HMRC have released a paper entitled 'Research and analysis: Responsiveness of commercial transactions to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)'. This paper evaluates the impact that changes to the SDLT rates has on non-residential transactions.
The paper, written by academics with support from HM Treasury, HMRC and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) analysed the changes that were introduced as part of Budget 2016.
These changes moved the calculation of the SDLT due from a slab basis (whereby SDLT is charged at a single rate on the whole purchase price depending on its quantum) to a Slice basis (whereby SDLT is charged at different rates on different portions of the purchase price).
The paper found that:
- The change decreased the SDLT paid for non-residential transactions below £1.05m and increased the tax due thereafter.
- The OBR estimated at the time of the change that a 1% increase in SDLT would have led to a 4% reduction in non-residential transactions.
- Based on the sampling methodology used in the report, a 1% increase in the effective tax rate was found to lead to an 11.7% reduction in non-residential transactions.
Useful guides on this topic
SDLT: At a glance, Stamp Duty Land Tax, rates & allowances
What is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)? What are the rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?
SDLT: Stamp Duty Land Tax, start here
What is SDLT? What are the SDLT rates? What is exempt from SDLT? What reliefs are available? When are returns due? When can you amend a return?
External Links
Research and analysis: Responsiveness of commercial transactions to Stamp Duty Land Tax
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