ACCA Advanced Taxation (ATX) Practice Exam

Under what condition can a business opt to tax some buildings while not others?

1. By notifying clients

2. Through specific election

3. Irrevocably for 10 years

4. After a cooling-off period

The correct answer is: Through specific election

The ability for a business to opt to tax some buildings while not others arises through a specific election, which allows the owner to choose whether to charge VAT on the rental of certain properties. This mechanism is particularly relevant in the context of property and real estate in VAT systems, where businesses can exercise discretion over which properties are included in VAT arrangements. Such an election gives businesses flexibility in their VAT planning and management by allowing them to selectively choose properties based on various factors such as usage, tenant profile, or investment strategy. It's crucial for businesses to understand the implications of their election because it can impact their input tax recovery and overall tax liabilities. In this context, other options do not provide the same level of tailored control. Notifying clients does not inherently grant the right to opt for VAT on specific buildings; rather, this is a communication step that would follow the decision. The notion of an irrevocable period is limited and does not reflect the nuances of selectively opting in or out of the VAT structure for individual properties. A cooling-off period is also irrelevant in the context of choosing which properties to tax, as it implies a temporary pause rather than a defined choice. Thus, the correct process involves making a specific election, which stands as the appropriate method for