Introduction Overview Chapter 6:Distributions Section 548: Distributions: liability to tax
1725.This section provides that distributions of profits and gains of property rental business in the United Kingdom are treated as income of a UK property business rather than as dividend income in the hands of the shareholder. It is based on sections 121(1), (2) and (8) and 134(1) of, and paragraphs 18(1) and (3) and 32(8) of Schedule 17 to, FA 2006.
1726.Subsections (1) and (3) provide that the section applies to a distribution of “profits or gains (or both)”. This is reflects the inclusion of gains by section 121(8)(b) of FA 2006. The inclusion of gains here contrasts with the rule in section 530 (the distribution of profits test), where the test is concerned only with the (income) profits of property rental business.
1727.Subsection (5) provides that if the shareholder is within the charge to corporation tax, the distribution is treated as profits of a UK property business. So the income falls within Part 4 of CTA 2009. Section 931W(2) of CTA 2009 ensures the distribution is not charged to tax under Part 9A of CTA 2009.
1728.Subsection (6) (which is based on section 121(1)(b) of FA 2006) provides that if the shareholder is within the charge to income tax, the distribution is treated as profits of a UK property business. So the income falls within Part 3 of ITTOIA. Section 366(2) of ITTOIA ensures that the distribution is not treated as savings and investment income (including dividends).
1729.Section 121(2)(a) of FA 2006 is not rewritten because it deals with a case (non-UK resident company within the charge to corporation tax) that is already covered by section 121(1)(a) (shareholder within the charge to corporation tax).
1730.Section 121(2)(b) of FA 2006 is not rewritten because it deals with a case (non-UK resident not within the charge to corporation tax) that is already covered by section 121(1)(b) (shareholder within the charge to income tax).
1731.Subsection (7) provides that in the case of a non-UK resident shareholder, a distribution is not subject to a duty to deduct at source in accordance with regulations made under section 971 of ITA. Schedule 1 to this Act amends section 972(6) of ITA so that it refers to this subsection.