PIM4230 - Losses: rules (CT)
Main principles
The CT Schedule A loss relief rules are contained in
ICTA88/S392A.
CT Schedule A losses incurred by a company should be relieved
as shown below.
- The loss must, first of all, be set against the company's total profits for that accounting period - ICTA88/S392A (1).
- To the extent that such losses cannot be relieved against total profits of the same accounting period (and are not surrendered as group relief - see PIM4240), they should be carried forward for set-off against future total profits as long as the same Schedule A business is carried on in the succeeding accounting period - ICTA88/S392A (2).
- Where an investment company or, from 1 April 2004, a ‘company with investment business’ (as defined by ICTA88/S130) with a Schedule A business ceases to carry on such a business, any unrelieved Schedule A losses are treated as management expenses (ICTA88/S75) of the next accounting period. They can be set against the profits of that or a subsequent period as long as the company continues to qualify as an investment company or, from 1 April 2004, a ‘company with investment business’ - ICTA88/S392A (3).
- But a company which is not an investment company or, from 1 April 2004, a ‘company with investment business’ cannot carry forward unrelieved Schedule A losses beyond the end of the accounting period in which the Schedule A business ceases.
Uncommercial losses etc.
CT Schedule A losses may only be relieved as outlined above where a company carries on a Schedule A business:
- on a commercial basis - see ICTA88/S392A (5).
or
- in the exercise of statutory functions (as defined in ICTA88/S392A (7)).
ICTA88/S392A (6)(a) permits the exclusion from the Schedule A loss relief provisions of that part of a Schedule A business not carried on on a commercial basis (for example, a holiday property let at a nominal rent to directors of the company).
Other aspects of CT Schedule A losses
There is separate guidance on:
