Guidance on exceptional circumstances for higher rate SDLT refunds updated

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) guidance that sets out the exceptional circumstances allowing homeowners to claim higher rate Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) refunds beyond the usual timeframes has been updated.

The updated guidance means that homeowners in England and Northern Ireland can now claim a refund in respect of the three per cent higher rate of SDLT in circumstances when their previous home was not sold within the usual time limit of three years, as long as the three-year period ended on or after 1 January 2020.

To qualify for the refund, the previous home must have failed to sell for reasons outside of the homeowner’s control and these reasons can now specifically include “the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) preventing the sale”.