The Property Tax Experts
How we base our fees
Flat fees
For simple assessments of SDLT payable we charge a flat fee.
Contingent fee
For an opinion on a more complicated transaction involving relief eligibility or associated transactions we charge using a contingent fee structure.
The initial charge covers a fact find and in the event that our advice is that no reliefs or deductions are applicable then only an initial fee is charged. If we consider that the client is entitled to a relief then an additional fee is payable and a full written opinion justifying our position against the legislation and tribunal judgments will be provided to support the claim.
Hourly Fee
For assistance in dealing with compliance checks, tribunal hearings or any other matter we charge a fee based on a hourly rate.
Newbuild Purchase SDLT Check – £40 plus VAT
We will check for any developer incentives to ensure that SDLT is based on the correct purchase consideration, calculate the SDLT payable and provide a written explanation of the calculation to support the SDLT return.
Full SDLT check – £95 plus VAT
We will perform a full check which will consider both attributes of the property being purchased and those of the purchasers themselves along with their future intentions. These details will enable us to advise whether the standard rate of SDLT is payable, and what the total charge should be.
If a possible SDLT saving is identified the taxpayer may wish to seek further advice and possibly a formal opinion. Further information will be requested and desktop research of planning history and title restriction will allow a full assessment to be carried out and if positive, a written opinion will be prepared. This additional work will be charged in accordance with the service detailed below (opinion service), and the £95 already paid will be discounted from the fee.
Opinion on a complex or specific issue £250-£850
We can provide a full written opinion for those more complex or specific SDLT enquiries.
We understand that the full fee of £850 will seem unfair if there is no saving or reduction identified which is why we offer a conditional fee arrangement. In those circumstances where our initial assessment identifies that the relief or saving will not apply, we will charge the initial fee of £250 only.
If our initial assessment is that a relief or saving is possible, we will prepare a full written opinion to support the SDLT treatment and calculation of SDLT for the full fee of £850. The full written opinion will support the SDLT return or amendment detailing the relevant legislation and case law upon which it relies.
Fee (exclusive of VAT) | ||
Fixed Fee |
| |
Newbuild SDLT Check | £40 | |
Full check of SDLT liability | £95 | |
Contingent Fee | ||
Opinion on a specific or complex issue | £250 for initial assessment £850 for a full written advice | |
Hourly Fee | ||
Compliance checks, Appeals, Reviews, Tribunals and ad hoc advice. | £200 per hour | |
