Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) was introduced for land transactions with effect from 1 December 2003. SDLT is a tax based on the acquisition of a chargeable interest, whether or not evidenced in writing.

Scotland and Wales now have their own regimes.

Land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT) applies to land transactions in Scotland. For details of LBTT, see Sergeant and Sims on Stamp Taxes AA12–AA22 (SSSD, AA[AA351]–SSSD, AA[AA862]). See also the guidance on the Revenue Scotland website.

Land transaction tax (LTT) applies to land transactions in Wales. For details of LTT, see Sergeant and Sims on Stamp Taxes AA23–AA34 (SSSD, AA[AA901]–SSSD, AA[AA2115]). See also the guidance on the Welsh Revenue Authority website.

Whilst the underlying rules applying to LBTT, LTT and SDLT are broadly similar in nature, the taxes are not identical. See the Comparison of the property stamp taxes within the UK guidance note. The rest of this guidance note covers the law that applies to transactions in England and Northern Ireland.

This guidance note considers the administration of SDLT for companies. For details