Income Tax Act 2007

Chapter 2 U.K. Trade losses

Introduction U.K.

60 Overview of Chapter U.K.

(1) This Chapter—

(a) provides for trade loss relief against general income (see sections 64 to 70),

(b) provides for early trade losses relief (see sections 72 to 74),

(c) contains provision restricting both those reliefs [F1 and capital gains relief (see sections 74ZA] to 82),

(d) provides for carry-forward trade loss relief (see sections 83 to 88),

(e) provides for terminal trade loss relief (see sections 89 to 94),

(f) contains restrictions on the above reliefs for trades, professions and vocations carried on wholly outside the United Kingdom (see section 95), and

(g) provides for post-cessation trade relief (see sections 96 to 100).

(2) This Chapter is subject to paragraph 2 of Schedule 1B to TMA 1970 (claims for loss relief involving two or more years).

(3) For a rule treating an individual as starting or permanently ceasing to carry on a trade, profession or vocation for income tax purposes (including those of this Part), see—

(a) section 17 of ITTOIA 2005 (effect of becoming or ceasing to be a UK resident),F2 ...

F2 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) For the purposes of this Chapter sideways relief is—

(a) trade loss relief against general income, or

(b) early trade losses relief.

(5) References in this Chapter to a firm are to be read in the same way as references to a firm in Part 9 of ITTOIA 2005 (which contains special provision about partnerships).

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 60(1)(c) substituted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 2

F2 S. 60(3)(b) and word omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 40, 61(1)

F3 61 Non-partners: losses of a tax year U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 61 omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 41, 61(1)

F4 62 Partners: losses of a tax year etc U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F4 S. 62 omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 41, 61(1)

63 Prohibition against double counting U.K.

If relief is given under any provision of this Chapter for a loss or part of a loss, relief is not to be given for—

(a) the same loss, or

(b) the same part of the loss,

under any other provision of this Chapter or of the Income Tax Acts.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Ss. 61-63 modified (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 2(4)

C2 Ss. 61-63 modified (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(4)

Trade loss relief against general income U.K.

64 Deduction of losses from general income U.K.

(1) A person may make a claim for trade loss relief against general income if the person—

(a) carries on a trade in a tax year, and

(b) makes a loss in the trade in the tax year (“the loss-making year”).

(2) The claim is for the loss to be deducted in calculating the person's net income—

(a) for the loss-making year,

(b) for the previous tax year, or

(c) for both tax years.

(See Step 2 of the calculation in section 23.)

(3) If the claim is made in relation to both tax years, the claim must specify the tax year for which a deduction is to be made first.

(4) Otherwise the claim must specify either the loss-making year or the previous tax year.

(5) The claim must be made on or before the first anniversary of the normal self-assessment filing date for the loss-making year.

(6) Nothing in this section prevents a person who makes a claim specifying a particular tax year in respect of a loss from making a further claim specifying the other tax year in respect of the unused part of the loss.

(7) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades.

(8) This section needs to be read with—

(a) section 65 (how relief works),

(b) sections 66 to 70 (restrictions on the relief),

[F5 (ba) sections [F6 74ZA] to 74D (general restrictions on relief),]

F7 (bb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) sections 75 to 79 (restrictions on the relief and early trade losses relief in relation to capital allowances), [F8 and]

(d) section 80 (restrictions on those reliefs in relation to ring fence income),

F9 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F10 (f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 64(8)(ba) inserted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with Sch. 21 paras. 6, 7 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 21 para. 4

F6 Word in s. 64(8)(ba) substituted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 3(a)

F7 S. 64(8)(bb) omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 10 paras. 45(2), 47 (with Sch. 10 paras. 48-50)

F8 Word in s. 64(8)(c) inserted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 3(b)

F9 S. 64(8)(e) omitted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 3(c)

F10 S. 64(8)(f) and word omitted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with s. 66(8) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 66(4)(l)(i)

65 How relief works U.K.

(1) This subsection explains how the deductions are to be made.

The amount of the loss to be deducted at any step is limited in accordance with [F11 sections 24A and 25(4) and (5)].

Step 1

Deduct the loss in calculating the person's net income for the specified tax year.

Step 2

This step applies only if the claim is made in relation to both tax years.

Deduct the part of the loss not deducted at Step 1 in calculating the person's net income for the other tax year.

Other claims

If the loss has not been deducted in full at Steps 1 and 2, the person may use the part not so deducted in giving effect to any other relief under this Chapter (depending on the terms of the relief).

(2) There is a priority rule if a person—

(a) makes a claim for trade loss relief against general income (“the first claim”) in relation to the loss-making year, and

(b) makes a separate claim in respect of a loss made in the following tax year in relation to the same tax year as the first claim.

(3) The rule is that priority is given to making deductions under the first claim.

(4) For this purpose a “separate claim” means—

(a) a claim for trade loss relief against general income, or

(b) a claim for employment loss relief against general income under section 128.

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in s. 65(1) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 3 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 3 para. 2(3)(a)

Restriction on relief for uncommercial trades U.K.

66 Restriction on relief unless trade is commercial U.K.

(1) Trade loss relief against general income for a loss made in a trade in a tax year is not available unless the trade is commercial.

(2) The trade is commercial if it is carried on throughout F12 ... the tax year—

(a) on a commercial basis, and

(b) with a view to the realisation of profits of the trade.

(3) If at any time a trade is carried on so as to afford a reasonable expectation of profit, it is treated as carried on at that time with a view to the realisation of profits.

(4) If the trade forms part of a larger undertaking, references to profits of the trade are to be read as references to profits of the undertaking as a whole.

(5) If there is a change in the [F13 tax year] in the way in which the trade is carried on, the trade is treated as carried on throughout the [F13 tax year] in the way in which it is carried on by the end of the [F13 tax year].

