What are the next steps after agreeing to proceed with a stamp duty reclaim adviser?

Introduction

People often ask what happens after they decide to instruct a specialist on a stamp duty land tax reclaim or review. In practice, the next stage is usually an onboarding process. That normally involves confirming instructions, sharing documents, checking the facts of the property transaction, and agreeing how the adviser will handle the claim.

This article explains, in general terms, what those next steps usually look like when a buyer or taxpayer agrees to move forward with professional help on a stamp duty matter.

The Question

A prospective client contacted a stamp duty adviser to say that, after discussing the matter with a business partner, they wanted to go ahead with the adviser’s proposal and wanted to know what would happen next.

Nick’s Explanation

Nick’s reply was straightforward. He explained that the next step would be to begin the onboarding process and that another member of the team would guide the client through it. He also referred the client to a page explaining the firm’s workflow.

In anonymised form, the substance of the reply was:

“Thank you for agreeing to take the next steps. We will set up communication with the relevant team member, who will take you through the onboarding process. This explains our workflow.”

The key point is that once a client agrees to proceed, the matter usually moves from an initial review into formal intake and evidence gathering.

The Law

There is no single statute setting out a universal onboarding process for stamp duty reclaim advisers. However, any substantive advice on Stamp Duty Land Tax is governed by the underlying SDLT legislation and HMRC practice relevant to the issue under review.

Depending on the nature of the reclaim or relief being considered, the legal framework may include:

• Finance Act 2003, which contains the main SDLT charging and relief provisions
• HMRC SDLT Manual guidance
• Relevant tribunal or court authorities on the meaning of terms used in the legislation
• The statutory rules on amending returns, making repayment claims, and time limits

If the issue concerns whether a property was unsuitable for use as a dwelling at the effective date of the transaction, the legal position must now be considered in light of the higher threshold confirmed by Amarjeet and Tajinder Mudan v The Commissioners for HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 799.

Analysis

When a client says they want to proceed, the matter usually moves through a series of practical stages.

1. Instruction is confirmed

   The adviser needs clear authority to act. This is usually done through an engagement letter, terms of business, and confirmation of the scope of work.

2. Client onboarding begins

   This often includes identity checks, anti-money laundering checks where required, and collection of contact details for the people involved in the matter.

3. Documents are requested

   For an SDLT reclaim or review, the adviser will usually ask for the SDLT return, completion statement, transfer deed, contract papers, title documents, survey reports, photographs, correspondence, and any evidence relevant to the relief or reclaim being considered.

4. The facts are tested against the law

   The adviser will compare the transaction facts with the statutory rules and HMRC guidance. If the claim depends on case law, the adviser should assess whether the evidence is strong enough in light of current authority.

5. The route of claim is identified

   Some matters are dealt with by amendment of the SDLT return within the statutory time limit. Others require a repayment claim or a different form of challenge. The correct route depends on timing and the nature of the alleged overpayment.

6. The client is told what to expect

   This should include likely timescales, the evidence needed, the strengths and weaknesses of the case, and whether HMRC may enquire into or resist the claim.

So, in practical terms, “what are the next steps?” usually means moving from an initial conversation to formal engagement and evidence collection.

Outcome

The practical takeaway is that once a client agrees to proceed, the adviser will normally start onboarding, introduce the relevant team contact, and gather the information needed to assess and prepare the SDLT reclaim or review properly.

The client should expect some administration at the start. That is normal and is usually necessary before any formal claim can be prepared.

Practical Steps

1. Ask for the engagement letter and read the scope of work carefully.
2. Check whether the adviser is reviewing eligibility only, preparing the claim, or also dealing with HMRC correspondence.
3. Gather all transaction documents, including the SDLT return and completion paperwork.
4. Provide any reports, photographs, or other evidence relevant to the issue being reviewed.
5. Ask what deadlines apply, especially if amendment or repayment time limits may be close.
6. Ask how fees are structured and whether there are additional charges if HMRC opens an enquiry.
7. If the claim relates to property condition or habitability, ask the adviser to explain how current case law, including Amarjeet and Tajinder Mudan v The Commissioners for HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 799, affects the prospects of success.

Conclusion

If you have agreed to proceed with a stamp duty adviser, the next step is usually formal onboarding. That means confirming instructions, providing documents, and allowing the adviser to test the facts against the SDLT rules before any claim is submitted.

Legal References Used

• Finance Act 2003
• HMRC SDLT Manual
• Amarjeet and Tajinder Mudan v The Commissioners for HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 799

This page was last updated on 22 March 2026.

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