Business owners cheer vital tax clarification

In the face of widespread professional concern, the government has tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill to clarify how new rules for Entrepreneurs’ Relief will affect business owners.​
The October 2018 Budget introduced new rules for the relief which, if applicable, reduces the Capital Gains Tax payable on disposals of key assets such as shares to 10%
Part of the budget changes had required an individual to be beneficially entitled to at least 5% of the company’s distributable profits, and 5% of its assets available for distribution to equity holders in a winding up.

These measures were widely criticised for being unclear. Not least, they were problematic for holders of so called “Alphabet Shares”, which only carry a discretionary right to a dividend rather than a specific “entitlement”.Similarly, holders of “Growth” shares, which sacrifice dividends in favour of an expectation of capital appreciation, were also unlikely to qualify for more lenient tax treatment.

The announcement led to widespread concern that a large number of shareholders would suffer as a result, and although the Chancellor believed that only around 1,000 companies would be affected by the change, independent estimates place the figure considerably higher.

AMENDMENT TO ENTREPRENEURS’ RELIEF BILL​

Thankfully an amendment to the Bill was tabled late in December. It removes the strict requirement for an entitlement to at least 5% of the distributable profits and assets available for distribution. In its place is a new twin test, which would be met if the previous test was met, or alternatively in the event of a disposal of the whole of the ordinary share capital of the company the individual would be entitled to at least 5% of the proceeds.

Revised guidance is expected from HMRC in due course, but the amendment makes it clear that the sale requirement will be tested as at the date of actual sale based on either real sale proceeds or by applying a notional split of proceeds based on market value.

MORE INFORMATION​

These changes offer much needed clarification in an area which had previously caused much concern for owner managed businesses. If you would like to discuss how these new rules may affect your company assets or the selling of your shares, our business solicitors will be happy to help. Click here to find out more.This article was written by Edward Garston, Senior Associate at Pinney Talfourd LLP Solicitors. The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. Specific legal advice should be taken on each individual matter. This article is based on the law as of January 2019.