SDLT

HMRC is doing its best to encourage people to file their tax returns online. In fact HMRC are targeting all strata of society, including solicitors and conveyancers.

Now, given the fact that house sales have fallen through the floor, you would have thought that filing property transactions online would have been a relatively simple task?

You would have thought that, wouldn't you?

Sadly no!

File a transaction via paper, and the SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Transaction) certificate takes around 6-8 weeks to be issued.

Surely online filing is faster?

No!

This from the SDLT help desk:

"HMRC systems are currently responding slowly to all SDLT e-submissions.

If your submission does not complete, return to the form later and to click the 'Check Progress' button.

We advise you to refrain from submitting further returns until we have an update from HMRC, unless the return needs to be made today, in which case by attempting to submit you will have an audit trail to prove you attempted the submission.

HMRC are aware of the issue..."

Tax does have to be taxing.

HMRC Is Shite (www.hmrcisshite.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"