(6) The restriction imposed by this section does not apply to a loss made in the exercise of functions conferred by or under an Act.

(7) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades.

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in s. 66(2) omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 42(2), 61(1)

F13 Words in s. 66(5) substituted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 42(3), 61(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 66-70 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(a)

C4 Ss. 66-70 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(a)

Restriction on relief for “hobby” farming or market gardening U.K.

67 Restriction on relief in case of farming or market gardening U.K.

(1) This section applies if a loss is made in a trade of farming or market gardening in a tax year (“the current tax year”).

(2) Trade loss relief against general income is not available for the loss if a loss, calculated without regard to capital allowances, was made in the trade in each of the previous 5 tax years (see section 70).

(3) This section does not prevent relief for the loss from being given if—

(a) the carrying on of the trade forms part of, and is ancillary to, a larger trading undertaking,

(b) the farming or market gardening activities meet the reasonable expectation of profit test (see section 68), or

(c) the trade was started, or treated as started, at any time within the 5 tax years before the current tax year (see section 69 below, as well as section 17 of ITTOIA 2005).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 66-70 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(a)

C4 Ss. 66-70 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(a)

68 Reasonable expectation of profit U.K.

(1) This section explains how the farming or market gardening activities (“the activities”) meet the reasonable expectation of profit test for the purposes of section 67.

(2) The test is decided by reference to the expectations of a competent farmer or market gardener (a “competent person”) carrying on the activities.

(3) The test is met if—

(a) a competent person carrying on the activities in the current tax year would reasonably expect future profits (see subsection (4)), but

(b) a competent person carrying on the activities at the beginning of the prior period of loss (see subsection (5)) could not reasonably have expected the activities to become profitable until after the end of the current tax year.

(4) In determining whether a competent person carrying on the activities in the current tax year would reasonably expect future profits regard must be had to—

(a) the nature of the whole of the activities, and

(b) the way in which the whole of the activities were carried on in the current tax year.

(5) “The prior period of loss” means—

(a) the 5 tax years before the current tax year, or

(b) if losses in the trade, calculated without regard to capital allowances, were also made in successive tax years before those 5 tax years (see section 70), the period comprising both the successive tax years and the 5 tax years.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 66-70 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(a)

C4 Ss. 66-70 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(a)

69 Whether trade is the same trade U.K.

(1) This section applies for the purposes of sections 67 and 68.

(2) If there is a change in the persons carrying on a trade which involves all of the persons carrying it on before the change permanently ceasing to carry it on—

(a) the trade is treated as permanently ceasing to be carried on, and

(b) a new trade is treated as starting to be carried on,

at the date of the change (but see subsections (3) to (6)).

(3) A husband and wife are treated as the same person.

(4) Persons who are civil partners of each other are treated as the same person.

(5) A husband or wife is treated as the same person as—

(a) a company of which either one of them has control, or

(b) a company of which both have control.

(6) A person's civil partner is treated as the same person as—

(a) a company of which either of the civil partners has control, or

(b) a company of which both have control.

(7) “Control” [F14 is to be read in accordance with sections 450 and 451 of CTA 2010].

Textual Amendments

F14 Words in s. 69(7) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1184(1) of the amending Act) by Corporation Tax Act 2010 (c. 4), s. 1184(1), Sch. 1 para. 495 (with Sch. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 66-70 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(a)

C4 Ss. 66-70 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(a)

70 Determining losses in previous tax years U.K.

(1) This section applies for the purposes of sections 67(2) and 68(5) in determining whether a loss, calculated without regard to capital allowances, is made in the trade in any tax year before the current tax year.

F15 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) [F16 The loss] is determined by reference to—

(a) the profits or losses of periods of account of the trade (calculated for income tax purposes, but without regard to capital allowances), or

(b) if (as a result of section 69) a person claiming the relief is treated as the same person as a company within the charge to corporation tax, the profits or losses of the company's accounting periods (calculated for corporation tax purposes, but without regard to capital allowances),

or by reference to both.

(4) If—

(a) a period of account does not coincide with a tax year, or

(b) an accounting period does not coincide with a tax year,

any of the steps in section [F17 7A(2)] of ITTOIA 2005 may be taken to arrive at the profits or losses made in a tax year.

For this purpose references in section 203(2) of that Act F18 ... to periods of account are read as including accounting periods.

(5) The steps must be taken in accordance with section [F19 7A(3) or (4)] of ITTOIA 2005.

(6) A loss in a trade is calculated without regard to capital allowances by ignoring—

(a) the allowances treated as expenses of the trade under CAA 2001, and

(b) the charges treated as receipts of the trade under that Act.

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 70(2) omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 61(1)(2) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 para. 43(2)

F16 Words in s. 70(3) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 61(1)(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 para. 43(3)

F17 Word in s. 70(4) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 61(1)(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 para. 43(4)(a)

F18 Words in s. 70(4) omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 61(1)(2) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 para. 43(4)(b)

F19 Words in s. 70(5) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 61(1)(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 para. 43(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 66-70 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(a)

C4 Ss. 66-70 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(a)

C5 S. 70(2)(3)(a)(4)(a)(5) applied (with effect in accordance with s. 1184(1) of the amending Act) by Corporation Tax Act 2010 (c. 4), ss. 51(4), 1184(1) (with Sch. 2)

Use of trading loss as CGT loss U.K.

71 Treating trade losses as CGT losses U.K.

A person who cannot deduct all of a loss under a claim for trade loss relief against general income may be able to treat the unused part as an allowable loss for capital gains tax purposes: see sections 261B and 261C of TCGA 1992.

Early trade losses relief U.K.

