SDLTM00030 - Introduction to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): Background

SDLT was introduced in Part 4 of the Finance Act 2003 to replace the former stamp duty (SD). But if a transaction takes place following a contract dated 10 July 2003 or earlier the SD regime may still apply.

SDLT is a tax on land transactions in England and Northern Ireland.   See SDLTM00010 for details of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and Land Transaction Tax (LTT) which now apply in Scotland and Wales (respectively).

Documents evidencing land transactions effected on or after 1 December 2003 and chargeable to SDLT do not need to be physically stamped.

Further guidance on the commencement and transitional provisions can be found at SDLTM49000.