HMRC Regulatory Update: From May 2026, conveyancers filing SDLT returns must register as tax advisers.
Your Team Needs CQS-Compliant Verification. We Provide It.
CQS Standard 1.2 requires SDLT calculations to be verified by "another experienced individual." In a 2–3 person firm, that often means practitioners verifying each other's work—which can be difficult to do robustly when everyone is stretched.
SDLT Check solves the verification problem. Expert-level calculation becomes your verification standard. Full £5M indemnity protects your entire team. CQS-compliant audit trail generated automatically.
Two pricing options: Full Service at £12.50 +VAT per transaction (usually passed on as a disbursement) or Ad Hoc Access for complex cases.
The Small Firm CQS Dilemma
You Know This Situation
Two partners, both 4-6 years PQE. CQS requires "another experienced individual" to verify SDLT calculations. So you verify each other's work.
Except you don't. Not really.
What actually happens: You check the figures were entered into the HMRC calculator. You initial the file note. You both know it's cursory. And you both know that if a CQS auditor digs deep, your "verification" won't withstand scrutiny.
The toxic dynamic: If you spot errors in their work, they'll scrutinize yours more closely. If you're too thorough, you're creating more work for everyone. So verification becomes a rubber stamp.
When the auditor pulls one of those files, the lack of a proper audit trail becomes a real compliance risk.
The Stakes
| Risk | Consequence |
|---|---|
| CQS audit finds inadequate verification | Conditional accreditation or suspension |
| CQS suspension | Removal from lender panels within 30 days |
| Panel removal | Loss of 60-80% of purchase work |
| Revenue collapse | £150,000-£300,000 annual loss for 200-transaction firm |
| Firm closure | Can't afford £75,000 run-off insurance |
⚠️ One SDLT claim can trigger the audit. The audit can end your firm.
Why Small Firms Choose SDLT Check
Genuine "Another Experienced Individual"
SDLT Check is the experienced verification CQS expects. Not a colleague doing you a favour. Not a cursory check. Expert-level analysis built by tax specialists. Validated against 50,000+ transactions.
Your verification process becomes:
- 1. Fee earner uses SDLT Check · 2. Second person reviews methodology report · 3. Verification recorded with timestamp · 4. CQS-compliant audit trail complete
When the auditor asks "Who verified this?", you show them the expert-level methodology—not just a colleague's initials.
Affordable Team-Wide Protection
Full Service: £12.50 +VAT per transaction
For all your purchases. Usually added as a disbursement—effectively no cost to the firm. Invoiced monthly.
Ad Hoc Access: From £300 +VAT
For occasional complex cases. Priced by transaction value (£300-£1,150 +VAT).
Full Service example costs:
- • 15 transactions/month: £187.50 +VAT/month
- • 25 transactions/month: £312.50 +VAT/month
- vs. One SDLT claim: £35,000-£47,000
Prevent one claim and the tool pays for itself many times over.
Consistent Standards Across Your Team
Reduce concern around: Junior associates making errors on complex transactions; different team members applying different approaches; training new fee earners on 49 different reliefs.
Every calculation uses the same expert methodology. Every team member gets the same protection. Every file has the same audit trail quality.
What Firms Say About SDLT Check
"SDLT Check has been great for us and our clients. It has taken the risk away from the firm having to calculate the liability and given clients a platform to answer the questions with detailed assistance knowing help is only at the end of the phone. The smart questions also help greatly as it means clients only need to answer questions which are relevant."
— Bennetts, Bennetts Solicitors
Aug 14, 2025
"Great Product - Easy to use. Our firm has had a brilliant experience using SDLT check, it is straightforward, quick, well priced and reliable. Works great for professionals and individuals. No complaints and would highly recommend this product! Very friendly and supportive staff, always there to assist when needed in no time!"
— Ifrah, Law Firm
Jun 27, 2025
"Set up was easy and our clients are happy with the simple interface. Very helpful for shared ownership in particular and when asking a general question."
— Kenny Solicitors, Kenny Solicitors
Jul 5, 2025
Team Implementation
How It Works Firm-Wide
For the Managing Partner
- ✓Set up team accounts (5 minutes)
- ✓Assign fee earners and verifiers
- ✓Monitor usage and compliance
- ✓Pull reports for CQS audits
For Fee Earners
- ✓Calculate SDLT in their existing workflow
- ✓Generate methodology report automatically
- ✓Flag for verification if uncertain
For Verifiers
- ✓Review methodology (not recalculate)
- ✓Add notes or approve
- ✓Complete verification in 2-3 minutes
For CQS Audits
- ✓Pull complete audit trail instantly
- ✓Show consistent firm-wide process
- ✓Demonstrate expert-level standards
Real Results: Small Firm
Thompson & Partners, Exeter
Firm Profile: 4 fee earners, 220 transactions/year, mixed residential and commercial
Before SDLT Check:
- ✗Failed CQS audit due to inadequate verification documentation
- ✗Two SDLT errors in 18 months (£8,000 and £12,000 client losses)
- ✗Premium increased 45%
- ✗Nationwide panel review triggered
- ✗Partners considered closing
After Implementation (14 months):
- ✓Zero SDLT errors
- ✓Passed CQS re-audit with commendation
- ✓Panel status restored
- ✓Premium stabilized
- ✓Accepted 15 complex commercial transactions previously turned down
- ✓Additional revenue: £68,000
Common Questions from Managing Partners
How do we get the team to actually use it?
The team will use it because it protects them. Fee earners want the verification backup. They want the indemnity protection. They want to pass CQS audits. With Full Service, mandate it for all purchases. The £12.50 +VAT per transaction can be added as a disbursement—no cost to the firm. Within 3 months, they'll use it voluntarily because it reduces their anxiety.
Which pricing option should our firm choose?
Most small firms choose Full Service at £12.50 +VAT per transaction because it provides comprehensive protection on every transaction and can be passed on as a disbursement. Use Ad Hoc Access (from £300 +VAT based on transaction value) only if you want flexibility for occasional complex cases without full commitment.
Do we need IT support or integration?
No. Web-based access via any browser. Works on desktop, laptop, or tablet. We have an open API and can work with your firm on CMS integration if you want it—but not required. Most small firms just open it in a browser tab. Takes 30 seconds.
Getting Started as a Team
Book Team Demo
Bring your most complex recent transaction. We'll show you exactly how SDLT Check would have handled it—and what the audit trail looks like.
Set Up Team Accounts
Managing partner creates firm account. Adds team members. Assigns roles (calculator, verifier, admin).
Start Using on All Purchases
With Full Service, use it on all purchases for comprehensive protection. Add the £12.50 +VAT as a disbursement. Build confidence. Your team will quickly see the value of consistent, indemnified calculations.
Protect Your Firm's Future
Small firms face disproportionate risk from SDLT errors. One claim can trigger CQS scrutiny that ends your practice. SDLT Check solves both problems. Expert verification. Full indemnity. CQS-compliant audit trails.
🕐 30-minute team demo · ✓ Pay only when you calculate · 📈 Flexible pricing · 🛡️ £5M indemnity for every team member
Questions?
We specialize in helping small firms solve the CQS verification problem.
Trusted by 200+ small firms (2-5 fee earners) across England and Wales. Protect your team and your practice.