Is Furniture a Capital Expense?

Capital Expense vs. Revenue Expense

Before we look into furniture specifically, let’s clarify the difference between capital and revenue expenses.

Capital Expense

This type of expense involves purchasing assets that provide lasting benefits to a business. These assets are typically used over several years and are considered investments. Examples include buildings, machinery, and, as we’ll see, certain types of furniture.

Revenue Expense

Revenue expenses, on the other hand, are costs incurred in the day-to-day operation of a business. These expenses are deducted from the revenue generated during the same accounting period. Common examples include repairs and maintenance, office supplies, utility bills, and employee salaries.

Property Embedded Fixtures and Fittings (PEFFs)

PEFFs are items which are integral to a building

Property Embedded Fixtures and Fittings (PEFFs) refer to items that are integral to a building, and these can include furniture elements. The catch is that the definition of “plant and machinery” which includes PEFFs, is not explicitly defined in tax law. This can lead to confusion for many taxpayers.

While some pieces of furniture may be straightforwardly considered capital expenses, others may fall into a grey area. A radiator, for example, is a chattel until it becomes fixed to a wall. At this point, the radiator becomes a PEFF. Built-in cabinets and specialised lighting fixtures might be classified as PEFFs rather than standalone furniture. Or even certain types of flooring that are part of a building’s structure. PEFFs can potentially generate tax savings as well as stand-alone furniture so they shouldn’t be ignored.

Why It Matters

Understanding the classification of furniture and PEFFs matters because it affects the way you can claim capital allowances on your assets. Capital allowances allow you to deduct a portion of the cost of qualifying assets from your taxable income, reducing your tax liability. It may also matter how the items have been classified if you sell the property.

If you fail to correctly categorise and claim PEFFs allowances, you may miss out on potential tax benefits. To ensure that you are claiming all the capital allowances to which you are entitled, it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or accountant who specialises in property and asset taxation.