Stamp taxes turn up the moment a client buys a property, takes on a lease, or transfers shares — which means they sit at the heart of everyday transactional work. Getting them right is part of doing the deal properly: the wrong figure, a missed relief, or a late return can cost a client real money and land the solicitor in difficulty. The good news is that all three taxes follow a clear, learnable pattern, and once you see how the pieces fit, the calculations become routine.
Here's what we'll cover, in order:
- Overview of the Three Stamp Taxes — what SDLT, Stamp Duty and SDRT each apply to, and the consideration principle that runs through all three.
- SDLT: Scope and Chargeable Consideration — when SDLT bites on a land transaction and what counts towards the price.
- SDLT Rates and Surcharges — how the banded rates work for residential and non-residential property, plus the additional-property and non-resident surcharges.
- SDLT Reliefs and Linked Transactions — first-time buyers relief, main residence replacement relief, and how linked deals are aggregated.
- SDLT: Effective Date, Filing and Penalties — when the clock starts and the 14-day window to file and pay.
- Stamp Duty and SDRT on Shares — the difference between the two, their rates, gifts, and group relief.
By the end, you'll be able to identify the right tax, calculate it, and handle the deadlines for any deal.