Stamp Duty unpaid by Solicitor for 3.5 years!

omaqsood

Hi all,

Some advice needed regarding our flat purchase dating back to May 2007. Even though we passed the stamp duty on to our solicitors (who happened to be recommended by the mortgage company - Halifax bank), it is yet to paid to the HMRC.

It's been nearly 4 years now and £630 has accrued in fines and interest charges. Even though we contacted the solicitor in 2009, when the initial demand from the HMRC was received and they promised to pay it then, it still hasn't been passed onto the HMRC.

What are my options? Any help would very much appreciated.

Cheers
Oz

Let_Us_See

Agreed - I just hope you have proof of payment to solicitor.

Andystriker

What did the Solicitor say when you asked them why the stamp duty has not been paid?

Get a letter off the Solicitor confirming that they have paid this stamp duty. Send this letter to HMRC.

If the Solicitor won't give you a letter then go to The Law Society and complain.

Let_Us_See

I think both you (for letting this situation continue for so long) and the solicitor need a kick up the backside. Unless he is a single practitioner (and lenders normally require at least two partners) complain to his company or Senior Partner, otherwise you will have to resort to Law Society.

Have you considered Small Claims Court or local newspaper to embarass solicitor?

liubeliu

What does your completion statement say wrt to the stamp duty?