Concerned About a SDLT Refund Claim?
Advice For Property Investors, Homebuyers, and Professional Advisors
HMRC Is Cracking Down on Dubious SDLT Refund Schemes
Claimed or Maybe Considering a SDLT Refund?
HMRC recently issued a public warning against misleading “SDLT reclaim” schemes that have left thousands of buyers exposed to penalties and scrutiny. If you've already claimed or are considering a refund, don’t act without proper advice.
Seeking Professional Advice
At WTT, our tax advisory team provides expert independent guidance on complex SDLT issues. If you're unsure whether you're eligible for a SDLT refund, or have been approached by an agent, we provide honest, impartial advice.
We work with property investors & landlords along with homebuyers approached by claims agents, providing confidential, independent advice to help you assess risk, prepare your defence, or stop a bad claim before it starts.
How We Can Help
SDLT Risk Assessments
SDLT Reviews
HMRC Compliance Checks
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
SDLT Refund Claims Explained
HMRC has launched a crackdown on fraudulent or flawed SDLT refund claims, many of which were filed by unregulated “tax refund agents”.
These agents promised homebuyers or investors large tax rebates, often based on misinterpretations of what qualifies for Stamp Duty Land Tax relief.
Read HMRCs statement in full here.
HMRCs Response to Refund Claims
Many buyers have received unexpected HMRC compliance checks, repayment demands, and penalty assessments with some cases being referred to First-tier Tax Tribunals.
Despite being misadvised, HMRC may still view your claim as careless or deliberate in intention. As a result, this can see individuals exposed to:
- Full repayment
- Late payment interest
- Penalties up to 30–100% of the tax reclaimed
- Legal costs should the matter proceeds to Tribunal
Do I Need Professional Advice?
You may need to seek professional advice in circumstances where:
- You were contacted by an agent offering a “no win, no fee” SDLT refund
- You received a refund based on unclear eligibility (e.g. uninhabitable status)
- HMRC has contacted you, opened an enquiry, or requested information about your refund
- You’re considering a claim and want to know if it’s compliant before you proceed
SDLT Risk Assessments & Pre-Claim Advice
Before making any Stamp Duty Land Tax refund claim, it’s critical to understand your actual entitlement. We provide independent, comprehensive SDLT risk assessments designed to protect you from non-compliant schemes.
Whether you are a private homebuyer, a property investor, or a professional advisor acting on behalf of a client, our tailored assessment offers clarity ahead of any claim submission. This service is especially valuable for:
Property investors buying complex or mixed-use assets
Homebuyers encouraged by agents to pursue unclaimed reliefs
Professional Advisors seeking advice on behalf of clients
Buyers of unusual, multiple-dwelling, or “non-standard” properties
By seeking guidance before submitting any claim, you reduce the risk of:
Triggering a HMRC compliance check or enquiry
Filing an invalid claim
Becoming liable for repayment, interest, or penalties
Dispute Resolution
Your Defence Against HMRC
In the wake of HMRC’s crackdown on dubious SDLT refund schemes, many taxpayers are now facing unexpected investigations, repayment demands, and penalty assessments. If you’ve been contacted by HMRC and are subject to a compliance check or have received a formal enquiry letter or penalty notice, it’s essential to carefully consider your next steps.
Our team has extensive experience dealing with a wide range of HMRC disputes and are on hand to provide expert guidance at every stage of the process. A detailed review of your case will be conducted, and once we have identified your position, our advisors will submit representations in your defence to HMRC.
For more contentious or high-value disputes, we can represent you through the First-tier Tax Tribunal (FTT), providing full litigation support and expert-led defence strategies.
Do I Need to Seek Professional Advice?
We strongly recommend seeking professional advice, particularly in circumstances such as:
Homebuyers or investors contacted by HMRC about a past refund
Individuals facing penalties related to rogue agent claims
Clients issued with formal assessments or repayment demands
Taxpayers seeking to appeal a decision or defend against charges
Professionals whose clients are affected and require specialist SDLT defence
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I made a claim through an agent and now HMRC has contacted me. Does this mean I owe money to HMRC?
A: Not necessarily. However, it’s important to take the situation seriously. If HMRC believes your claim was incorrect, they may demand repayment, apply interest, and impose penalties. Even if you were misled by an agent, you are still responsible for the accuracy of your tax return. Engaging a tax specialist at this stage gives you the best chance of limiting exposure and resolving the issue effectively.
Q: I used a “no win, no fee” claims agent. Am I still liable for penalties or repayment?
A: Yes. HMRC holds the taxpayer responsible for any incorrect or exaggerated claims, not the agent who sold and promoted the service. Even if the agent filed the paperwork, if the refund was invalid, HMRC can demand repayment with interest, and apply penalties based on perceived carelessness or deliberate behaviour.
Q: Can I still be penalised if I didn’t know the claim was flawed?
A: Yes. HMRC often treats these as “careless” acts of non-compliance and penalties may still apply.
Q: I’m a solicitor or accountant - can I refer a client to you for advice?
A: Yes. We regularly provide expert tax advice opinions for professional advisors whom are in need of external support on complex and niche tax matters.
Tax Advice
Future Planning
Our range of tax planning and advisory services can help safeguard you, your family and your assets. Our services offer future protection with tax planning tailored to you and your circumstances.
Accountancy
Accounting Services
WTT Accountancy is here to help shoulder the burden of the accounting process at your request, by undertaking certain administrative tasks, giving you more time to focus your efforts elsewhere.
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Stay compliant
We understand the specific nuances of the tax and legal requirements surrounding the contracting workforce. By working across the entire supply chain, we can ensure all parties are compliant.
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Our Tax Specialists
Meet Our Team
WTT Group provides expert, award-winning advice to help individuals and businesses navigate a wide range of comprehensive tax matters.
The tax landscape is undergoing continuous transformation, marked by increasingly intricate legislation and stringent legal requirements. Our vast knowledge and experience on tax, legal and accounting issues puts us in a unique and specialist position to provide all-round support to our clients.
Our Tax Team is led by Tom Wallace. Tom joined WTT in 2017, setting policy and strategy for clients having their tax affairs enquired into after a 20 year career with HMRC, primarily in tax investigations. As a qualified tax inspector, he led teams across business segments from global household names to mid-size businesses. After joining the newly formed Complex Evasion team he investigated offshore structures, providing a unique insight into tax compliance.
Got Some Questions?
Get In Touch
If you have any queries or were wishing to discuss any of our services in more detail, our team of experts are always on hand to answer any questions you may have. For a no obligation discussion about your options, or for advice on a particular matter, contact us at:
T: +44 (0)20 3468 0000
Tom Wallace
Director of Tax
thomas.wallace@wttconsulting.co.uk
+44 (0)20 3468 0000
