Finance Act 2003

Type Public General Act
Publication 2003-07-10
Last updated 2025-03-20
State In force
Department Statute Law Database
articles Not indexed
Reform history JSON API
1470

S. 44(8) excluded (20.3.2025) by Finance Act 2025 (c. 8), s. 52(5)

1471

S. 44(8) excluded (20.3.2025) by Finance Act 2025 (c. 8), s. 53(5)

1472
1473
1474

Word in s. 74(1A) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 53(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2025 (c. 8), s. 53(1)(b)(2) (with s. 53(3)(4))

1475

Word in Sch. 4A para. 3(1)(a) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 53(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2025 (c. 8), s. 53(1)(a)(2) (with s. 53(3)(4))

1476

Words in Sch. 4ZA para. 1(2) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 51(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2025 (c. 8), s. 51(1)(2) (with s. 51(3)-(5), 52)

1477

S. 44(8) excluded (10.6.2021) by 2020 c. 15, s. 1A (as inserted by 2021 c. 26, s. 87(3) and as amended (20.3.2025) by 2025 c. 8, s. 52(3))

57A
  • (1) The leaseback element of a sale and leaseback arrangement is exempt from charge if the qualifying conditions specified below are met.
  • (2) A “sale and leaseback”arrangement means an arrangement under which—
  • (a) A transfers or grants to B a major interest in land (the “sale”), and
  • (b) out of that interest B grants a lease to A (the “leaseback”).
  • (3) The qualifying conditions are—
  • (a) that the sale transaction is entered into wholly or partly in consideration of the leaseback transaction being entered into,
  • (aa) that the sale transaction is entered into wholly or partly in consideration of the leaseback transaction being entered into,
  • (b) that the only other consideration (if any) for the sale is the payment of money or the assumption, satisfaction or release of a debt (or both),
  • (c) that the sale is not a transfer of rights within the meaning of ... 45A (contract providing for conveyance to third party: effect of transfer of rights) or a pre-completion transaction within the meaning of Schedule 2A (transactions entered into before completion of contract), and
  • (d) where A and B are both bodies corporate at the effective date of the leaseback transaction, that they are not members of the same group for the purposes of group relief (see paragraph 1 of Schedule 7) at that date.
  • (e) where A and B are both bodies corporate at the effective date of the leaseback transaction, that they are not members of the same group for the purposes of group relief (see paragraph 1 of Schedule 7) at that date.
  • (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58A

Schedule 6A provides for relief in the case of certain acquisitions of residential property.

64A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

81A
  • (1) Where the effect of a transaction (“the later transaction”) that is linked to an earlier transaction is that the earlier transaction becomes notifiable, the purchaser under the earlier transaction must deliver a return in respect of that transaction before the end of the period of 14 days after the effective date of the later transaction.
  • (1A) Where the effect of a transaction (“the later transaction”) that is linked to an earlier transaction is that—
  • (a) tax is payable in respect of the earlier transaction where none was payable before and subsection (1) does not apply, or
  • (b) additional tax is payable in respect of the earlier transaction,

the purchaser under the earlier transaction must deliver a further return in respect of that transaction before the end of the period of 30 days after the effective date of the later transaction.

  • (1B) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (1A), any tax or additional tax payable is calculated according to the effective date of the earlier transaction.
  • (1C) Where a purchaser is required to deliver a return under subsection (1) or a further return under subsection (1A)—
  • (a) that return must include a self-assessment of the amount of tax chargeable as a result of the later transaction, and
  • (b) the tax or additional tax payable must be paid not later than the filing date for that return.
  • (2) The provisions of Schedule 10 (returns, enquiries, assessments and other matters) apply to a return under this section as they apply to a return under section 76 (general requirement to deliver land transaction return), with the following adaptations—
  • (a) in paragraph 5 (formal notice to deliver return), the requirement in sub-paragraph (2)(a) that the notice specify the transaction to which it relates shall be read as requiring both the earlier and later transactions to be specified;
  • (b) references to the effective date of the transaction to which the return relates shall be read as references to the effective date of the later transaction.
  • (3) This section does not affect any requirement to make a return under section 76 in respect of the later transaction.
81B
  • (1) This section applies to the declaration mentioned in paragraph 1(1)(c) of Schedule 10 ... (declaration that return ... is correct and complete).
  • (2) The requirement that an individual make such a declaration (alone or jointly with others) is treated as met if a declaration to that effect is made by a person authorised to act on behalf of that individual in relation to the matters to which the return or certificate relates.
  • (3) For the purposes of this section a person is not regarded as authorised to act on behalf of an individual unless he is so authorised by a power of attorney in writing, signed by that individual.

