BUSINESSES across Blackburn could be missing out on thousands in unclaimed tax rebates.

According to analysis from tax advisors Portal Tax, owners of an estimated 460 commercial properties in Blackburn could be missing out on £16.6 million in tax rebates.

The figures reflect unclaimed capital allowances on fixtures and fittings and are part of a national figure thought to be £8.8 billion.

Allowances can be claimed on a wide range of qualifying items that can include plumbing, electrics, carpet, air conditioning, lifts, fire safety or any other improvements that are not deemed part of the physical construction of the building.

They are often overlooked as they don’t normally form part of a business’s annual financial accounting.

The top five items on which tax has not been claimed back include plumbing, light fittings, floor coverings, signage and heating systems.

Portal tax managing director Shaun Murphy said: “Given the economic climate, owners of commercial property need to save every penny that they can and most are unaware that they can claim significant relief for capital allowances on their fixtures and fittings.

Any property owner that has not made a claim should contact their accountant or discuss it with a specialist business, especially as the tax rules are changing and businesses should ideally address the issue this year.”

If you would like to find out more call 0845 000 0450 or visit www.portaltax.com