Check if you can and how to apply for a repayment if you’re a non-residential purchaser of property in England and Northern Ireland.
Who Can Apply
You or your estate agents can apply for a repayment of the surcharge paid on a property if all the purchasers are individuals and have spent 183 days in the UK in any continuous 365-day period:
- Starting no more than 364 days before the effective date of the transaction.
- Ending no more than 365 days after the effective date of the transaction.
The effective date of the transaction is usually the completion date. You must apply for the repayment within 2 years of the effective date of the transaction.
What Information You’ll Need
To apply for a repayment, you will need the following details:
- Bank Account Information: UK bank account and sort code details for the recipient of the payment.
- Unique Transaction Reference Number (UTRN): From the Stamp Duty Land Tax return submitted when the property was purchased.
- Effective Date of Purchase: Usually the completion date.
- SDLT Amount Paid: Including the non-resident surcharge.
- Purchase Price: If it’s a freehold property (or other ‘consideration’ if the transaction included goods, works, services, debt release, etc.).
- Total Lease Premium: If it’s a leasehold property.
- Net Present Value Calculation: Used when the SDLT was calculated if it’s a new lease.
If you’ve already reclaimed the higher rate on additional dwellings, you’ll need the amount of SDLT due after the refund. You may need to ask your solicitor or conveyancer for these details.
If You Are an Agent Acting for the Purchaser
Estate Agents will need a document signed by the purchaser confirming authority to apply for a repayment on their behalf. This letter of authority should specify if the repayment is to be paid into an account other than the purchaser’s and include the relevant account details. You’ll need to upload an image of this signed document with your online application.
How to Apply for a Repayment
Your application requests HMRC to amend the Stamp Duty Land Tax return for the property. You’ll be asked to certify that the amendment is correct.
There are two ways to apply depending on whether you have a Government Gateway user ID and password:
- With Government Gateway: Use your user ID and password if you’ve registered for Self Assessment or filed a tax return online.
- Without Government Gateway: Apply via email if you do not have a Government Gateway user ID.
Ensure to save your application and return to it later if needed. Only apply by email if you do not have a Government Gateway user ID.
Need Assistance?
If you find the application process challenging or prefer professional assistance, consider contacting the best estate agents in the UK. They can provide expert guidance and help streamline the application process.