Buying a Business? No Relief for Goodwill Now

Wednesday November 2015

Ever since April 2002 when a limited company acquires the trade and assets of another business it has been possible to obtain a tax deduction for the goodwill and other intangible assets of the acquired business, generally in line with the accounting treatment. So, if the goodwill of the acquired business was worth say £500,000 and the directors assess the useful economic life as 5 years there would be an allowable tax deduction of £100,000 a year over the 5 year period.

The Summer Budget has blocked this deduction where the goodwill is acquired on or after 8 July 2015, although where the acquisition was prior to that date relief continues to be available.

Please contact us if you are planning to buy another business as we can help you maximise tax relief on the assets acquired.

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