BIM71090 - Computation of liability: overlap relief - given on change of accounting date

Overlap relief is given as a deduction in calculating the profits of the trade for the tax year in which there is a change of accounting date, if the basis period for that tax year is longer than 12 months.

The amount of overlap relief given for the tax year in which such a change of accounting date occurs is restricted by reference to:

• the number of days in the overlap period(s) to which the overlap profits relate; and
• the number of days by which the basis period for the relevant tax year (in which the change of accounting date occurs) exceeds 12 months.

Example

The business in the examples at BIM71080 continues for several more years. The overlap profit available for relief after 2016-2017 is £54,406 over 340 days.

In 2018-2019 the accounting date is changed again from 30 April 2018 to 31 October 2018. The relevant conditions for a change of accounting date are met.

The basis periods are:

The profit for the 18 months to 31 October 2018 is £120,000.

Overlap relief given for 2018-2019 is restricted (because at least 12 months worth of profit must be assessed for that year).

The basis period for 2018-2019 exceeds 12 months by 184 days (549 less 365).

Overlap relief for 2018-2019 is restricted to £54,406 x 184/340 = £29,443. Profits assessable for 2018-2019 are £120,000 less £29,443 = £90,557.

Overlap profit of £24,963 (over 156 days) remains unused. At cessation any remaining relief will be given in full.