21. Capital allowances

This chapter discusses the capital allowances system. Most businesses will need to acquire fixed assets for their operations, nearly all of which will depreciate in value over time due to wear and tear. While this depreciation may not be deducted from the business’s trading profits, certain limited types of fixed asset entitle a business to claim relief in the form of a capital allowance, which can be deducted when calculating taxable profits. The purpose of this allowance is to give tax relief for the depreciation in value of specific assets bought and owned for business use, by allowing the owner to write off their cost against the taxable income of the business. The amount which can be written off is calculated using a fixed formula. Relief is only available if the capital expenditure has been incurred in respect of the items of expenditure prescribed by the Capital Allowances Act 2001.