Government looks to raise taxes for Airbnb hosts
Homeowners who let their spare rooms to holidaymakers, using sites such as Airbnb, could be taxed on more of their rental income under new government plans.
It is looking at removing or reducing the £7,500 per annum rent-a-room tax relief given to homeowners who take short-term guests.
The government says the relief was designed to encourage homeowners to take in long-term lodgers, but it is being used by some to let rooms or even entire properties and earn tax-free income.
It announced in the Budget Red Book that it will hold a consultation on the rent-a-room tax relief ‘to ensure it is better targeted to support longer term lettings.
The Residential Landlords Association, which alerted others to the government’s plans, said it expects measures to be announced in the Autumn Budget, to take effect from as early as next year.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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