SDLT Confirmation & Verification Support

This page is intended for solicitors and conveyancers only. It explains how we provide compliant Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) confirmation, and SDLT verification, for property purchases in England and Northern Ireland. Costs start from £25.00 + VAT and in return your client's liability will be assessed and you will receive both a certificate and indemnity.

Later this year, firms will increasingly require buyer-confirmed SDLT figures to be recorded as part of the conveyancing process. Where SDLT is complex, a structured verification process can reduce avoidable delays, post-completion amendments, and unnecessary risk.

Why SDLT confirmation matters in conveyancing:

SDLT is a self-assessed tax, and the purchaser remains responsible for the accuracy of the return. However, conveyancers must file the SDLT return using the information provided and confirmed by the buyer. This creates a practical requirement for many firms to:

• Obtain clear buyer confirmation of SDLT due
• Ensure the file shows reasonable steps were taken to validate the SDLT position
• Reduce the likelihood of rework if HM Revenue & Customs queries the submission

Common SDLT risk areas solicitors see:

Generic SDLT calculators can be insufficient when the transaction involves nuance. Frequent risk areas include:

• First-time buyer relief eligibility and conditions
• Replacement of main residence rules and timing
• Additional property (3% surcharge) assessment
• Mixed-use considerations
• Annex/granny flat treatment and “multiple dwellings” complexity
• Purchases involving companies, trusts, or layered ownership

When SDLT is miscalculated, consequences can include:

• Amendments after completion
• Buyer disputes and reputational risk
• Potential interest and penalties if underpaid

SDLT Verification support

We provide a solicitor-friendly SDLT confirmation service intended to complement conveyancing workflows. What you get is;

• A structured SDLT assessment based on the buyer’s circumstances
• Review of reliefs, surcharges, and edge-case triggers
• A clear SDLT amount confirmation suitable for solicitor file retention
• Support for non-standard or higher-risk transactions

What this helps your firm demonstrate:

• The buyer has taken steps to confirm their SDLT position
• SDLT figures are not based solely on a generic online estimate
• The matter file contains audit-friendly supporting documentation

How this helps the conveyancing process:

• Providing clarity to buyers who need to provide a confirmed SDLT figure before exchange/completion
• Helps clients understand the potential surcharge exposure or relief eligibility
• Assists the law firm by offering clear documentation to reduce post-completion corrections
• Enables the filed SDLT confirmation to support your internal compliance and reduce avoidable friction during completion.

Important note for solicitors:

We do not submit the SDLT returns and do not replace your firm’s duty to file with HMRC. This service is designed to support the buyer’s confirmation of SDLT liability and provide verification documentation that can sit on the conveyancing file.

To discuss our SDLT confirmation support, including usage on higher-risk matters or repeat workflows, please call 0345 603 0708 or email marketing@legalbrokers.com.

Legal Brokers Ltd

SDLT Support For Law Firms