Who is responsible for paying Stamp Duty Land Tax?

Who is responsible for paying Stamp Duty Land Tax?

• A. The vendor of the property
• B. The solicitor
• C. The purchaser
• D. The mortgage lender

Answer: (B)

Stamp Duty Land Tax is a charge on the buyer, and in practice the solicitor (conveyancer) handles the SDLT process. The solicitor calculates the amount, completes the SDLT return, and pays HMRC from the buyer’s funds as part of completing the purchase. So, while the buyer bears the liability, the professional who manages and makes the payment on their behalf is the solicitor. The vendor and the mortgage lender are not responsible for paying SDLT.

Stamp Duty Land Tax is a charge on the buyer, and in practice the solicitor (conveyancer) handles the SDLT process. The solicitor calculates the amount, completes the SDLT return, and pays HMRC from the buyer’s funds as part of completing the purchase. So, while the buyer bears the liability, the professional who manages and makes the payment on their behalf is the solicitor. The vendor and the mortgage lender are not responsible for paying SDLT.