STSM011015A | Introduction to Stamp Duty on shares and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (SDRT): Stamp Duty and SDRT basics: Stamp Duty- withdrawal of physical stamping

2021 changes

In March 2020, as part of HMRC’s response to COVID-19, HMRC introduced a new method of stamping, under which the transfer instrument is duly stamped by the issue of a confirmation letter (see STSM011015).

On 18 June 2021 HMRC announced the formal withdrawal of the previous physical stamp dies with effect from 19 July 2021, through the placing of notices in the London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes, as required by section 22 Stamp Duties Management Act 1891.

From 19 July 2021, the method introduced in 2020 is the only valid method of stamping. Should any instrument be rendered useless as a result, then within six months of the physical dies being withdrawn, customers may request that the instrument be treated as duly stamped under the new method instead.