How Long Do Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Refunds Take To Obtain In The UK?

There are many instances where you may be eligible for a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) refund in the UK. Our average time from submitting an application to receiving a refund is 42 days based on performance over the last 12 months.  However, we generally advise clients to allow 3 months to talk into account holiday periods etc. at HMRC

Who is Entitled To A Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Refund In The UK?

In the UK, you may be eligible for a SDLT refund (Land Transaction Tax on Wales, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax in Scotland) if:

  • You sell what was previously your main home within 3 years of purchasing your new home and you pay Higher Rate Additional Duty (HRAD) on the purchase.

  • The property is derelict or uninhabitable.

  • The property contains multiple dwellings.

  • The property contains commercial and residential elements.

  • A property company purchased a property from their purchaser to enable a transaction to proceed

  • A property company has purchased a property in order to help keep a chain of transactions together. 


How Can Stampback Help?

There are many benefits that Stampback can offer in obtaining your refund. Here are 5 ways we can help:

  1. We have a thorough understanding of the stamp duty refunds process and can ensure that all necessary information is included in the application to avoid delays.

  2. We have experience with complex cases and can assist with proving eligibility for a refund. 

  3. We can ensure that the refund application is processed efficiently and accurately, reducing the likelihood of manual errors and delays.

  4. We can provide guidance on how to minimise stamp duty in future property transactions.

  5. We offer a no-win, no-fee service so there is no financial outlay in working with us to obtain your stamp duty refund.

Contact Stampback for more information on how we can assist with obtaining your stamp duty (SDLT) refund.


Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 7 frequently asked questions about the stamp duty (SDLT) refund process:

1. Who is eligible for a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) refund?

Eligibility for a Stamp Duty Land Tax refund depends on individual circumstances and can vary, but generally, it applies to individuals and companies who have paid more than the necessary amount of stamp duty or those who are exempt from paying stamp duty altogether.

2. How do I know if I am eligible for a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) refund?

Stampback can assist with determining eligibility for a refund. They can also provide guidance on minimising stamp duty on future property transactions.

3. What information and documents do I need to apply for a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) refund?

This varies from case to case and Stampback can advise but it is typically 3 or 4 documents that are required.

4. How long does it take to receive a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) refund?

Typically, around 6 weeks but we advise clients to allow up to 3 months.

5. How much of a refund can I receive?

It very much depends on the type of transaction, in some cases a full refund is possible.

6. Can Stampback guarantee that I will receive a refund?

We will advise you as to whether we feel your application is likely to succeed based on the information that you provide us with, and we will submit that to HMRC in all good faith.  Our success rate is 100%.

7. Is there a cost for working with Stampback?

We charge nothing upfront or on account, we are only paid on success.

8. Wouldn’t HMRC inform me if I had overpaid Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?

No, Stamp Duty land Tax (SDLT) is a self assessed Tax, it is up to the purchaser and their advisors to ensure that they submit the correct information on their Stamp Duty land Tax return and make the appropriate payment.  If you overpay HMRC will not let you know however if you underpay you can expect to hear from them. 

9. I used the online HMRC Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) calculator, wouldn’t that have given me the correct figure to pay?

No, HMRC themselves say their calculator is only a guide.  It only lets you input the very briefest of details in relation to your purchase and cannot make allowances for any anomalies, reliefs and exemptions that might apply in your particular circumstances.   

10. How do I know I can trust Stampback? 

Read our many reviews on Trustpilot.  They are a good indicator of the level of care and service we provide.


Lucas Vitale