HMRC have launched a consultation Stamp duty land tax: changes to the filing and payment process. This includes a reduction in the filing and payment window from 30 days to 14 days from 2017-18 onwards.
The aim of the proposals is to make SDLT filing and payment more efficient whilst also reducing errors and inaccuracies. Unsurprisingly given HMRC’s big digital drive many of the proposals focus on getting more activity online with less paper forms.
The proposed changes include:
- Reducing the SDLT filing and payment window from 30 to 14 days.
- Mandatory online filing and payment for agents.
- Allowing direct debit details for payment to be included in the online return.
- Only issuing the SDLT5 after both the SDLT return has been filed and the tax paid.
- Extending the option of online filing to individuals who don’t use an agent.
- Issuing the UTRN at the start of the online filing process.
- Providing SDLT 5 details directly to the Land Registry.
- Building in an ‘address look up’ on the online form.
- Allowing returns to be amended online within 12 months of submission.
The reduction in the payment and filing window will be implemented during 2017-18. The exact date is not clear but is likely to be between 1 January and 1 March 2018. The other proposals would be implemented during 2017-18 or later depending on complexity.
Comments are invited up to 7 October 2016. This will be followed by further consultation on the specific design of the changes.
Links
Our guide: Stamp Duty Land Tax: rates & reliefs
Consultation document: Stamp duty land tax: changes to the filing and payment process