Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) tends to be relevant to almost all business transactions where a property element is involved. Those involved in advising on such deals should therefore have a good grasp of the basic operation of SDLT and the opportunities for claiming reliefs or exemptions. This article deals with both these aspects. Unless stated otherwise, all statutory references are to the Finance Act 2003.

SDLT is payable not only on the 'normal' purchase of UK land but also on the creation, release, surrender or variation of a chargeable UK land interest (s. 43). Special SDLT rules apply on the grant of a lease.