Request for further information (SDLT8)

When a land transaction return SDLT 1 form has been received and the data captured, an SDLT 8 letter will be issued where items of information are missing or unclear. An SDLT 8 may also be issued when the information on the letter contradicts other information contained within the form i.e. a ‘yes’ answer given but no further details are supplied.

The SDLT 8 is issued so that the practitioners or their clients can provide or correct the missing / erroneous information on the land transaction return. When an SDLT 8 is issued, the SDLT notification remains on the system, incomplete, and a land transaction return Certificate, SDLT 5, will not be produced until the correct or missing information is provided.

In response to representations made by conveyancers, Stamp Taxes will now accept SDLT8s from agents/solicitors who are authorised by their clients to act on their behalf without the need for the clients/customers signature(s) on the SDLT 8 form. SDLT 8 responses should be sent by fax or by sending completed SDLT 8s to the specific office printed at the top of the letter. If faxing your response to an SDLT 8, a further postal copy will not be required. Practitioners or clients may also make amendments via the telephone by ringing the Stamp Taxes Helpline.

Many SDLT 8 letters are issued for errors that can be easily avoided through writing clearly and checking dates in particular. We have issued guidance on completing SDLT 1s. Our on-line form completion can also significantly reduce the numbers of SDLT 8 forms practitioners receive.

As part of its ongoing support for customers, Stamp Taxes has analysed the reasons why SDLT 8 letters are generated. Further information is available.