72 Relief for individuals for losses in first 4 years of trade U.K.

(1) An individual may make a claim for early trade losses relief if the individual makes a loss in a trade—

(a) in the tax year in which the trade is first carried on by the individual, or

(b) in any of the next 3 tax years.

(2) The claim is for the loss to be deducted in calculating the individual's net income for the 3 tax years before the one in which the loss is made (see Step 2 of the calculation in section 23).

(3) The claim must be made on or before the first anniversary of the normal self-assessment filing date for the tax year in which the loss is made.

(4) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades.

(5) This section needs to be read with—

(a) section 73 (how relief works),

(b) section 74 (restrictions on the relief [F20 unless trade is commercial etc]),

[F21 (ba) sections [F22 74ZA] to 74D (general restrictions on relief),]

F23 (bb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) sections 75 to 79 (restrictions on the relief and trade loss relief against general income in relation to capital allowances), [F24 and]

(d) section 80 (restrictions on those reliefs in relation to ring fence income),

F25 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F26 (f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in s. 72(5)(b) inserted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with Sch. 21 paras. 6, 7 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 21 para. 5(a)

F21 S. 72(5)(ba) inserted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with Sch. 21 paras. 6, 7 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 21 para. 5(b)

F22 Word in s. 72(5)(ba) substituted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 4(a)

F23 S. 72(5)(bb) omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 10 paras. 45(3), 47 (with Sch. 10 paras. 48-50)

F24 Word in s. 72(5)(c) inserted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 4(b)

F25 S. 72(5)(e) omitted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 4(c)

F26 S. 72(5)(f) and word omitted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with s. 66(8) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 66(4)(l)(ii)

73 How relief works U.K.

This section explains how the deductions are made for the 3 tax years mentioned in section 72(2). The amount of the loss to be deducted at any step is limited in accordance with [F27 sections 24A and 25(4) and (5)] .

Step 1

Deduct the loss in calculating the individual's net income for the earliest of the 3 tax years.

Step 2

Deduct any part of the loss not deducted at Step 1 in calculating the individual's net income for the next tax year.

Step 3

Deduct any part of the loss not deducted at Step 1 or 2 in calculating the individual's net income for the latest of the 3 tax years.

Other claims

If the loss has not been deducted in full at Steps 1 to 3, the individual may use the part not so deducted in giving effect to any other relief under this Chapter (depending on the terms of the relief).

Textual Amendments

F27 Words in s. 73 substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 3 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 3 para. 2(3)(b)

74 Restrictions on relief unless trade is commercial etc U.K.

(1) Early trade losses relief for a loss made by an individual in a trade in a tax year is not available unless the trade is commercial.

(2) The trade is commercial if it is carried on throughout F28 ... the tax year—

(a) on a commercial basis, and

(b) in such a way that profits of the trade could reasonably be expected to be made in the [F29 tax year] or within a reasonable time afterwards.

(3) If the trade forms part of a larger undertaking, the reference to profits of the trade is to be read as a reference to profits of the undertaking as a whole.

(4) Early trade losses relief for a loss made by an individual is not available if—

(a) the individual first carries on the trade at a time when the individual has a spouse or civil partner and is living with the spouse or civil partner,

(b) the spouse or civil partner previously carried on the trade, and

(c) the loss is made in a tax year falling after the relevant 4 year period.

(5) The relevant 4 year period comprises—

(a) the tax year in which the spouse or civil partner first carried on the trade, and

(b) the next 3 tax years.

(6) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades.

Textual Amendments

F28 Words in s. 74(2) omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 44(a), 61(1)

F29 Words in s. 74(2)(b) substituted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 44(b), 61(1)

[F30 General restrictions on sideways relief and capital gains relief U.K.

Textual Amendments

F30 Ss. 74A-74D and cross-heading inserted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with Sch. 21 paras. 6, 7 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 21 para. 2

[F31 74ZA No relief for tax-generated losses U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) during a tax year a person carries on (alone or in partnership) a trade, profession or vocation (“the relevant activity”),

(b) the person makes a loss in the relevant activity in that tax year, and

(c) the loss arises directly or indirectly in consequence of, or otherwise in connection with, relevant tax avoidance arrangements.

(2) No sideways relief or capital gains relief may be given to the person for the loss (but subject to subsection (5)).

(3) In subsection (1) “relevant tax avoidance arrangements” means arrangements—

(a) to which the person is a party, and

(b) the main purpose, or one of the main purposes, of which is the obtaining of a reduction in tax liability by means of sideways relief or capital gains relief.

(4) In subsection (3) “arrangements” includes any agreement, understanding, scheme, transaction or series of transactions (whether or not legally enforceable).

(5) This section has no effect in relation to any loss that derives wholly from qualifying film expenditure (see section 74D).

(6) For the purposes of this section—

(a) capital gains relief is, in relation to a loss, the treatment of a loss as an allowable loss by virtue of section 261B of TCGA 1992 (use of trading loss as a CGT loss), and

(b) capital gains relief is given for a loss when it is so treated.]

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 74ZA inserted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Ss. 74ZA-74D applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(b)

74A Reliefs in any tax year not to exceed cap for tax year U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) during a tax year an individual carries on one or more trades, otherwise than as a partner in a firm, in a non-active capacity (see section 74C), and

(b) the individual makes a loss in any of those trades (an “affected loss”) in that tax year.

(2) There is a restriction on the amount of sideways relief and capital gains relief which (after applying the restrictions under the other provisions of this Chapter) may be given to the individual for any affected loss (but see subsections (7) and (8)).

(3) The restriction is that the total amount of the sideways relief and capital gains relief given to the individual for all the affected losses must not exceed the cap for that tax year.

(4) The cap for any tax year is £25,000.

(5) The Treasury may by order amend the sum for the time being specified in subsection (4).

