Accounting & Tax
STL accounting that actually understands your business
FHL abolished. Platform reporting to HMRC. Business rates revaluation. Visitor levies arriving. The regulatory and tax burden on STL operators is growing more complex every year — you need a specialist, not a generalist.
Key Tax Issues for STL Operators
FHL Tax Regime Abolished
From 6 April 2025, the Furnished Holiday Let regime was abolished. STL income is now treated as standard property business income. You've lost capital allowances, full mortgage interest relief, and pension contribution benefits. This affects every holiday let and STL operator in the UK.
Platform Reporting to HMRC
Airbnb, Booking.com, and other platforms now report your earnings directly to HMRC. Discrepancies between platform reports and your tax return will trigger enquiries. Accurate bookkeeping is no longer optional.
Non-Domestic Rates Revaluation
The 2026 rateable values have caused turmoil, with some operators facing rate hikes of 400%+. The Scottish Government introduced targeted relief, but you need expert analysis of whether business rates or council tax saves you more.
VAT Registration
If your STL turnover exceeds £90,000, you must register for VAT. Multi-property operators may breach this sooner than expected. The choice between Flat Rate Scheme and Standard Rate has real financial impact.
Capital Allowances Post-FHL
Capital allowances on furniture and equipment are no longer available. Instead, claim under Replacement of Domestic Items Relief — but only for like-for-like replacements. If you invested under the FHL regime, carried-forward allowances may still be available.
Visitor Levy — A New Tax on Operators
Edinburgh introduces a 5% visitor levy from July 2026 — the first in the UK. You'll be responsible for collecting it from guests and remitting it to the council. Perth & Kinross, Falkirk, and Glasgow are all considering levies. Wales has legislated for a visitor levy from April 2027. This is becoming a standard compliance obligation.
STL Finance
Our dedicated accounting service for STL operators. Monthly packages from £70/month covering bookkeeping, tax returns, VAT, and specialist STL tax advice.
What STL Finance Covers
Monthly Bookkeeping
Transaction categorisation, bank reconciliation, and clean books every month.
Self-Assessment & Tax Returns
Annual filing with expense optimisation specific to STL operators.
VAT Returns
Quarterly VAT filing with advice on flat rate vs standard scheme.
Business Rates Analysis
NDR vs council tax — we analyse which regime saves you more.
Tax Planning
Post-FHL strategies, business structuring, and capital allowances review.
HMRC Liaison
We handle HMRC correspondence, platform reporting queries, and tax enquiries.
Not sure what you need?
Book a free introductory call. We'll review your current setup and recommend the right package for your STL business.