Is This Stamp Duty Refund Firm Legitimate?
HMRC warned about unsolicited refund firms. Know what to check before you sign.
Why this matters
HMRC issued Spotlight 63 specifically warning about unsolicited stamp duty refund firms. That doesn't mean all refund firms are bad — but it means you should know what to check before you sign anything or hand over bank details.
HMRC's Spotlight 63 warning
HMRC has specifically warned about firms cold-calling homeowners about stamp duty refunds, often claiming large refunds are available without a proper eligibility assessment.
Critically, HMRC has noted that where such claims are wrong, the homeowner — not the firm — is liable for repayment, interest, and potentially penalties. The risk sits with you, which is why verifying the firm matters.
Red flags — a firm may not be legitimate if…
- ✕They contacted you out of the blue — cold call, letter, or email — with no prior relationship
- ✕They claim you are "definitely owed" a refund without asking about your specific transaction
- ✕They ask you to sign a letter of authority before explaining the basis of the claim
- ✕They charge an upfront fee before any claim is assessed
- ✕They cannot tell you the statutory basis for your claim
- ✕They are not registered with a recognised professional body (CIOT, ATT, Law Society, SRA)
- ✕Their terms allow them to take a percentage fee even if the claim fails on review
- ✕They cannot give you a named individual responsible for your file
Green flags — signs a firm is operating properly
- They ask detailed questions about your transaction before claiming you are eligible
- They explain the basis of the claim in plain English
- They are transparent about their fee structure before you sign
- They are members of a recognised body (CIOT, ATT, Law Society) or a regulated solicitor firm
- They give you a cooling-off period
- They tell you clearly what happens if HMRC later challenges the claim
Questions to ask any refund firm before signing
What is the statutory basis of my claim?
What evidence will you use?
What is your fee if the claim is paid, and what if HMRC later claws it back?
Are you regulated by a professional body, and which one?
Who is the named individual responsible for my case?
What is your complaints procedure?
The StampDutyBack approach
We are an independent information resource. We do not make unsolicited contact. We connect users who request help with specialist partners — and we provide the DIY Claim Pack for people who want to understand the process before deciding. We do not earn a fee unless you choose to use the Get Help service.
Frequently asked questions
Are stamp duty refund firms legitimate?
Some are, some are not. A genuine specialist assesses your eligibility properly, explains the statutory basis of the claim, and is transparent about fees. HMRC has specifically warned about firms that cold-call homeowners and promise large refunds without a proper assessment. The firm being legitimate is something you should verify before signing anything.
What is HMRC Spotlight 63?
Spotlight 63 is an HMRC warning published to alert homeowners to unsolicited stamp duty refund firms. It highlights that firms cold-calling about SDLT refunds often claim large refunds are available without assessing eligibility properly — and that where a claim is wrong, the homeowner, not the firm, is liable.
Who is liable if a stamp duty refund claim turns out to be wrong?
You are. If HMRC later determines a claim was incorrect, it is the homeowner — not the refund firm — who must repay the refund with interest, and who may face penalties. This is why it matters that any claim made in your name has a proper statutory basis and solid evidence.
What should I ask a refund firm before signing?
Ask for the statutory basis of the claim, what evidence will be used, the full fee structure (including what happens if HMRC claws the refund back), which professional body regulates them, the named individual responsible for your case, and their complaints procedure. A legitimate firm will answer all of these clearly.
Check Before You Commit
Start with a free, no-obligation eligibility check — then decide who, if anyone, you want to help.