Homebuyers are being warned to avoid Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) scams, following
a landmark Court of Appeal decision.
HMRC is warning buyers to be vigilant of tax agents offering to secure (SDLT)
repayments on their behalf where repairs are needed to a property they have
bought.
Some agents have suggested that, for a fee, they can reclaim SDLT the buyer has
already paid by saying that the property is non-residential because it's
uninhabitable.
But HMRC says that making claims of this kind often leave the homeowner liable
for the full amount of SDLT, plus penalties and interest.
A recent Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Mudan & Anor v HMRC has
confirmed that housing in need of repair is chargeable at the residential rates
of SDLT, and that repayment claims based solely on a property's condition are
not valid.
HMRC says it is taking decisive action on spurious SDLT repayment claims, using
civil and criminal powers.
Anthony Burke, HMRCs Deputy Director of Compliance Assets, said:
'The Court of Appeal's decision is a major win, protecting public funds.
Homebuyers should be cautious of allowing someone to make a SDLT repayment
claim on their behalf. If the claim is inaccurate, you could end up paying
more than the amount you were trying to recover.'
Internet link: HMRC