Documents You Need for an SDLT Refund Claim
Get your paperwork in order — it is the single biggest thing that speeds up a refund.
Why this matters
Getting your documents in order before you submit is the single biggest thing you can do to speed up your refund and reduce the chance of HMRC asking questions. A well-evidenced claim is paid faster and is far less likely to trigger a compliance check. Use the two checklists below — one for an additional-dwelling surcharge refund, one for a chattels claim.
Section A — Documents for an HRAD surcharge refund
Route A: reclaiming the additional-dwelling surcharge after selling your previous main home.
Essential
- SDLT5 certificate — the receipt HMRC issued when your SDLT was filed. It contains your UTRN (11 characters: 9 digits + 2 letters, e.g. 123456789MC). Your solicitor should have sent this after completion.
- Completion statement for the new property — from your solicitor, showing the purchase price and SDLT paid.
- TR1 or transfer deed for the new property — confirms the effective date.
- Solicitor's completion letter for the sale of the old property — confirms the date of sale.
- Land Registry title register for the old property — confirms you were the registered owner (download from gov.uk for £3).
- Evidence of main residence at the old property — at least two of: council tax bill, utility bill, electoral roll entry, GP registration, bank statement. Dated within 12 months of your new purchase.
Helpful but not always required
- Mortgage statement for the old property confirming it was your main residence.
- Insurance documents for the old property.
Section B — Documents for a chattels claim
Route B: reclaiming SDLT overpaid on moveable items included in your purchase.
Essential
- SDLT5 certificate — as above, this carries your UTRN.
- Completed chattel schedule (Annex A from the DIY Claim Pack) — signed by all purchasers.
- Estate agent particulars — these often reference carpets, curtains, and white goods included in the sale.
- Solicitor's memorandum of sale or completion documents — check for any reference to "fixtures, fittings and contents".
Strongly recommended
- Photographs of the chattels taken at or around the time of purchase — dated photos are best.
- eBay or Gumtree "sold" listings for comparable items — screenshot and save the URLs.
- Any inventory provided by the seller or estate agent.
What to do if you can't find your SDLT5
Your solicitor holds a copy. Contact them and ask for the SDLT5 and the UTRN. If your solicitor's firm has closed, the successor firm or the SRA's closed firm service may hold the file.
As a last resort, HMRC can confirm the UTRN if you write to them with the property address and completion date — allow 4–6 weeks for a response.
Documents Ready? Start Your Claim
Use the DIY Claim Pack to submit it yourself, or have a specialist take it from here.