Stamp Duty

Summary of Budget 2008 measures affecting Stamp Taxes

Stamp duty applies to a conveyance, transfer or a lease of land where the instrument was executed prior to 1 December 2003. It also applies in cases where the instrument has been executed pursuant to a contract entered into on, or before, 10 July 2003, provided that the contract has not been varied, or the rights under the contract have been assigned after that date.

For instruments executed on or after 1 December 2003, stamp duty applies only to transfers of stock and marketable securities and to certain transfers of interest in partnerships.

Land transactions which have an effective date on or after 1 December 2003 are subject to Stamp Duty Land Tax.

If you are in any doubt as to whether stamp duty applies to a particular transaction please, contact the Stamp Office Helpline.

The most common forms received that do not require stamping are:

  • Form 88 (2) and 88 (3)
  • Stock Transfer Form with a 169
  • Trust Deeds (except Trust Deeds for shares)

If these forms are sent to Birmingham Stamp Office they will be returned unstamped. This could hinder the processing of other transactions.