Between 2012 and 2016, responsibility for certain areas of tax was devolved from Westminster to Holyrood. This means that the Scottish Parliament now has devolved power over Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), Scottish Landfill Tax (SLfT) as well as certain aspects of Income Tax.
For businesses operating in Scotland, it’s crucial to keep on top of the ongoing changes to Scottish tax powers. That’s why our dedicated local team is growing fast. We bring years of experience and deep knowledge of the Scottish tax landscape to help you understand your obligations, stay updated with developments and deal with your taxes in the most efficient and effective way.
LBTT came into force for land transactions in Scotland from 1 April 2015, replacing Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). LBTT most commonly applies to purchases of residential or non-residential property and leases of non-residential property, but the definition of land transactions is wide, also covering the purchase of other interests in land such as sporting or mineral rights. Our tax team has extensive experience working in this specialist area and can help you swiftly and smoothly navigate the complexities of LBTT.
SLfT replaced UK Landfill Tax in Scotland on 1 April 2015. If you operate a landfill site in Scotland, you’re liable for SLfT and need to be registered with Revenue Scotland. And if you’re a UK-based landfill operator with Scottish sites, you need to register with Revenue Scotland as well as HMRC. We can support you through the process, ensuring you’re SLfT-compliant however and wherever you operate.
Obviously, it’s important to know whether you need to pay taxes in Scotland– but that seemingly simple understanding can be surprisingly complex. Scottish Income Tax applies to the non-savings and non-dividend income of Scottish taxpayers, while UK rates continue to apply to savings and dividend income – making this a complex question if you have homes both in and outside of Scotland. If you are a Scottish taxpayer, it is your responsibility (not your employer’s) to inform HMRC, with the risk of interest and penalties if your status is incorrect. We can help you clarify your status, inform HRMC and provide any tax planning or support you need.
But we’re also ready to support you well beyond these three areas. As the powers of Holyrood grow, so will the complexities of Scottish tax. With Air Departure tax on the horizon, we’re committed to providing our clients from both within and outside Scotland with the very best advice to stay ahead of the curve with all aspects of their tax.
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