Stamp Duty FAQs - Your Questions Answered by SCA Tax

At SCA Tax, we help clients across the UK reclaim overpaid Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and navigate the complex world of Stamp Duty reliefs. Below, we've answered the most common questions we receive from property buyers, investors, and solicitors.

Stamp Duty Refund FAQs

Can I get a refund on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?

Yes. If you overpaid SDLT when purchasing a property, you may be eligible for a refund. This often happens when certain reliefs or exemptions were missed at the time of purchase.

How do I know if I’ve overpaid Stamp Duty?

Many people only find out they’ve overpaid after an expert review. At SCA Tax, we offer a free assessment of your transaction to check if you were entitled to any SDLT reliefs.

How long do I have to claim a Stamp Duty refund?

You generally have up to 4 years from the date of completion to submit a claim to HMRC.

What happens if HMRC rejects my claim?

If your claim is rejected but we believe it’s valid, we can challenge HMRC’s decision or escalate the case to the tax tribunal. Our team has experience handling complex and disputed claims.

Stamp Duty Relief FAQs

What is Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR)?

MDR applies when a property purchase includes more than one dwelling – for example, a house with a self-contained annexe or multiple flats bought together. It can reduce the total SDLT bill significantly.

What is Mixed-Use Property Relief?

If a property includes both residential and non-residential elements (such as farmland, commercial space, or outbuildings), it may be classified as “mixed-use” and taxed at lower commercial rates.

Is there relief for uninhabitable properties?

Yes. If a property was unfit for human habitation at the time of purchase – such as lacking basic facilities or suffering from structural issues – it may not count as a “dwelling” for SDLT purposes, and residential rates or surcharges may not apply.

I paid the second home surcharge, but now I only own one home. Can I get a refund?

You may be able to reclaim the 3% surcharge if you sold your previous main residence within 36 months of purchasing your new one.

Process & Fees FAQs

What documents do you need to assess my claim?

We typically require:

• SDLT return (or SDLT5 certificate)
• Completion statement from your solicitor
• Purchase contract
• EPC or floorplan (for MDR cases)
• Photos or survey reports (for uninhabitable property claims)

How much does SCA Tax charge?

We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. If we don’t secure a refund, you pay nothing. Our standard fee is a percentage of the successful refund amount - fully agreed in advance.

Can you help even if my solicitor submitted the SDLT return?

Yes. Solicitors are not tax specialists and may overlook key reliefs. We can still assess your case and, if appropriate, submit a revised return or refund claim to HMRC.

Can I claim a refund if I bought through a limited company?

Absolutely. Companies can still qualify for various SDLT reliefs, especially in commercial or mixed-use transactions. We regularly advise corporate buyers.

General SDLT FAQs

What is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?

SDLT is a tax payable on the purchase of property or land in England and Northern Ireland. It applies to both residential and commercial properties and varies based on price, use, and buyer status.

Is Stamp Duty the same in Scotland or Wales?

No. Scotland has the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), and Wales has the Land Transaction Tax (LTT). SCA Tax currently specialises in transactions within England and Northern Ireland under SDLT rules.

I bought a property years ago – is it too late to claim?

You have up to 4 years from the date of completion to claim a refund. If you’re within that time, we can review your case.

Ready to Find Out if You're Owed a Refund?

If you’ve bought property in the last four years and are unsure whether the correct amount of SDLT was paid, let us take a look.

Contact our team or submit your details to begin your free assessment.

Start your free assessment here.