Taxation logo taxation mission text

Since 1927 the leading authority on tax law, practice and administration

More and more at a loss ...

14 October 2008 / Sarah Turgoose , Mike Down
Issue: 4180 / Categories: Comment & Analysis , Losses , trading
Mindful of the challenging economic outlook, SARAH TURGOOSE and MIKE DOWN take a look at the rules and restrictions for sideways set off of trading losses

Key points

  • Is a trade being carried on?
  • The five year test was aimed at losses incurred by hobby farmers.
  • A serious trader must be able to explain a series of losses.
  • Active involvement will help show the business is commercial.
  • Remember that losses can be carried forward.

It is a fact of business life that traders make losses as well as profits. And where losses arise tax relief and potential tax refunds follow. Then it is down to HMRC to police the tax system to make sure that a trading loss claimed against general income through 'sideways' set off is properly allowable.

While HMRC have been fairly active in this area for many years we detect an increase in the number of income tax enquiries challenging the commerciality of loss making...

If you or your firm subscribes to Taxation.co.uk, please click the login box below:

If you are not a subscriber but are a registered user or have a free trial, please enter your details in the following boxes:

Alternatively, you can register free of charge to read a limited amount of subscriber content per month.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email directing you back to read this item in full.

Please reach out to customer services at +44 (0) 330 161 1234 or 'customer.services@lexisnexis.co.uk' for further assistance.

back to top icon