SDLTM04040 - Scope: How much is chargeable

Non-cash consideration: Assumption or release of a debt FA03/SCH4/PARA8

FA03/SCH4/PARA8 provides that the assumption of liability for existing debt is chargeable consideration for stamp duty land tax purposes.

FA03/SCH4/PARA8 was amended by FA04/S301 to insert new sub-paragraphs FA03/SCH4/PARA8(1A) and FA03/SCH4/PARA8(1B).

FA03/SCH4/PARA8(1A) puts beyond doubt that there is an assumption of debt by the transferee when the rights or liabilities of any party to the transaction are changed in relation to the debt.

Thus a transferee (P) assumes liability not only where he gives a personal covenant but also where the transferor (V) is released from his personal covenant, or where P agrees to indemnify V for any liability.

FA03/SCH4/PARA8(1B) deals with the situation where there is a transfer of property subject to a debt, the transferee assumes liability for all or part of the debt and either before or after the transfer, or both, the property is in joint ownership.

For example property might be transferred from the sole ownership of V into the joint ownership of V and P, or vice versa.

Because a transferee normally accepts joint and several liability for any existing debt concerns had been expressed that transferees might be chargeable on the full amount of the debt even if they acquired only a part share of the property.

FA03/SCH4/PARA8(1B) ensures that in determining the amount of debt assumed each person’s liability for the debt is taken to be a proportion of the debt corresponding to the share that they own in the property subject to the debt.

Although new sub-paragraphs FA03/SCH4/PARA8(1A) and FA03/SCH4/PARA8(1B) take effect from 22 July 2004 the Revenue will apply the same practice in dealing with transactions prior to this date.

Examples can be found at SDLTM04040a.