At the end of the meeting, it is vital that the purchaser knows
exactly where they stand. If there is likely to be additional
liability they need to know what to do in terms of co-operation,
payments on account etc. If penalties are potentially involved,
they should be reminded of the benefits of co- operation and that
it is for them to decide how much to co-operate.
If more information or documents are needed the purchaser
should know what has to be provided and within what time-scale.
Unless this is done it will be impossible to maintain the momentum
of the enquiry.
The compliance caseworker should sum up therefore, and agree
a realistic timetable for the provision of information. Documents
in the purchaser's possession should be provided within days, third
party details and computations will obviously take longer.
As the degree of the purchaser's co-operation is an important
factor in the abatement of penalties, the purchaser and their agent
should not be left in any doubt as to what this implies. With a
co-operative and willing purchaser the point may not need
labouring, especially where figures are agreed on the spot.
If further information has to be supplied, it should be made
clear that they are expected to give, within agreed times, complete
and truthful answers to any reasonable question or request for
information or documents.
It should also be made clear that the purchaser should do all
in their power to reach and agree a just settlement of the stamp
duty land tax liability.
The compliance caseworker on their part should undertake to
deal with matters promptly on behalf of HM Revenue & Customs
and should keep the purchaser or agent informed about their own
views and requirements.
To ensure that there cannot be any misunderstanding the
meeting should be followed up with a letter as soon as possible.
The letter should set out the details required and timetable for
submission. It should also include any information promised by the
compliance caseworker, such as interest calculations.
Notes of the meeting can follow separately if their
attachment would delay the follow-up letter.
