The Financial Times (19/4/2013) reports that a large number of homeowners have been informed of large discrepancies between the amount of Stamp duty which they have paid and the purchase price of their property, by HMRC.
It would appear that largely as a result of the negligence of their solicitors a lower purchase price was inserted in the paperwork and this has come to the attention of HMRC who are demanding that the homeowner pays the amount now owing. This despite the fact that it was the fault of the solicitors concerned. It is vitally important that the purchaser themselves checks the SDLT figures, because ultimately it is the responsibility of the purchaser.
If you are purchasing a property ensure that the solicitors that you instruct are fully qualified, experienced and reputable such as our property team at LEWIS NEDAS LAW.
CONTACT Richard McConnell.
If you are one of these homeowners now facing a large unexpected demand from HMRC, you will need advice when dealing with HMRC (contact Jeffrey Lewis or Siobhain Egan) and with the SRA /Solicitors Indemnity fund when making a claim against the solicitors involved contact Jasbir Kaur.
