Expert Buy To Let Accountants
We are a specialist buy to let accountant based in Surrey. If you are planning to invest in buy to let property or have already owned a buy to let and need help and advice in managing your tax affairs, our team of expert buy to let accountants can help with all your tax compliance and advisory needs.
- Chartered Certified Accountants
- Fixed Fee Services
- Tax Liability Minimisation
Specialist Property Tax Advisor
Our expert team of property tax advisors and buy to let accountants can support you with every aspect of your property taxation—covering both compliance and strategic tax planning. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or managing a growing property portfolio, we offer tailored advice to help you stay compliant and maximise your tax efficiency.
We will guide you on the most tax-effective structure for your property investments, including whether to purchase property in your personal name or through a limited company. As experienced buy to let accountants, we take a holistic view of your finances—carefully considering your other income sources, long-term goals, and changing tax laws to recommend the best approach.
With our specialist expertise, you can feel confident that your property affairs are being managed correctly, efficiently, and in line with HMRC regulations.
Tax Implications for Buy to Let Property Investors
If you own a buy-to-let property in the UK, it’s essential to understand the various tax obligations that come with it. From income tax on rental earnings to capital gains tax when selling, navigating the UK property tax system can be complex. That’s where a specialist buy to let accountant can provide valuable guidance—ensuring you stay compliant and tax-efficient at every stage of your property investment journey.
Here’s a brief overview of the key taxes you may encounter as a buy to let property owner:
- Income Tax: Submit an annual Self Assessment return; a buy to let accountant can help claim all allowable expenses to reduce your tax bill.
- Joint Ownership: Consider how rental income is split for tax purposes based on ownership share or Form 17 election.
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): Payable on buy-to-let purchases, especially if the property is an additional home, with higher rates applying.
- Council Tax: Usually paid by tenants, but landlords are responsible in HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation).
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Payable when selling a property, with returns and tax due within 60 days; early planning with a buy to let accountant can reduce your CGT liability.
First-Time Property Investor
If you’re planning to invest in UK buy-to-let properties for the first time, our expert team of Buy to Let Accountants and landlord tax specialists can provide comprehensive tax advice tailored to your investment goals. From the outset, we ensure you receive the right guidance to help minimise your tax liabilities and structure your investment in the most efficient way possible. Our specialists will also make sure you remain fully compliant with all UK property tax regulations, giving you peace of mind as you begin your journey as a property investor.
Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax Rates applicable to Buy to Let Landlords (2025/26)
Income Tax Rates 2025/26
Tax Type
Band / Threshold
Rate
Notes
Income Tax
Up to £12,570
0%
Personal allowance – no tax payable
Income Tax
£12,571 – £50,270
20%
Basic rate band
Income Tax
£50,271 – £125,140
40%
Higher rate band
Income Tax
Over £125,140
45%
Additional rate – no personal allowance available
Capital Gains Tax Rates 2025/26
Tax Type
Band / Threshold
Capital Gains Tax
Upto £3,000
0%
Annual Exemption
Capital Gains Tax
Up to £50,270
18%
Basic Rate Bank
Capital Gains Tax
Above £50,270
24%
Higher and Additonal Rate band
Key Tax Deadlines for Buy to Let Landlords
Buy to Let landlords must be aware of several important tax deadlines each year to stay compliant with HMRC. The primary deadline is 31 January, which is when your Self Assessment tax return and any tax owed for the previous tax year must be submitted and paid.
- Paper Tax Return Deadline: 31 October (after the end of the tax year). Example: For the 2024/25 tax year (which ends on 5 April 2025), the paper return deadline is 31 October 2025
- Online Tax Return Deadline - 31 January. Example: For the 2024/25 tax year, the online return must be filed by 31 January 2026
- 31 January – Deadline to submit your online Self Assessment tax return.
- 31 January – Deadline to pay any tax owed for the previous tax year, including the first payment on account (if applicable).
- Late Filing by 1 day: £100 penalty if your return is up to 3 months late; more if it’s later
- Late by 3 Months: Additional Penalty - £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900.
- Late by 6 Months: Further Penalty - The greater of: £300 or 5% of the tax due. This is added on top of the previous penalties.
- Late by 12 Months: Additional Penalty - The greater of £300 or 5% of the tax due. n serious cases (e.g., deliberate concealment), this can increase to 100% of the tax due.
How Zahtax Can Help with Your Buy to Let Taxes
At Zahtax, our expert Buy to Let Accountants provide comprehensive support and advice on all aspects of income and capital gains taxation related to your Buy to Let property investments. We help you manage your property taxes efficiently while maximising your returns. Our services include:
- Expert property tax advice tailored to your specific circumstances
- Guidance on whether to purchase property through a limited company or in your personal name
- Professional bookkeeping and accounting services for your property portfolio
- Secure access to our GDPR-compliant online portal for easy document management
- Advice on allowable expenses to deduct against your rental income
- Assistance with non-resident landlord registration (if required)
- Preparation and submission of your annual Self Assessment tax returns using HMRC-approved software
- Accurate calculation of your annual tax liability or refund
- Submission of your tax return directly to HMRC, ensuring timely compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about tax requirements for Buy to Let investors and our services.
What is the deadline for a buy to let landlord tax returns?
The deadline for a buy to let landlord tax return is 31st January following the end of the tax year. For the 2025/26 tax year, the deadline is 31st January 2026. Paper returns must be submitted by 31st October.
Do I Need to Register as a Buy to Let Landlord?
Yes, as a Buy to Let landlord, you are required to register with HMRC once you begin receiving rental income. This must be done either as soon as you receive your rental income or by 5th October following the end of the tax year in which you started—whichever comes first. Registration can be completed online via the HMRC website, or alternatively, our team can assist you with the entire registration process to ensure it’s completed accurately and on time.
What expenses can I claim as a Buy to Let Landlord?
As a Buy to Let landlord, you can claim a range of allowable expenses to reduce your taxable rental income. These typically include mortgage interest, letting agent fees, property repairs and maintenance (not improvements), landlord insurance, utility bills (if paid by you), council tax (if the property is vacant or you’re liable), and service charges. You can also claim costs for legal and accountancy services, as well as advertising and marketing to find tenants. If you’re using part of your home or vehicle for managing the property, a proportion of those costs may also be deductible.
How much does your Buy to Let landlord tax service cost?
We offer fixed-fee pricing for transparency. Our sole trader tax return service starts from £299, which includes preparation and submission of your self-assessment, advice on allowable expenses, and ongoing support throughout the year.
I am making a loss on my Buy to Let property. Do I still need to file my annual Buy to Let tax return?
Yes, in most cases, you will be required to file your annual Buy to Let landlord tax return, even if you are making a loss. The only exception is if your total gross rental income is less than £10,000 or your net rental income is less than £2,500, and you have no other sources of income—in which case you may not need to file a Self Assessment return. However, it’s always best to check with HMRC or speak to a qualified Buy to Let accountant to confirm your individual filing obligations.
What type of documents do I need to keep as evidence in case of an HMRC audit?
As a Buy to Let landlord, it’s important to keep clear and accurate records in case of an HMRC audit. You should retain documents such as tenancy agreements, rent receipts, bank statements showing rental income, invoices and receipts for property expenses, mortgage interest statements, and records of any repairs or capital improvements. Additionally, keep evidence of professional fees, travel costs related to property management, and copies of your submitted tax returns. HMRC typically requires you to keep these records for at least five years after the relevant tax return deadline. Proper documentation not only ensures compliance but also supports any claims made on your tax return.
How Long Should You Keep Records?
HMRC requires you keeping records for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year.