Budget 2007 - Simon Conn responds - 28th March 2007
Simon Conn, Managing Director, Conti Financial Services Ltd said: “The Chancellor’s decision to remove the ‘benefit in kind’ tax charges payable on overseas property purchased through companies is a positive move, particularly the retrospective element. However, potential buyers should be aware that purchasing a property abroad through a company does not mean buyers are totally exempt from tax normally associated with buying an overseas property. In addition to this, some countries have restrictions on buying property through a company so this option may not be as widespread as hoped.
“All too often people assume that buying in a company name means they are eligible for all sorts of tax breaks. However, when considering the purchase by this method, they should consider all the locally based legislative implications, including wealth/inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT (or equivalent), income tax if renting out the property and the country’s equivalent of stamp duty. Whilst each country differs in the amount and type of tax payable, rest assured some form of tax will need to be paid locally.
“My advice to anyone thinking of buying an overseas property through a company should take specialist independent legal and tax advice. Whilst it may look like a great way to save on say income tax, there may be other taxes to pay specific to the country where the property is located and there maybe additional restrictions with regards which type of company you can purchase in and whether this is based in an acceptable jurisdiction”


