COVID-19: Interim Measures On Stamp Duty Announced By HMRC

In response to the COVID-19 crisis HMRC has updated its guidance on the process for getting documents stamped and paying the stamp duty, including that:

• Stock transfer forms should not be posted to the Stamp Office. Instead an electronic copy (which can be a scanned PDF) should be emailed to HMRC at [email protected]. The form should be fully completed, signed and dated. For these purposes HMRC will accept e-signatures. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pay-stamp-duty)
• Where instruments have already been posted a notification letter should be resubmitted electronically giving details of payments made in respect of the transaction.
• HMRC will not physically stamp transfer documents. Instead it will send an email with a letter that will (a) confirm receipt of the payment of the stamp duty, (b) detail the transaction(s) that it is confirming receipt for and the reference codes and (c) give assurance that HMRC will not pursue a penalty against the registrar