Reducing CGT by getting married

Reducing CGT by getting married

12:46 PM, 11th April 2014, About 10 years ago 37

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Hi there, I have a B2L property that I bought 9 years ago for £250k and I’ve rented it out from day one. I have never lived there so I cant claim PPR or lettings relief. Reducing CGT by getting married

I’ve now got a buyer for the property at £325k so even after I deduct £10k buying and selling costs and my accountant has worked his magic with allowances I’m going to be looking at a pretty ugly CGT bill of around £8-10k (my calculations, waiting for the accountant to confirm exactly) which obviously I do not want!

Now currently I’m not married (been with girlfriend for 20 years with 2 kids).

It has been suggested that if I get a quickie marriage sorted and then transfer half the property to my new wife then we can use her annual CGT exemption allowance and it will reduce the CGT bill. However, the cash buyer for my property would like to complete in around 4 weeks which wouldn’t normally be a problem, thing is can I get married in 4 weeks?

But my real questions are:-

1.Will this work?

2.How easy is it to transfer the property into joint names?

3.My partner to be does not work and has the credit rating of a goldfish so will the lender agree?

4.If I show proof to the lender that the property is sold and I’m purely doing this for Tax reasons will they do it?

5.Is it worth the hassle?

6.Is there a better way of avoiding this bill, some secret little tactic maybe that other proffesionals use that me and my accountant are not privy to?

Obviously I do not want to go to prison so legal suggestions only please. I am not trying to scam the tax man, I am merely trying to reduce my CGT bill in any LEGAL way possible even if my ideas are a little cheeky )

Regards

Rob 🙂


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Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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8:58 AM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "T J" at "12/04/2014 - 08:27":

Hi TJ

I have answered your full question in some detail on the "Readers Questions" thread you have posted, please see >>> http://www.property118.com/adding-family-member-title-deeds/65060/
.

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9:19 AM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Kevin Thomson" at "11/04/2014 - 20:02":

Re Kevin's comment I agree that its a typical bloke's solution to a problem and I did wonder whether Rob had actually bounced the idea off his nearest and dearest first.

I can't help wondering if after explaining to his girlfriend that they'd be getting married to save CGT his next sentence would be a genuinely puzzled "What's the matter? I thought you'd be pleased . . . . "

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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9:24 AM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Steve From Leicester" at "12/04/2014 - 09:19":

Rolling on the floor with laughter 🙂
ROFL

Kevin Thomson

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10:21 AM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

At least those who are not married, but would like to save a bob or two, know that Lawrence (the Robot?) is waiting in the wings to provide a CGT solution.

A robot more likely to see the logic of the situation.

Rob

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10:26 AM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

To be honest Steve she wasn't exactly over joyed by the proposal, and the response I got was, Oh your so F*****G Romantic! As long as I get a nice ring and a big party after the property has sold then fine!

I am a property investor and she knows im money driven so shes not exactly surprised at my latest plan so I think ive got away with it!

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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10:28 AM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Kevin Thomson" at "12/04/2014 - 10:21":

I believe he came to a different conclusion after processing added variables into the equation though LOL
.

Lawrence Squid

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11:24 AM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Kevin Thomson" at "12/04/2014 - 10:21":

Hi Kevin
The image is actually an x-ray of my body having had its second titanium & ceramic hip joint fitted (up the NHS).
Organic body parts are so 'yesterday' don't you think.
Robots can feel love too you know, it's not all about the CGT

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13:50 PM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Rob " at "12/04/2014 - 10:26":

A friend of mine was the partner of almost 30yrs to the guy she worked for. He sold his business for millions and asked if she'd marry him to save tax. She told him to bugger off. Three weeks later he was fixing ridge tiles and fell off the roof. As she rushed out of the house to see him lying unconscious on the patio her first though was, "Shit I wished I'd married him." Luckily she regained her senses, called for an ambulance and he was fine (well couple of breaks.) She still feels guilty about this.

Rob

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14:22 PM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

Thinking about it would we need to get married? What if I just transferred the property into joint names on the day of completion and left it at that, is there a difference? If we marry I've still got to do the transfer anyway so what's the need for the marriage bit?

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

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15:48 PM, 12th April 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Rob " at "12/04/2014 - 14:22":

Yes marriage is the critical factor, see the related article linked below. This doesn't just apply to family members, it applies to anybody other than a married spouse or civil partner.
.

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