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Stamp Duty on property

Stamp Duty was payable on land and property transactions above a certain value up until December 2003. After 1 December 2023 it was replaced with Stamp Duty Land Tax. You can find the different Stamp Duty Land Taxes rates you may have to pay in the guide Tax on buying property.

• Tax on buying property

Stamp Duty is still payable if you're buying a property where the contract was drawn up before 10 July 2023 and the transfer documents haven't yet been 'stamped'. If this applies to you, you can find out more, including how to get documents stamped and the time limits for paying Stamp Duty, in the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) guide below.

• Stamp Duty on land transfers before December 2003 Opens new window

Stamp Duty when buying shares

When you buy shares you pay Stamp Duty if it's a paper transaction or Stamp Duty Reserve Tax if it's an electronic, paperless transaction.

Most share transfers are made through a stockbroker using the electronic method, so in most cases you pay Stamp Duty Reserve Tax. The tax is automatically deducted at the time the transaction goes through.

If you buy shares using a stock transfer form it counts as a paper transaction and Stamp Duty is payable. Note that you only pay Stamp Duty when shares are transferred - you don't have to pay it when shares are first issued.

• Tax on buying shares

More useful links

• Buying and selling your home (home and community section)

• Tax on savings and investments

• Shares, unit trusts, investment trusts

• Getting advice on your savings and investments

Useful contacts

• Money, tax and benefits contacts