(6) If—

(a) in a tax year an individual makes a loss to which the restriction under section 103C (losses in trade carried on by non-active or limited partner) applies, and

(b) sideways relief or capital gains relief is given to the individual for that loss,

the amount of the cap under this section for the tax year in the case of the individual is reduced by the amount of that loss.

(7) The restriction under this section does not apply to so much of any affected loss as derives from qualifying film expenditure (see section 74D).

(8) The restriction under this section does not affect the giving of sideways relief for a loss made in a trade against the profits of that trade.

(9) In this section “trade” does not include a trade which consists of the underwriting business of a member of Lloyd's (within the meaning of section 184 of FA 1993).

(10) For the purposes of this section—

(a) capital gains relief is, in relation to a loss, the treatment of a loss as an allowable loss by virtue of section 261B of TCGA 1992 (use of trading loss as a CGT loss), and

(b) capital gains relief is given for a loss when it is so treated.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Ss. 74ZA-74D applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(b)

F32 74B No relief for tax-generated losses U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 74B omitted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 6

74C Meaning of “non-active capacity” for purposes of [F33 section 74A] etc U.K.

(1) For the purposes of [F34 section 74A] an individual carries on a trade in a non-active capacity during a tax year if the individual—

(a) carries on the trade at a time during the year, and

(b) does not devote a significant amount of time to the trade in the relevant period for the tax year.

(2) For the purposes of this section an individual devotes a significant amount of time to a trade in the relevant period for a tax year if, in the relevant period, the individual spends an average of at least 10 hours a week personally engaged in activities of the trade and those activities are carried on—

(a) on a commercial basis, and

(b) with a view to the realisation of profits as a result of the activities.

[F35 (3) For this purpose “the relevant period” means—

(a) where the individual first started to carry on the trade less than six months before the end of the tax year, the period of six months beginning with the date on which the individual first started to carry on the trade;

(b) where the individual permanently ceased to carry on the trade less than six months after the start of the tax year, the period of six months ending with the date on which the individual permanently ceased to carry on the trade;

(c) in any other case, the tax year.]

F36 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) If—

(a) any relief is given on the assumption that the individual devoted or will devote a significant amount of time to the trade in the relevant period for a tax year, but

(b) the individual in fact failed or fails to do so,

the relief is withdrawn by the making of an assessment to income tax under this section.

Textual Amendments

F33 Words in s. 74C heading substituted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 7(3)

F34 Words in s. 74C(1) substituted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 7(2)

F35 S. 74C(3) substituted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 45(2), 61(1)

F36 S. 74C(4) omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 45(3), 61(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Ss. 74ZA-74D applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(b)

C7 Ss. 74B-74D applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(b)

74D Meaning of “qualifying film expenditure” for purposes of sections [F37 74ZA and 74A] U.K.

(1) For the purposes of sections [F38 74ZA and 74A] expenditure is qualifying film expenditure if—

(a) it is deducted under a relevant film provision for the purposes of calculating the profits of a trade, or

(b) it is incidental expenditure which (although not deducted under a relevant film provision) is incurred in connection with the production of a film, or the acquisition of the original master version of a film, in relation to which expenditure is so deducted.

(2) Expenditure is incidental if it is on management, administration or obtaining finance.

(3) The extent to which expenditure is within subsection (1)(b) is determined on a just and reasonable basis.

(4) For the purposes of sections [F39 74ZA and 74A] the amount of any loss that derives from qualifying film expenditure is determined on a just and reasonable basis.

(5) In this section—

• “the acquisition of the original master version of a film” has the same meaning as in Chapter 9 of Part 2 of ITTOIA 2005 (see sections 130 and 132 of that Act),

• “film” is to be read in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the Films Act 1985, and

• “a relevant film provision” means any one of sections 137 to 140 of ITTOIA 2005 (relief for certified master versions of films).]

Textual Amendments

F37 Words in s. 74D heading substituted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 8(3)

F38 Words in s. 74D(1) substituted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 8(2)

F39 Words in s. 74D(4) substituted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 8(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Ss. 74ZA-74D applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(b)

C7 Ss. 74B-74D applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(b)

F40 ... U.K.

Textual Amendments

F40 S. 74E and cross-heading omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 10 paras. 8(a), 47 (with Sch. 10 paras. 48-50)

F40 74E No relief where cash basis used to calculate losses U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restrictions on sideways relief for certain capital allowances U.K.

75 Trade leasing allowances given to individuals U.K.

(1) Sideways relief is not available to an individual for so much of a loss as derives from a trade leasing allowance unless the individual meets the time commitment test.

(2) A trade leasing allowance is an allowance made under Part 2 of CAA 2001 in respect of—

(a) expenditure incurred on the provision of plant or machinery for leasing in the course of a trade, or

(b) expenditure incurred on the provision for the purposes of a trade of an asset which is not to be leased but which is fee-producing.

(3) An asset is fee-producing if payments in the nature of—

(a) royalties, or

(b) licence fees,

are to arise from rights granted by the individual in connection with the asset.

(4) To meet the time commitment test conditions A and B must be met.

(5) Condition A is that the individual must carry on the trade for a continuous period of at least 6 months beginning or ending in F41 ... the tax year in which the loss was made F42 ....

(6) Condition B is that substantially the whole of the individual's time must be given to carrying on the trade—

(a) for a continuous period of at least 6 months beginning or ending in the [F43 tax year] (if the individual starts or permanently ceases to carry on the trade in the tax year (or does both)), or

(b) throughout [F44 tax year] period (in any other case).

