HMRC: Capital Gains Tax receipts on the rise

Currently gains made on the sale of a buy-to-let property are added to the owner’s other income.

HMRC: Capital Gains Tax receipts on the rise

Capital Gains Tax receipts have risen from £3.9bn to £9.2bn in the past five years according to HMRC.

This is a result of some landlords choosing to offload buy-to-let properties as mortgage interest tax changes take effect.

Sean McCann, chartered financial planner for financial advisers NFU Mutual, said: Capital Gains Tax receipts have more than doubled in the past five years asa result of people selling buy-to-lets due to theoneroustax treatment.

“Landlords are being caught in a very effective pincer movement from the taxman.

"From one side, the higher rate taxrelief onmortgage interestis gradually being phased out, making letting out properties less profitable.

“From the other side, landlords looking to sell buy-to-let properties are being squeezed with an extra eight per cent Capital Gains Tax.

“This trend is likely to continue and many of those who have invested in property for their retirement will be tempted to turn to pensions because of the tax benefits.”

Currently gains made on the sale of a buy-to-let property are added to the owner’s other income.

Any part in the basic rate is taxed at 18%, and for higher and additional rate taxpayers it is 28%.