Structures and buildings allowances: the timing of expenditure

Before analysing expenditure for structures and buildings allowances (SBAs), it is advisable to establish the date that the asset is first brought into use. This date is critical for deciding how the qualifying expenditure should be recorded. The first use should be viewed in the context of a single building or structure in the case of a new asset, or the whole part of an existing asset that is renovated or converted. The expenditure incurred before the asset is brought into use can be grouped together and treated as incurred on that date but deciding how to treat the expenditure incurred after first use will depend on the administrative complexity and cash flow implications of the options available.