Textual Amendments

F41 Words in s. 75(5) omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 46(2)(a), 61(1)

F42 Words in s. 75(5) omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 46(2)(b), 61(1)

F43 Words in s. 75(6)(a) substituted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 46(3), 61(1)

F44 Words in s. 75(6)(b) substituted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 46(3), 61(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 Ss. 75-79 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(c)

C9 Ss. 75-79 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(d)

76 First-year allowances [F45 and annual investment allowances]: introduction U.K.

Sideways relief is not available to an individual for so much of a loss as derives from [F46 an annual investment allowance or] a first-year allowance under Part 2 of CAA 2001 if either section 77 or 78 applies.

Textual Amendments

F45 Words in s. 76 heading inserted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 23 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 24 para. 21(b)

F46 Words in s. 76 inserted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 23 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 24 para. 21(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 Ss. 75-79 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(c)

C9 Ss. 75-79 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(d)

77 First-year allowances: partnerships with companies U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) the first-year allowance is in respect of expenditure incurred at any time on the provision of plant or machinery for leasing in the course of a qualifying activity, and

(b) either the qualifying activity was at that time carried on by the individual in partnership with a company or arrangements have been made with a view to the activity being so carried on.

(2) It does not matter—

(a) if the firm includes other partners, or

(b) when the arrangements were made.

(3) For the purposes of this section—

(a) letting a ship on charter is treated as leasing the ship, and

(b) references to making arrangements include effecting schemes.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 Ss. 75-79 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(c)

C9 Ss. 75-79 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(d)

78 First-year allowances [F47 and annual investment allowances]: arrangements to reduce tax liabilities U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) the [F48 annual investment allowance or] first-year allowance is made in connection with a relevant qualifying activity or a relevant asset (see subsections (2) and (3)), and

(b) arrangements within subsection (4) have been made.

(2) A qualifying activity is a relevant one if—

(a) at the time when the expenditure was incurred, the activity was carried on by the individual as a partner in a firm, or

(b) at a later time, it has been carried on by the individual as a partner in a firm or transferred to a person connected with the individual.

(3) An asset is a relevant one if, after the time when the expenditure was incurred, the asset was transferred by the individual—

(a) to a person connected with the individual, or

(b) to a person at a price lower than its market value.

(4) Arrangements are within this subsection if as a result of them—

(a) the sole benefit, or

(b) the main benefit,

that might be expected to arise to the individual from the transaction under which the expenditure was incurred is the obtaining of a reduction in tax liability by means of sideways relief.

(5) It does not matter when the arrangements were made.

(6) References to making arrangements include effecting schemes.

Textual Amendments

F47 Words in s. 78 heading inserted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 23 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 24 para. 22(b)

F48 Words in s. 78(1)(a) inserted (21.7.2008 with effect in accordance with Sch. 24 para. 23 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), Sch. 24 para. 22(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 Ss. 75-79 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(c)

C9 Ss. 75-79 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(d)

79 Capital allowances restrictions: supplementary U.K.

(1) If relief is given in a case to which section 75 or 76 applies, the relief is withdrawn by the making of an assessment to income tax under this section.

(2) Expressions which are used—

(a) in any of sections 75 to 78, and

(b) in Part 2 of CAA 2001,

have the same meaning in those sections as in that Part.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 Ss. 75-79 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(c)

C9 Ss. 75-79 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(d)

Restriction on sideways relief for specific trades U.K.

80 Ring fence income U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a person has income arising from oil extraction activities or oil rights (“ring fence income”), and

(b) the person makes a loss in any trade.

(2) Sideways relief for the loss is not to be given against the person's ring fence income except so far as the loss arises from oil extraction activities or oil rights.

(3) “Oil extraction activities” and “oil rights” have the [F49 meaning given by sections 225A and 225B of ITTOIA 2005].

Textual Amendments

F49 Words in s. 80(3) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 381(1) of the amending Act) by Taxation (International and Other Provisions) Act 2010 (c. 8), s. 381(1), Sch. 8 para. 193 (with Sch. 9 paras. 1-9, 22)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 80 applied (21.7.2009) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 6 para. 1(11)(d)

C11 S. 80 applied (10.6.2021) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), Sch. 2 para. 3(1)(e)

F50 81 Dealings in commodity futures U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F50 S. 81 omitted (8.4.2010 with effect in accordance with Sch. 3 para. 11 of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 3 para. 9

82 Exploitation of films U.K.

In the case of a trade carried on by an individual which consists of or includes the exploitation of films—

(a) see [F51 section 115] for a restriction on sideways relief if the trade was carried on by the individual as a partner in a firm, and

(b) see section 796 for a charge to income tax if the individual made a loss in the trade (whether carried on alone or as a partner in a firm) for which sideways relief is claimed.

Textual Amendments

F51 Words in s. 82(a) substituted (retrospective to 6.4.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), Sch. 4 paras. 6, 21

Carry-forward trade loss relief U.K.

83 Carry forward against subsequent trade profits U.K.

(1) A person may make a claim for carry-forward trade loss relief if—

(a) the person has made a loss in a trade in a tax year, and

(b) relief for the loss has not been fully given under this Chapter or any other provision of the Income Tax Acts or under section 261B of TCGA 1992 (use of trading loss as a CGT loss).

(2) The claim is for the part of the loss for which relief has not been given under any such provision (“the unrelieved loss”) to be deducted in calculating the person's net income for subsequent tax years (see Step 2 of the calculation in section 23).

(3) But a deduction for that purpose is to be made only from profits of the trade.

(4) In calculating a person's net income for a tax year, deductions under this section from the profits of a trade are to be made before deductions of any other reliefs from those profits.

(5) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades (and section 84 is to be read accordingly).

(6) This section needs to be read with—

(a) section 84 (how relief works),

(b) section 85 (use of trade-related interest and dividends if trade profits insufficient),

(c) section 86 (trade transferred to a company),

(d) section 87 (ring fence trades),

(e) section 88 (carry forward of certain interest as loss), and

(f) [F52 section 17(3)] of ITTOIA 2005 (effect of becoming or ceasing to be UK resident).

