All You Need To Know About Stamp Duty Refunds

Have You Overpaid Stamp Duty? Here’s How to Claim a Refund:

Eligibility Criteria for Stamp Duty Refunds

It’s important to know when you can claim a stamp duty refund, as HMRC has specific rules and not all property purchases qualify.

If you are someone who has bought a new main home before selling your old one and had to pay the higher stamp duty rate because it was considered a second property, you will be eligible for a refund upon selling your old home. In this case, you must submit a claim within 12 months from the completion of the sale of your previous primary residence or within 12 months from the filing date of the return, whichever is later.

If you buy property for a company, and more than five people own the majority of the company, you can also claim a stamp duty refund.

Required Documents and Information:

Ensure you have the following documents ready:

SDLT5 Certificate: For your newly acquired property, containing the UTIN.
Proof of Disposal: Evidence of the sale or disposal of your previous home.
Personal and Contact Details: Including your National Insurance number.
Property Details: Address, purchase price, and purchase date of your new property.

Time Frame for Receiving Your Refund

HMRC aims to process stamp duty refund claims within 15 working days from receipt. However, this is a target, not a guarantee. Processing times can vary due to high claim volumes or administrative issues.

Contacting HMRC for Assistance

If you encounter issues or need reassurance, contact HMRC’s helpline. Provide your Unique Transaction Reference Number (UTRN) to help them locate your claim. If your refund has been processed but not received, check with your bank.