In this subsection as it applies in Scotland “power of attorney” includes factory and commission.

  • (4) Nothing in this section affects the making of a declaration in accordance with—
  • (a) section 100(2) (persons through whom a company acts), or
  • (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE 6A

Acquisition by house-building company from individual acquiring new dwelling

1
  • (1) Where a dwelling (“the old dwelling”) is acquired by a house-building company from an individual (whether alone or with other individuals), the acquisition is exempt from charge if the following conditions are met.
  • (2) The conditions are—
  • (a) that the individual (whether alone or with other individuals) acquires from the house-building company a new dwelling,
  • (b) that the individual—
  • (i) occupied the old dwelling as his only or main residence at some time in the period of two years ending with the date of its acquisition, and
  • (ii) intends to occupy the new dwelling as his only or main residence,
  • (c) that each acquisition is entered into in consideration of the other, and
  • (d) that the area of land acquired by the house-building company does not exceed the permitted area.
  • (3) Where the conditions in sub-paragraph (2)(a) to (c) are met but the area of land acquired by the house-building company exceeds the permitted area, the chargeable consideration for the acquisition is taken to be the amount calculated by deducting the market value of the permitted area from the market value of the old dwelling.
  • (4) A “house-building company” means a company that carries on the business of constructing or adapting buildings or parts of buildings for use as dwellings.
  • References in this paragraph to such a company include any company connected with it.
  • (5) In this paragraph—
  • (a) references to the acquisition of the new dwelling are to the acquisition, by way of grant or transfer, of a major interest in the dwelling;
  • (b) references to the acquisition of the old dwelling are to the acquisition, by way of transfer, of a major interest in the dwelling; and
  • (c) references to the market value of the old dwelling and of the permitted area are, respectively, to the market value of that major interest in the dwelling and of that interest so far as it relates to that area.

Acquisition by property trader from individual acquiring new dwelling

2
  • (1) Where a dwelling (“the old dwelling”) is acquired by a property trader from an individual (whether alone or with other individuals), the acquisition is exempt from charge if the following conditions are met.
  • (2) The conditions are—
  • (a) that the acquisition is made in the course of a business that consists of or includes acquiring dwellings from individuals who acquire new dwellings from house-building companies,
  • (b) that the individual (whether alone or with other individuals) acquires a new dwelling from a house-building company,
  • (c) that the individual—
  • (i) occupied the old dwelling as his only or main residence at some time in the period of two years ending with the date of its acquisition, and
  • (ii) intends to occupy the new dwelling as his only or main residence,
  • (d) that the property trader does not intend—
  • (i) to spend more than the permitted amount on refurbishment of the old dwelling, or
  • (ii) to grant a lease or licence of the old dwelling, or
  • (iii) to permit any of its principals or employees (or any person connected with any of its principals or employees) to occupy the old dwelling, and
  • (e) that the area of land acquired by the property trader does not exceed the permitted area.
  • (3) Where the conditions in sub-paragraph (2)(a) to (d) are met, but the area of land acquired by the property trader exceeds the permitted area, the chargeable consideration for the acquisition is taken to be the amount calculated by deducting the market value of the permitted area from the market value of the old dwelling.
  • (4) The provisions of paragraph 1(4) (meaning of “house-building company” etc.) also have effect for the purposes of this paragraph.
  • (5) In this paragraph—
  • (a) references to the acquisition of a new dwelling are to the acquisition, by way of grant or transfer, of a major interest in the dwelling;
  • (b) references to the acquisition of the old dwelling are to the acquisition, by way of transfer, of a major interest in the dwelling; and
  • (c) references to the market value of the old dwelling and of the permitted area are, respectively, to the market value of that major interest in the dwelling and of that interest so far as it relates to that area.

Acquisition by property trader from personal representatives

3
  • (1) Where a dwelling is acquired by a property trader from the personal representatives of a deceased individual, the acquisition is exempt from charge if the following conditions are met.
  • (2) The conditions are—
  • (a) that the acquisition is made in the course of a business that consists of or includes acquiring dwellings from personal representatives of deceased individuals,
  • (b) that the deceased individual occupied the dwelling as his only or main residence at some time in the period of two years ending with the date of his death,
  • (c) that the property trader does not intend—
  • (i) to spend more than the permitted amount on refurbishment of the dwelling, or
  • (ii) to grant a lease or licence of the dwelling, or
  • (iii) to permit any of its principals or employees (or any person connected with any of its principals or employees) to occupy the dwelling, and
  • (d) that the area of land acquired does not exceed the permitted area.
  • (3) Where the conditions in sub-paragraph (2)(a) to (c) are met, but the area of land acquired exceeds the permitted area, the chargeable consideration for the acquisition is taken to be the amount calculated by deducting the market value of the permitted area from the market value of the dwelling.
  • (4) In this paragraph—
  • (a) references to the acquisition of the dwelling are to the acquisition, by way of transfer, of a major interest in the dwelling; and
  • (b) references to the market value of the dwelling and of the permitted area are, respectively, to the market value of that major interest in the dwelling and of that interest so far as it relates to that area.