Textual Amendments

F52 Words in s. 83(6)(f) substituted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 47, 61(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 83 excluded (with effect in accordance with Sch. 18 para. 63 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), Sch. 18 para. 20(6)

84 How relief works U.K.

This section explains how the deductions are to be made. The amount of the unrelieved loss to be deducted at any step is limited in accordance with section 25(4) and (5).

Step 1

Deduct the unrelieved loss from the profits of the trade of the next tax year.

Step 2

Deduct from the profits of the trade of the following tax year the amount of the unrelieved loss not previously deducted.

Step 3

Continue to apply Step 2 in relation to the profits of the trade of subsequent tax years until all the unrelieved loss is deducted.

85 Use of trade-related interest and dividends if trade profits insufficient U.K.

(1) This section applies if carry-forward trade loss relief cannot be fully given in relation to the profits of a trade of a tax year because (apart from this section) there are no profits, or insufficient profits, of the trade of the tax year.

(2) For the purposes of the relief any interest or dividends for the tax year that relate to the trade are treated as profits of the trade of the tax year.

(3) Interest or dividends for the tax year relate to the trade if they—

(a) arise in the tax year, and

(b) would be brought into account in calculating the profits of the trade but for the fact that they have been subjected to tax under other provisions of the Income Tax Acts.

86 Trade transferred to a company U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a trade is carried on by an individual otherwise than as a partner in a firm or by individuals in partnership,

(b) the trade is transferred to a company,

(c) the consideration for the transfer is wholly or mainly the allotment of shares to the individual or individuals, and

(d) in the case of any individual to whom, or to whose nominee or nominees, shares are so allotted, the individual's total income for a relevant tax year includes income derived by the individual from the company.

(2) For the purposes of carry-forward trade loss relief, the income so derived is treated as—

(a) profits of the trade of the relevant tax year carried on by the individual, or

(b) if the trade was carried on by the individual in partnership, profits of the individual's notional trade of the relevant tax year.

(3) The tax year in which the transfer is made is a relevant one if—

(a) the individual is the beneficial owner of the shares allotted as mentioned above, and

(b) the company carries on the trade,

throughout the period beginning with the date of the transfer and ending with the next 5 April.

(4) Otherwise a tax year is a relevant one if—

(a) the individual is the beneficial owner of the shares allotted as mentioned above, and

(b) the company carries on the trade,

throughout the tax year.

(5) The income derived from the company may be by way of dividends on the shares or otherwise.

(6) This section applies to businesses which are not trades as it applies to trades.

87 Ring fence trades U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a person makes a loss in a tax year carrying on oil-related activities (within the meaning of section 16 of ITTOIA 2005),

(b) those activities are treated under that section as a separate trade for the tax year or a subsequent tax year,

(c) the person makes profits in a subsequent tax year from other activities, and

(d) the other activities and the oil-related activities would, but for that section, together form a single trade.

(2) For the purposes of carry-forward trade loss relief for the loss, the person may treat profits from the other activities in a subsequent tax year as if they were profits of the separate trade (despite section 16 of ITTOIA 2005).

88 Carry forward of certain interest as loss U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) an individual pays interest in a tax year which is eligible for relief under section 383 (as a result of section 388 or 398),

(b) the interest is an expense incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of a trade carried on wholly or partly in the United Kingdom, and

(c) relief under section 383 cannot be fully given in respect of the interest because there is no income or insufficient income in the tax year.

(2) For the purposes of carry-forward trade loss relief, the amount for which relief has not been given may be carried forward to subsequent tax years as if it were a loss made in the trade.

(3) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades.

Terminal trade loss relief U.K.

89 Carry back of losses on a permanent cessation of a trade U.K.

(1) A person may make a claim for terminal trade loss relief if the person—

(a) permanently ceases to carry on a trade in a tax year (“the final tax year”), and

(b) makes a terminal loss in the trade (see section 90).

(2) The claim is for the total amount of terminal losses made in the trade by the person (“the relievable loss”) to be deducted in calculating the person's net income for the final tax year and the 3 previous tax years (see Step 2 of the calculation in section 23).

(3) But a deduction for that purpose is to be made only from profits of the trade.

(4) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades (and sections 90 and 91 are to be read accordingly).

(5) This section needs to be read with—

(a) section 91 (how relief works),

(b) section 92 (use of trade-related interest and dividends if trade profits insufficient),

(c) section 93 (mineral extraction trade and carry back of balancing allowances), and

(d) section 94 (carry back of certain interest as loss).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 Ss. 89-91 applied (with application in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 64 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 para. 71(2)

90 Losses that are “terminal losses” U.K.

(1) Each of the following is a terminal loss made in the trade—

(a) the loss (if any) made in the trade in the period beginning with the start of the final tax year and ending with the cessation, and

(b) the loss (if any) made in the trade in the period consisting of so much of the previous tax year as falls in the 12 months prior to the cessation.

(2) The profit or loss of a period mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) (a “terminal loss period”) is determined by reference to the profits or losses of periods of account of the trade (calculated for income tax purposes).

(3) If no period of account coincides with a terminal loss period, any of the following steps may be taken if they are necessary in order to arrive at the profit or loss of the terminal loss period—

(a) apportioning the profit or loss of a period of account between the part of the period that falls in the terminal loss period and the part that does not, and

(b) adding the profit or loss of a period of account (or part of a period) to profits or losses of other periods of account (or parts).

(4) Section [F53 7A(3) and (4)] of ITTOIA 2005 applies for the purposes of subsection (3) as it applies for the purposes of section [F54 7A(2)] of that Act.

