If you're buying a property, you've probably heard of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and may expect your conveyancer to calculate how much you'll need to pay.
Many law firms still do.
However, at MA Lawyers, we've taken a different approach.
Rather than providing tax calculations ourselves, we work with specialist Stamp Duty experts to ensure you receive accurate advice based on your individual circumstances.
You might wonder why we've made that decision.
The answer is simple: we believe you should receive specialist tax advice from specialists.
The Short Answer
MA Lawyers no longer calculate Stamp Duty Land Tax because SDLT is a complex area of tax law.
Instead, we work in partnership with C%mpass, a specialist SDLT consultancy, who calculate your Stamp Duty, advise on your liability and deal with the HMRC submission.
This means your SDLT is handled by dedicated tax specialists while we remain focused on progressing the legal aspects of your property transaction.
The Explanation
Although SDLT forms part of many property transactions, it is ultimately a tax.
Modern Stamp Duty legislation has become increasingly complex, with different rules applying depending on factors such as:
- whether you already own property;
- whether you're replacing your main residence;
- whether the property is residential or commercial;
- mixed-use property;
- companies and trusts;
- first-time buyers;
- non-UK residents;
- and many other individual circumstances.
Rather than asking our conveyancers to act as tax advisers, we've chosen to work alongside C%mpass, whose team specialises in Stamp Duty Land Tax.
C%mpass will:
- contact you directly;
- ask questions about your circumstances;
- calculate your SDLT liability;
- explain how the calculation has been reached;
- submit the SDLT return to HMRC; and
- provide the necessary confirmation once this has been completed.
This approach provides you with the reassurance that your Stamp Duty has been assessed by specialists in this area.
Why We've Chosen This Approach
| MA Lawyers | C%mpass |
| Deals with the legal conveyancing transaction | Specialises exclusively in Stamp Duty Land Tax |
| Reviews contracts, title and legal documentation | Calculates your SDLT liability |
| Liaises with your lender and the other conveyancer | Submits your SDLT return to HMRC |
| Guides your property transaction from instruction to completion | Provides specialist SDLT expertise |
Together, we ensure that both the legal and tax aspects of your purchase are handled by professionals specialising in their respective fields.
Common Questions
Does this mean I'll have to deal with two companies?
Yes, but only for your Stamp Duty.
C%mpass will contact you directly to collect the information needed for your SDLT calculation. We'll continue to deal with every other aspect of your conveyancing transaction and will work closely with C%mpass where necessary.
Is there an additional fee?
Yes.
As detailed in our estimate, C%mpass charges a specialist fee for calculating and submitting your SDLT return. We'll explain this cost to you at the outset of your transaction.
Can C%mpass answer my Stamp Duty questions?
Yes.
Because SDLT is their specialist area, they are best placed to advise you on your individual tax position.
How do I know C%mpass is genuine?
C%mpass is a specialist SDLT provider working with conveyancing firms across England and Wales. If MA Lawyers has referred you to C%mpass, you can also find our firm listed as one of their partner firms on the C%mpass website.
Top Tip
If C%mpass contacts you with questions about your circumstances, respond as fully and accurately as possible. Small details can sometimes affect the amount of Stamp Duty payable.
Did You Know?
Stamp Duty is a tax, not a legal fee. That's why MA Lawyers believes it should be dealt with by professionals who specialise in tax rather than asking conveyancers to provide tax advice.
Common Misconception
"My conveyancer should calculate my Stamp Duty."
Not necessarily.
Many firms now choose to work with specialist SDLT providers because of the increasing complexity of tax legislation.
At MA Lawyers, we've chosen to work with C%mpass so our clients receive specialist SDLT support alongside specialist conveyancing advice.
The MA Lawyers Approach
At MA Lawyers, we believe every aspect of your transaction should be handled by the right specialist.
Our role is to guide the legal side of your purchase from instruction through to completion.
For Stamp Duty Land Tax, we've chosen to work alongside C%mpass because tax law deserves specialist knowledge.
By combining our conveyancing expertise with C%mpass's SDLT expertise, we can offer a service that gives our clients confidence that both the legal and tax elements of their purchase are being handled by experienced professionals.
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