long and extended process that would have been much more difficult had it not been for their patience and constant support.”

Ifan Lewis

Excellent and efficient service. Great result achieved, highly professional and transparent on pricing. Would recommend.”

David Stevens

Superb legal service provided. Exceeded expectations. They went above and beyond in order to provide the best service possible.”

Huw Pickrell

Very professional and understanding. They were a calming influence in a very troubling situation and they brought it to a very successful conclusion”

Rachel Jones

We have used Darwin Gray and have been seriously impressed. The personal approach is what Darwin Gray are excelling on and is the reason why we will continue to work with them in the future.”

Cadwyn Housing Association