F55 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) In the case of a notional trade carried on by a partner in a firm—

(a) the periods of account of the notional trade are taken to be the periods of account of the actual trade, and

(b) the references in subsections (2) and (3) to the profits or losses of periods of account of the trade are to the partner's share of the profits or losses of the actual trade determined in accordance with sections 849 and 850 of ITTOIA 2005.

Textual Amendments

F53 Words in s. 90(4) substituted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 48(2)(a), 61(1)

F54 Word in s. 90(4) substituted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 48(2)(b), 61(1)

F55 S. 90(5) omitted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 paras. 48(3), 61(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 Ss. 89-91 applied (with application in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 64 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 para. 71(2)

91 How relief works U.K.

This section explains how the deductions are to be made. The amount of the relievable loss to be deducted at any step is limited in accordance with section 25(4) and (5).

Step 1

Deduct the relievable loss from the profits of the trade of the final tax year.

Step 2

Deduct any part of the relievable loss not deducted at Step 1 from the profits of the trade of the previous tax year.

Step 3

Deduct any part of the relievable loss not deducted at Step 1 or 2 from the profits of the trade of the tax year before the previous one.

Step 4

Deduct any part of the relievable loss not deducted at Step 1, 2 or 3 from the profits of the trade of the tax year before that one.

Other claims

If the relievable loss has not been deducted in full at Steps 1 to 4, the person may use the part not so deducted in giving effect to any other relief under this Chapter (depending on the terms of the relief).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 Ss. 89-91 applied (with application in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 64 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 1 para. 71(2)

92 Use of trade-related interest and dividends if trade profits insufficient U.K.

(1) This section applies if terminal trade loss relief cannot be fully given in relation to the profits of a trade of a tax year because (apart from this section) there are no profits, or insufficient profits, of the trade of the tax year.

(2) For the purposes of the relief any interest or dividends for the tax year that relate to the trade are treated as profits of the trade of the tax year.

(3) Interest or dividends for the tax year relate to the trade if they—

(a) arise in the tax year, and

(b) would be brought into account in calculating the profits of the trade but for the fact that they have been subjected to tax under other provisions of the Income Tax Acts.

93 Mineral extraction trade and carry back of balancing allowances U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a person permanently ceases to carry on a mineral extraction trade, and

(b) the person makes a claim for terminal trade loss relief and a claim in respect of a balancing allowance under section 355 of CAA 2001.

(2) Terminal trade loss relief must be given before relief under section 355 of CAA 2001.

(3) In giving effect to the terminal trade loss relief, the balancing allowance is to be ignored.

(4) “Mineral extraction trade” has the same meaning as in Part 5 of CAA 2001 (see section 394 of that Act).

94 Carry back of certain interest as loss U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) an individual pays interest in a tax year which is eligible for relief under section 383 (as a result of section 388 or 398),

(b) the interest is an expense incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of a trade carried on wholly or partly in the United Kingdom, and

(c) relief under section 383 cannot be fully given in respect of the interest because there is no income or insufficient income in the tax year.

(2) For the purposes of terminal trade loss relief, the amount for which relief has not been given may be treated as a loss made in the trade at the date of payment.

(3) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades.

Wholly foreign trades U.K.

95 Foreign trades etc: reliefs only against foreign income U.K.

(1) This section applies if a person—

(a) carries on a trade, profession or vocation wholly outside the United Kingdom, and

(b) makes a loss in the trade, profession or vocation.

(2) In that case—

(a) sideways relief for the loss is available only against the person's qualifying foreign income,

(b) trade income relief for the loss is available only against the person's qualifying foreign trade income, and

(c) section 261B of TCGA 1992 (use of trading loss as a CGT loss) does not apply in relation to the loss.

(3) “Trade income relief” means—

(a) carry-forward trade loss relief, or

(b) terminal trade loss relief.

(4) “Qualifying foreign income” means—

(a) qualifying foreign trade income, or

(b) income falling within section 23, 355, 575, 613, 615, 631 or 635 of ITEPA 2003 (foreign employment or pension income).

(5) “Qualifying foreign trade income” means the profits of any trade, profession or vocation carried on wholly outside the United Kingdom.

(6) But “qualifying foreign income” and “qualifying foreign trade income” do not include any income which is charged to income tax in accordance with section 832 of ITTOIA 2005 (relevant foreign income charged on the remittance basis).

Post-cessation trade relief U.K.

96 Post-cessation trade relief U.K.

(1) A person may make a claim for post-cessation trade relief if, after permanently ceasing to carry on a trade—

(a) the person makes a qualifying payment, or

(b) a qualifying event occurs in relation to a debt owed to the person,

and the payment is made, or the event occurs, within 7 years of that cessation.

(2) If the claim is made in respect of a payment, the claim is for the payment to be deducted in calculating the person's net income for the tax year in which the payment is made (see Step 2 of the calculation in section 23).

(3) If the claim is made in respect of an event, the claim is for the appropriate amount of the debt to be deducted in calculating the person's net income for the relevant tax year (see Step 2 of the calculation in section 23).

(4) The claim must be made on or before the first anniversary of the normal self-assessment filing date for the tax year for which the deduction is to be made.

(5) If—

(a) the person is a company within the charge to income tax under Chapter 2 of Part 2 of ITTOIA 2005 in respect of a trade, and

(b) the company ceases at any time to be within that tax charge in respect of the trade,

the company is treated for the purposes of this section as permanently ceasing to carry on the trade at that time.

(6) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades (and sections 97 and 98 are to be read accordingly).

(7) This section needs to be read with—

(a) section 97 (meaning of “qualifying payment”),

(b) section 98 (meaning of “qualifying event” etc),

[F56 (ba) section 98A (denial of relief for tax-generated payments or events),]

(c) section 99 (reduction of relief for unpaid trade expenses), and

(d) section 100 (prohibition against double counting).

