Key features of our Online Tax Return

Key features of our Online Tax Return

Contents

Q. Will the online return calculate the tax liability?

A. In many cases the online return will automatically calculate any tax due based on the information you provide. There are however some circumstances where it won't. stamp duty land tax will not be calculated where:

  • field 3 on the SDLT 1 is 'OT' (all others)
  • it is a linked lease transaction
  • relief code 07 is claimed [designated disadvantage areas (mixed)]
  • it is a shared ownership lease (Code OT must be used)
  • there is stair-casing (Code 'OT' must be used)
  • claiming disadvantaged area relief (DAR) for a lease where the 'Average Annual Rent' is over £1,000, use code 'OT' in field 3

Important Note

This is a self-assessment system across the board, but the online return does offer calculation of tax for straightforward cases. The system does not assess the tax, and it is for the purchaser to agree/submit the figure as part of the self-assessment.

If the service gives you a tax calculation you need to complete question 15.

If the service does not give you a tax calculation you need to complete questions 14 & 15.

Q. What are the key features of the online return?

A. The online return offers the following features:

  • Provision of a UTRN and an online submission receipt for each return successfully filed, this is also your ‘electronic SDLT 5 certificate’ which can be printed off & sent to the appropriate land register, along with the necessary documents, for registration. [Please keep a copy on file also].
  • Online completion of forms SDLT1, 2, 3 & 4 with the ability to save partially completed returns.
  • Built in guidance to help you complete only the necessary forms and questions, based on the information provided.
  • Validation of data.
  • In many cases automatic calculation of any tax due based on the information you provide. There are some circumstances where we will ask you to calculate the liability.
  • Facility for purchasers to approve the contents of the return before the effective date is known, and for agents to insert the effective date when filing. The form of approval is for agents to decide.

If you need any assistance completing our online return please contact the Online Services Helpdesk.

Q. Can I access the stamp duty land tax Lease Transactions Calculator from HMRC's online tax return?

A. Yes. By selecting the question mark icon alongside question 1.23 'Net present value upon which tax is calculated'. This will open a new browser window, giving guidance and a link to the Stamp Taxes website from where the online SDLT lease calculator can be accessed.

Q. Can I print individual pages of a return using HMRC's online software?

A. Yes. You can view, print and store a return in both PDF and HTML. To print a specific page of the return you should open the return in the required format and:

1. From the browser toolbar click on the File menu
2. Click Print
3. Set the printing options you want under the heading Page range or Print range

Q. Can I identify the returns I have created when there are additional assistants and users also creating returns?

A. Yes. The returns management function within our software, allows you to sort 'in progress' returns, by either purchaser name, return status, property address or agents reference. By entering your own unique agent's reference at question 1.63 within each return you can easily sort and identify those you have created.

Q. Are there any plans to indicate when a return will be deleted within HMRC's online software?

A. Yes, we have a planned future enhancement to show the date of deletion next to each return. Remember returns are only deleted if they remain inactive for the specified period, 90 days for 'in progress' returns and 30 days for 'submitted' returns. If the return is accessed then the deletion period is reset to zero.

How can I find a specific question within the stamp duty land tax return software?

We have produced a step by step guide to help you locate any question within the stamp duty land tax return software.