Question
About 3 years ago I converted a barn into two attractive cottages, which I have since let as furnished holiday lets.  Much of the expenditure qualified for capital allowances, and there is a large balance in the capital allowances pool carried forward into the current tax year.  Will I get tax relief for the balance in the capital allowances pool when the rules change in April 2010?

Answer
If you continue to let the cottages after 5 April 2010, you can claim the annual 20% capital allowance generated by your capital allowances pool, but you cannot add expenditure to that pool for equipment or furnishings used within the buildings.  The Taxman has confirmed that you can also claim a wear and tear allowance for each tax year from 2010/11 onwards in which you let fully furnished property.  The wear and tear allowance is 10% of the net rents received after deduction of council tax, water rates and other charges you pay.