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A Complete Guide to Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED)

Published by Prasun Shrestha
Published Date: October 21, 2022

ATED (Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings) is an annual tax payable by a company that owns UK residential property valued at more than £500,000.

This limit is applicable per property;

For example, if the company owns more than one property whose total value is more than £500,000, but the value of the individual property is less than the limit, the tax will not be applicable.

Most of the residential property (dwellings, in other words) are owned by individuals directly.

However, it is collectively owned by a company as an investment vehicle in other cases.

This ownership of residential property within a corporate is 'enveloped' due to its nature within a corporate wrapper. Therefore, ATED will be applicable in those instances. 

What do Dwellings Mean?

Dwellings are property used for residence, including gardens, grounds, and any building within it. However, it excludes:  

  • Hotels
  • Guesthouse
  • Boarding School Accommodation
  • Hospitals
  • Student Halls of Residence
  • Military Accommodation
  • Care Homes
  • Prisions

When to File the ATED Return?

If the company is within the scope of ATED on 1 April, it is required to submit the annual ATED return.

The ATED return is prepared to 31 March annually irrespective of the company's year-end, and unlike other tax returns, ATED is forward-looking.

E.g., The return for 31 March 2024 will have to be submitted to HMRC by 30 April 2023. 

You usually need to submit the return for:

New Acquisition

Within 30 days of acquisition, if it comes within the regime after 1 April.

Newly built property

Within 90 days of

The property becoming dwelling for Council tax purpose, or its first occupancy

Whichever is earlier.

Any other case

30th April

What are the ATED Annual Charges?

Chargeable amounts for 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024

Property Value

Annual Charge

£500,001 to £1,000,000

£4,150

£1,000,001 to £2,000,000

£8,450

£2,000,001 to £5,000,000

£28,650

£5,000,001 to £10,000,000

£67,050

£10,000,001 to £20,000,000

£134,550

More than £20,000,000

£269,450

Are There any ATED Reliefs?

There are number of ATED reliefs which may eliminate or reduce the amount payable for ATED.

Generally, the relief can be claimed if the property under the question is:

  • Let to a third party on a commercial basis and is not, at any time, occupied (or available for   occupation) by anyone connected with the owner
  • Open to the public for at least 28 days a year
  • Being developed for resale by a property developer
  • Owned by a property trader as the stock of the business for the sole purpose of resale
  • Repossessed by a financial institution as a result of its business of lending money
  • Acquired under a regulated home reversion plan
  • Being used by a trading business to provide living accommodation to certain qualifying employees
  • A farmhouse occupied by a farm worker or a former long-serving farm worker
  • Owned by a registered provider of social housing or a qualifying housing co-operative

Determining the ATED relief can become complicated and so we advise to seek professional advice to determine the availability of ATED relief.

Are There any Fines and Penalties for Late Filing or Incorrect Filing?

Yes, HMRC will charge fines and penalties in following situations:

  • When you do not file your return on time
  • When you do not pay tax on time
  • When you submit an inaccurate return

Penalty chargeable can be high under ATED. Even if the company claims relief under ATED and no tax is due, a return must be filed. If the return is late in this case, the penalty will be £1,600 per annum can be charged.

A fixed penalty of £100 is imposed immediately after the return date. Penalties under other situations where tax is chargeable are

Within 3 months of the due date

£10 per day (Maximum £900)

Next 3 months

A further penalty of 5% of tax outstanding or £300, whichever is higher

Next 6 months

Additional 5% of tax outstanding or £300, whichever is higher

When the return or document has not been filed, tax liability will be estimated and charged at 6 months, and 12 months will be 5% of the estimated liability or £300 if this is higher.

If a return or document has been filed, the 6 months and 12-month penalties will automatically be re-calculated if the liability to tax in return is different from the HMRC estimate.

When HMRC has already charged the second further penalty, HMRC will increase the percentage rate if, by failing to file the return or document within 12 months, you:

  • Withheld information
  • Knew that the information would help us to establish your correct liability to tax.

During HMRC check, it will establish whether you've withheld information and, if so, the reason why.

Can we Amend the ATED Return?

ATED return needs to be amended if

  • You have disposed of the property
  • Error in the information sent earlier
  • Claiming a relief

The amended return must be submitted within 12 months of the end of the relevant period. If you submitted your original return after 1 January following the end of the relevant chargeable period, you would need to make any changes within 3 months of the date you submitted your original return.

FAQs

Who is liable to pay ATED?

The entity that owns the property on the valuation date is liable to pay ATED. This is typically a company or a partnership with a corporate partner.

What is the purpose of ATED Return?

The ATED return is used to report the value of the property, the tax due, and to claim any exemptions or reliefs that may be available.

When is the ATED Return due?

The ATED return and any tax due must be submitted to HMRC by April 30th each year.

For a newly acquired dwelling, the return has to be furnished within 30 days from the date of acquisition

For a newly constructed dwelling, the return has to be furnished within 90 days from the following dates, whichever is earlier:

  • · The property becoming dwelling for council tax purpose
  • · Its first occupancy

What are the penalties for non-compliance with ATED?

Late filing or payment of the ATED return can result in significant penalties.

Are there any Exemptions to ATED?

Yes, there are several exemptions and reliefs available for certain types of properties, such as those used for charitable purposes, public use, or as part of a property development trade.

How can UK Property Accountants Help you with the ATED Return?

We at UKPA have a team of experts dealing with the ATED related assignments, which can help you make the most appropriate decision and provide you with the necessary information regarding the ATED issues.

Prasun Shrestha
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