HMRC Regulatory Update: From May 2026, conveyancers filing SDLT returns must register as tax advisers.
HMRC Regulatory Update: From May 2026, conveyancers filing SDLT returns must register as tax advisers.
Outsource Your SDLT Process. We Handle the Complexity.
With greater scrutiny and compliance requirements from May 2026, SDLT Check can outsource your SDLT process: we collect the information, calculate accurately, populate the SDLT1 and submit on behalf of clients with our own tax code. Every return is backed by £5M professional indemnity.
Whether using our service means your firm will not need to register as a tax adviser is not yet definitive. Recent guidance suggests firms may still need to register as they are involved in paying the revenue, and payment of tax to HMRC may still be required from you or your client. We are here to help you navigate the changes.
Our angle: outsourcing the SDLT process so you benefit from our expertise, audit trail and indemnity—whatever the final registration position.
The Simple Proposition
Before May 2026
SDLT Check gives you accurate calculations with full indemnity.
From May 2026
SDLT Check outsources the full SDLT process: we collect the information, calculate accurately, populate the SDLT1 and submit on behalf of clients with our tax code. You get our expertise, audit trail and £5M indemnity. Whether you still need to register as a tax adviser is not yet definitive—we help you meet greater scrutiny and compliance either way.
Same interface. Same speed. Same transparent pricing. Dramatically different protection.
| What Changes | Your Responsibility | SDLT Check Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| HMRC tax adviser registration (your firm) | Position not yet definitive; you may still need to register depending on final guidance | We submit with our tax code; we help you navigate the requirements |
| SDLT process (collect, calculate, populate SDLT1, submit) | Provide transaction details | We collect info, calculate, populate SDLT1 and submit on behalf of clients |
| Payment of tax to HMRC | May remain with you / your client (per current guidance) | We calculate and submit the return; payment as per HMRC requirements |
| "Sanctionable conduct" liability | Eliminated | We carry this entirely |
| Enhanced penalty exposure | Eliminated | Covered by our indemnity |
| HMRC enquiries and correspondence (on the return) | Minimal involvement | We handle correspondence on returns we file |
| CQS audit trail | Provided automatically | Generated for your file |
How It Works
You Send the Invite
Sending the questionnaire to your client takes about 20 seconds. From there, it's over to the client—they complete the plain-English questions about the transaction. Property details, purchase price, buyer circumstances, relief eligibility indicators.
⏱️ Time: ~20 seconds for you; client completes the questionnaire
Instant Calculation or Specialist Review
Upon receipt of the completed questionnaire, our system either provides an instant automated calculation (standard cases) or quarantines it for review by a tax specialist (non-standard cases). Most tax positions are resolved within minutes. More complex positions are reviewed and resolved directly with the client within 24–48 hours.
⏱️ Most in minutes; complex cases within 24–48 hours
Review the Calculation
SDLT Check produces: The SDLT figure (100% accurate, all 49 reliefs considered); full methodology report; legislative references; relief analysis. You review. You're satisfied the inputs are correct. You approve.
⏱️ Time: 2 minutes for review
We File the Return
THE MAY 2026 DIFFERENCEWhen you approve, SDLT Check populates the SDLT1 and submits the return to HMRC on behalf of your client, using our tax code.
- ✓ We collect the info, calculate and populate the SDLT1
- ✓ We submit on behalf of clients with our tax code
- ✓ We carry calculation and filing liability; £5M indemnity
- ✓ We receive and handle HMRC correspondence on the return
Payment of tax to HMRC may still be required from you or your client, as per current guidance.
You receive confirmation of filing and the SDLT5 certificate for your file.
⏱️ Time: Automatic upon approval
Your File is Complete and Protected
Your file now contains: Full calculation methodology (CQS-compliant audit trail); SDLT5 certificate confirming filing; Indemnity certificate — £5M coverage on that transaction; Record of SDLT Check filing (calculation and submission).
If anything goes wrong:
Our indemnity covers client losses, HMRC penalties, your PI excess, legal defence costs, and premium increases. Not your firm. Not your pocket.
£5M Professional Indemnity — What It Covers
Our indemnity isn't a vague promise. It's specified coverage for exactly the scenarios May 2026 creates.
Client tax shortfalls
If SDLT Check calculates £15,000 but the correct liability was £18,000, we cover your firm's liability for the £3,000 calculation error.
HMRC penalties and interest
Late payment penalties, accuracy penalties, interest charges — all covered.
Your PI excess
If you have to notify your insurer for any reason related to our calculation, we reimburse your excess (typically £3,000–£10,000).
Legal defence costs
If the matter escalates to litigation, dispute resolution, or tribunal — defence costs covered (typically £15,000–£40,000).
Premium increases
If your PI premium increases as a result of a claim related to our calculation, we cover the increase for three years.
Coverage Limits
Per-transaction: £5,000,000
Aggregate annual: £25,000,000
Defence costs: In addition to limits
Pricing: Same Value, Even More Protection
Every calculation includes:
- ✓ 100% accurate calculation (all 49 reliefs)
- ✓ Full methodology report (CQS-compliant audit trail)
- ✓ We populate the SDLT1 and submit with our tax code
- ✓ £5M professional indemnity coverage
- ✓ Handling of any HMRC queries
- ✓ Expert support for complex scenarios
Compare to Alternatives
| Option | Annual Cost (50 transactions) | Liability Position |
|---|---|---|
| Self-file as registered adviser | Registration time + PI increase | Full personal exposure |
| Refer to external tax adviser | £25,000–£75,000 (£500–£1,500 each) | Liability remains with you for referral |
| SDLT Check | £625 | Complete transfer to us |
Ready to Be Protected?
Book a demo and see exactly how SDLT Check handles May 2026. Bring your most complex transaction — we'll show you the calculation, the methodology, and the filing process.
Book Your Free Demo →🕐 30-minute demo | 📋 Bring your hardest case | ✓ See the May 2026 workflow
Questions About May 2026?
We're tracking this legislation daily. Ask us anything.