Tax dodge of the week: Landlords should claim back expenses

New and inexperienced landlords could be missing out on hundreds of pounds a month at a time when the weak property market means they need all the money they can get, according to specialist buy-to-let lender, Paragon. That's because many are failing to claim for all of the property-related expenses they can offset against their annual tax bill.

Rent from buy-to-let property is subject to UK income tax and should be declared on a Letting Income Schedule. However, landlords can also use the same schedule to claim back costs "wholly and exclusively" incurred in generating that income.

The latest example to join a growing list is an energy-saving allowance of up to £1,500 when energy-efficiency work, including insulation improvement, is carried out. Paragon's latest survey revealed that 86% of landlords were unaware this existed.

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Other big tax deductible expenses include mortgage costs, water rates, buildings insurance, "like for like" repairs and maintenance, wear and tear for furnished properties of up to 10% of rental income and advertising costs for new tenants. For more, see Paragon Mortgages Buy-to-Let Tax Guide.