Stamp duty not paid, need advice please

Rab_w

Just wondering if anyone can give an informed opinion on this one.

I bought my house 14 months ago, got a 110% mortgage to do a few other things aswell. I didn't use a local solicitors, my mortgage agent suggest I use his, cheaper than local and would be easier for him to chase things up.

So, my mortgage is paid to the solicitor, they pay the seller, then take whatever fees are due from the left over and transfer the rest to my account.

All is good, everybody is happy.

I just got a letter from the solicitors last week saying that stamp duty is actually due on the house (I never thought it wasn't!) and to send a cheque for a grand to the inland revenue.

So, who is liable for the payment? have the solicitors messed it up or have they got me by the short and curlies??

anyone offer any advice??

Cheers

Rab

dunstonh

You are liable.

You got lucky not having to pay it for a while thats all. You could complain about poor service to the solicitor and you would get an apologetic letter or at best maybe £10 to cover inconvenience.

angelak_3

Did the invoice you got from your solicitor include a deduction for stamp duty? if it did then your solicitor should have paid it and you will probably have some recource against him. If not then it is your responsibility and you really should be thankful you are not facing a large fine!

Angela