How Long Does a Stamp Duty Refund Take From HMRC?

Standard Processing Times

HMRC publishes the following guidance on SDLT refund processing times:

• **Online claims:** approximately 15 working days from the date the claim is received
• **Postal claims:** significantly longer — typically 8 to 12 weeks, and sometimes more during peak periods

These are targets, not guarantees. Some online claims are processed faster; others take longer if HMRC has queries or requires additional information.

Why Online Claims Are Strongly Preferable

The difference in processing time between online and postal claims is material. For a refund of, say, £15,000 or £20,000, waiting an extra 6–8 weeks can have a meaningful impact on your finances. The HMRC online portal is straightforward to use and requires no particular technical knowledge. Unless you genuinely cannot access the internet, the online route is always the better option.

The online portal is at: www.gov.uk/guidance/stamp-duty-land-tax-apply-for-a-repayment-of-the-higher-rates-for-additional-dwellings

Does HMRC Pay Interest on Late Refunds?

No. Unlike other tax refunds where HMRC may be obliged to pay repayment supplement (a form of interest) after a statutory period, SDLT refunds do not attract interest regardless of how long they take. If HMRC takes 16 weeks to process your claim instead of 15 working days, the refund amount is the same — you are not compensated for the delay.

This makes it even more important to submit accurate, complete claims to avoid delays caused by HMRC queries.

What to Do If Your Refund Is Taking Too Long

If 15 working days have passed since submitting an online claim and you have received no payment or communication, the first step is to contact HMRC's SDLT helpline:

• **Telephone:** 0300 322 7835
• **Opening hours:** Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm

Have your Unique Transaction Reference, claim submission date, and the property address ready when you call.

When contacting HMRC, ask them to:

1. Confirm the claim was received on the date you submitted it

2. Confirm the current status of the claim

3. Provide an estimated date for resolution if it is under review

Common Reasons for Delayed Claims

**Identity queries:** HMRC may need to verify the identity of the claimant, particularly if the name or details do not exactly match what is on the original SDLT return.

**Incomplete information:** Missing transaction references, unclear documentation, or discrepancies between the claimed amount and HMRC's records of what was paid.

**Main home status questioned:** HMRC may request additional evidence that the disposed-of property was genuinely your main home.

**Volume backlogs:** At times of high claim volumes (for example, following Budget changes that triggered many surcharge payments), HMRC processing times stretch beyond published targets.

HMRC Complaints Process

If HMRC has clearly exceeded its own processing guidelines without good reason and your money is being held for an unreasonable period, you can raise a formal complaint. HMRC's complaints process begins with a complaint to the office handling your case. If unresolved, it escalates to HMRC's Complaints Centre. Ultimately, if HMRC has caused you demonstrable financial loss through unreasonable delay, you can complain to the Adjudicator's Office or ask your MP to refer the matter to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

In practice, a clear and polite telephone enquiry after 15 working days is usually sufficient to prompt action on most cases.

Use our Stamp Duty Refund Calculator at Property Passport UK to confirm the amount you should receive before you apply — so you can immediately identify if HMRC's payment differs from what you are owed.