SDLTM07600 - Scope: When is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) chargeable: Effective date of a transaction FA03/S119
The effective date of a transaction determines when liability to SDLT arises.
It also determines when the reporting obligations arise.
The general rule is that, except as otherwise provided, the effective date of a land transaction is when that land transaction is completed.
There are important exceptions to the general rule and these can be found in the guidance at SDLT07700