The Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) applies when a company (and certain other bodies) owns a UK residential property worth over £500,000. The charge applies for the year from 1 April, but the ATED return, and any payment due, must reach HMRC by 30 April within that period (i.e., by 30 April 2018 for 2018/19).

This annual charge starts at £3,600, and increases for valuation bands up to £226,950 for 2018/19. The charge is based on the property’s value as at 1 April 2017, or the purchase date if later.

The owner can claim 100% relief if the property is let commercially, is under development, or if certain other conditions apply, but the relief must be claimed on an ATED relief form by 30 April for each year.

There are steep penalties for late submission of ATED returns, which are payable even if there is no ATED charge to pay. HMRC can check whether an ATED return is due by accessing the Land Registry database to see who owns which properties.

Action Point!
Remember to claim ATED relief when developing or letting high value homes owned by a company.