In this section:
How to register for Stamp Taxes online
Filing the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) return online is convenient, efficient and reliable - and cuts out mistakes and paperwork.
In order to file online you first need to register with the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Stamp Taxes Online service. Once registered you can file your returns online using either HMRC's free SDLT Online product or using commercial software.
This guide explains how the registration and activation processes work and what information you'll need to have to hand.
On this page:
- If you are already using another HMRC online service
- Preparing to register for the first time
- How the registration process works
- Give yourself at least a week
- Activating and using the Stamp Taxes Online service
- Dealing with lost PINs, passwords and ID numbers
- More useful links
If you are already using another HMRC online service
If you are already registered and enrolled as an agent or organisation to use another HMRC online service, you can enrol for Stamp Taxes Online using your existing User ID and Password.
This is a very quick and easy process:
- on the HMRC website select 'Stamp Taxes' from the 'Do it online' menu
- enter your existing User ID and Password and select 'Login'
- select 'enrol' and choose Stamp Taxes
- select the type of user you are
- enter your own or your company details - see later section on 'Information you'll need'
- you will be presented with a successful enrolment screen which displays your new Stamp Taxes Online Reference Number (STORN)
You will only be able to submit SDLT returns to HMRC when you have received an Activation PIN this is also referred to as an Activation Code. You should receive this within seven days of adding the service.
When you receive the Activation PIN, log back in to the service and select the 'Activate service' link and follow the on-screen prompts. Once the service has been activated you can destroy the Activation PIN as you will not need it again.
Preparing to register for the first time
Information you'll need
When going through the registration process, HMRC will ask you for details about you or your company, so make sure you have them to hand before starting. This is either:
- your Companies House Registration Number and the postcode of your company's registered office (as shown in the records at Companies House)
- your Self Assessment Partnership or Trust Unique Taxpayer Reference and postcode
- your Self Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference and either your postcode or National Insurance Number
- the postcode of your company's registered office (as shown in the records at Companies House)
Who needs to register?
Just one person in the company needs to register. Once registered they can add other people in the company to access, edit and complete SDLT transactions.
How the registration process works
The following are the main stages in the registration process. To see a step-by-step demonstration, use the link at the end of this section.
1. Choose 'Stamp Taxes' from the 'Do it online' section on the HMRC
website home page.
2. Click on the 'Register' button.
3. Select the type of account you want to create (this must be 'Organisation'
or 'Agent').
4. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
5. Enter your name and email address.
6. Create a password (keep this safe as you'll need it to use the service).
7. You'll be given a User ID on-screen (again, keep this safe as you'll
need it to use the service).
8. If you're an agent you'll also be given a Gateway Agent Identifier
reference - this isn't for use with Stamp Taxes Online but applies to
other HMRC online services such as Self Assessment and Corporation Tax
should you choose to add them later.
9. Re-confirm the type of user you are.
10. Enter your reference number and (if relevant) the registered office
postcode.
11. Your new Stamp Taxes Online Reference Number (STORN) will appear
on the 'Registration and enrolment summary' page. Make a note of it
you will need to quote it when you contact HMRC.
And that's it ' you'll get two letters in the post from the Government Gateway. The first will include your User ID (also provided on-screen), and the second will contain the Activation PIN you need to access the service for the first time. Note that the Activation PIN will be sent to the contact name and address HMRC holds for tax purposes for your business, such as your Company Secretary, Financial Director or Company Accountant. It is important that you make them aware that they will be receiving the Activation PIN as you will need this to activate the service.
HMRC offers a free DVD which explains in more detail how to register for online services and how to use the online system. If you'd like a copy please call the Stamp Taxes helpline. You can also link to HMRC's online registration demonstrator below.
Get contact details for the Stamp Taxes Helpline
View an online demonstration of the registration process
Give yourself at least a week
The online registration process only takes a matter of minutes but before you can start using the service, you'll need to wait for an Activation PIN which HMRC will send by post. This will arrive within seven days of your registration. Therefore don't leave registration until the last minute before completing a SDLT transaction.
Bear in mind that the Activation PIN is only valid for 28 days ' see the section below.
Activating and using the Stamp Taxes Online service
To activate the service, log on to Stamp Taxes Online and enter your User ID and password. You will then be asked to type in the Activation PIN.
You must do this within 28 days of receiving the PIN, or you will have to request a new one.
What happens after activation?
Once you have activated your Stamp Taxes Online service, you will be able to use it to complete, edit and store SDLT transactions.
Dealing with lost PINs, passwords and ID numbers
You'll find links on the online services homepage to step-by-step information explaining what to do if you lose any of these key pieces of information. Here is a summary:
- If your Activation PIN expires contact the HMRC Online Services Helpdesk for help.
- If you lose your Activation PIN within its 28 day validity, log in using your User ID and password, click on 'Activate', and then click on 'Request a new PIN'.
- If you lose your User ID, HMRC will be able to tell you what it is if you can confirm your identity by entering your email address, password, and other details you provided when you registered to use the service.
- If you lose your password, they will be able to tell you what it is if you can confirm your identity by entering your email address, User ID, and other details you provided when registering for the service.
- If you lose both your User ID and password, you contact the HMRC Online Services Helpdesk. When contacting the helpdesk you will need to quote the Stamp Taxes Online Reference Number (STORN) or the details you provided when you registered for the service.
You can contact the Online Services Helpdesk by email or telephone.
Get contact details for HMRC's Online Services Helpdesk