Textual Amendments

F56 S. 96(7)(ba) inserted (17.7.2012) (with effect in accordance with s. 9(5) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), s. 9(2)

97 Meaning of “qualifying payment” U.K.

(1) For the purposes of section 96 a person makes a “qualifying payment” after permanently ceasing to carry on a trade if the person makes a payment wholly and exclusively for any of purposes A to D.

(2) A payment is made for purpose A if it is made—

(a) in remedying defective work done, goods supplied or services provided in the course of the trade, or

(b) by way of damages (whether awarded or agreed) in respect of defective work done, goods supplied or services provided in the course of the trade.

(3) A payment is made for purpose B if it is made in meeting the expenses of legal or other professional services in connection with a claim (a “claim about defects”) that—

(a) work done in the course of the trade was defective,

(b) goods supplied in the course of the trade were defective, or

(c) services provided in the course of the trade were defective.

(4) A payment is made for purpose C if it is made in insuring—

(a) against liabilities arising out of any claim about defects, or

(b) against the liability to meet the expenses of legal or other professional services in connection with any claim about defects.

(5) A payment is made for purpose D if it is made for the purpose of collecting a debt which was brought into account in calculating the profits of the trade.

98 Meaning of “qualifying event” etc U.K.

(1) This section explains for the purposes of section 96 what is meant by—

(a) a “qualifying event” occurring in relation to a debt owed to a person who has permanently ceased to carry on a trade, and

(b) “the appropriate amount of the debt” to be deducted in calculating a person's net income for “the relevant tax year”.

(2) A qualifying event occurs in relation to a debt owed to the person if—

(a) an unpaid debt was brought into account in calculating the profits of the trade,

(b) the person is entitled to the benefit of the debt, and

(c) the debt is released (in whole or in part) as part of a statutory insolvency arrangement (within the meaning of Part 2 of ITTOIA 2005).

The event occurs when the debt is released.

(3) The appropriate amount of the debt to be deducted is—

(a) the amount released, or

(b) if the person was entitled to only part of the benefit of the debt, the corresponding part of the amount released.

(4) The relevant tax year is the tax year in which the debt is released.

(5) A qualifying event also occurs in relation to a debt owed to the person if—

(a) an unpaid debt was brought into account in calculating the profits of the trade,

(b) the person is entitled to the benefit of the debt, and

(c) the debt proves to be bad.

The event occurs when the debt proves to be bad.

(6) The appropriate amount of the debt to be deducted is—

(a) the amount of the debt, or

(b) if the person was entitled to only part of the benefit of the debt, the corresponding part of the amount of the debt.

(7) The relevant tax year is the tax year specified in the claim.

(8) The person making the claim may specify—

(a) the tax year in which the debt proves to be bad, or

(b) a subsequent tax year throughout which the debt remains bad (so long as the tax year begins within 7 years of the cessation),

but, if the person has previously made a claim specifying a tax year in respect of the debt, the person may not specify another tax year in respect of it.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 98 applied (17.7.2012) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), s. 9(8)

[F57 98A Denial of relief for tax-generated payments or events U.K.

(1) Post-cessation trade relief is not available to a person in respect of a payment or an event which is made or occurs directly or indirectly in consequence of, or otherwise in connection with, relevant tax avoidance arrangements (and, accordingly, no section 261D claim may be made in respect of the payment or event).

(2) For this purpose “relevant tax avoidance arrangements” means arrangements—

(a) to which the person is a party, and

(b) the main purpose, or one of the main purposes, of which is the obtaining of a reduction in tax liability as a result of the availability of post-cessation trade relief (whether by making a claim for that relief or a section 261D claim).

(3) In this section—

(a) “arrangements” includes any agreement, understanding, scheme, transaction or series of transactions (whether or not legally enforceable), and

(b) “section 261D claim” means a claim under section 261D of TCGA 1992.]

Textual Amendments

F57 S. 98A inserted (17.7.2012) (with effect in accordance with s. 9(5)(7)(8) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), s. 9(3)

99 Reduction of relief for unpaid trade expenses U.K.

(1) This section applies for the purposes of post-cessation trade relief in respect of a person's trade if a deduction was made in calculating the profits of the trade for an expense not actually paid (an “unpaid expense”).

(2) The amount of the person's relief for a tax year is reduced (but not below nil) by—

(a) the total amount of unpaid expenses at the end of the tax year, or

(b) if the person carried on the trade as a partner in a firm, the person's share of the total amount of unpaid expenses at the end of the tax year.

(3) But any unpaid expense which is taken into account in reducing the amount of the person's relief for a tax year is left out of account in making reductions for subsequent tax years.

(4) If the person actually pays an amount in respect of an unpaid expense taken into account in reducing the amount of the person's relief, the person is treated as making a qualifying payment for the purposes of section 96.

(5) The amount of the qualifying payment is—

(a) the amount actually paid, or

(b) if less, the amount of the reduction.

(6) This section applies to professions and vocations as it applies to trades.

100 Prohibition against double counting U.K.

(1) Post-cessation trade relief is not available for an amount for which relief is given, or is available, under any other provision of the Income Tax Acts.

(2) For this purpose—

(a) relief available under section 254 of ITTOIA 2005 (allowable deductions against post-cessation receipts) is treated as given for other amounts before any amount for which post-cessation trade relief is available, and

(b) relief under that section is treated as available if it would have been available but for the fact that the post-cessation receipts (against which the deductions would have been allowed) are exempt under section 524 of this Act.

101 Treating excess post-cessation trade relief as CGT loss U.K.

A person who cannot deduct all of an amount under a claim for post-cessation trade relief may be able to treat the unused part as an allowable loss for capital gains tax purposes: see sections 261D and 261E of TCGA 1992.