Acquisition by property trader from individual where chain of transactions breaks down

4
  • (1) Where a dwelling (“the old dwelling”) is acquired by a property trader from an individual (whether alone or with other individuals), the acquisition is exempt from charge if—
  • (a) the individual has made arrangements to sell a dwelling (“the old dwelling”) and acquire another dwelling (“the second dwelling”),
  • (b) the arrangements to sell the old dwelling fail, and
  • (c) the acquisition of the old dwelling is made for the purpose of enabling the individual’s acquisition of the second dwelling to proceed,

and the following conditions are met.

  • (2) The conditions are—
  • (a) that the acquisition is made in the course of a business that consists of or includes acquiring dwellings from individuals in those circumstances,
  • (b) that the individual—
  • (i) occupied the old dwelling as his only or main residence at some time in the period of two years ending with the date of its acquisition, and
  • (ii) intends to occupy the second dwelling as his only or main residence,
  • (c) that the property trader does not intend—
  • (i) to spend more than the permitted amount on refurbishment of the old dwelling, or
  • (ii) to grant a lease or licence of the old dwelling, or
  • (iii) to permit any of its principals or employees (or any person connected with any of its principals or employees) to occupy the old dwelling, and
  • (d) that the area of land acquired does not exceed the permitted area.
  • (3) Where the conditions in sub-paragraph (2)(a) to (c) are met, but the area of land acquired exceeds the permitted area, the chargeable consideration for the acquisition is taken to be the amount calculated by deducting the market value of the permitted area from the market value of the old dwelling.
  • (4) In this paragraph—
  • (a) references to the acquisition of the second dwelling are to the acquisition, by way of grant or transfer, of a major interest in the dwelling;
  • (b) references to the acquisition of the old dwelling are to the acquisition, by way of transfer, of a major interest in the dwelling; and
  • (c) references to the market value of the old dwelling and of the permitted area are, respectively, to the market value of that major interest in the dwelling and of that interest so far as it relates to that area.

Acquisition by employer in case of relocation of employment

5
  • (1) Where a dwelling is acquired from an individual (whether alone or with other individuals) by his employer, the acquisition is exempt from charge if the following conditions are met.
  • (2) The conditions are—
  • (a) that the individual occupied the dwelling as his only or main residence at some time in the period of two years ending with the date of the acquisition,
  • (b) that the acquisition is made in connection with a change of residence by the individual resulting from relocation of employment,
  • (c) that the consideration for the acquisition does not exceed the market value of the dwelling, and
  • (d) that the area of land acquired does not exceed the permitted area.
  • (3) Where the conditions in sub-paragraph (2)(a) to (c) are met but the area of land acquired exceeds the permitted area, the chargeable consideration for the acquisition is taken to be the amount calculated by deducting the market value of the permitted area from the market value of the dwelling.
  • (4) In this paragraph “relocation of employment” means a change of the individual’s place of employment due to—
  • (a) his becoming an employee of the employer,
  • (b) an alteration of the duties of his employment with the employer, or
  • (c) an alteration of the place where he normally performs those duties.
  • (5) For the purposes of this paragraph a change of residence is one “resulting from” relocation of employment if—
  • (a) the change is made wholly or mainly to allow the individual to have his residence within a reasonable daily travelling distance of his new place of employment, and
  • (b) his former residence is not within a reasonable daily travelling distance of that place.
  • The individual’s “new place of employment” means the place where he normally performs, or is normally to perform, the duties of his employment after the relocation.
  • (6) In this paragraph—
  • (a) references to the acquisition of the dwelling are to the acquisition, by way of transfer, of a major interest in the dwelling;
  • (b) references to the market value of the dwelling and of the permitted area are, respectively, to the market value of that major interest in the dwelling and of that interest so far as it relates to that area; and
  • (c) references to an individual’s employer include a prospective employer.

Acquisition by property trader in case of relocation of employment

6
  • (1) Where a dwelling is acquired by a property trader from an individual (whether alone or with other individuals), the acquisition is exempt from charge if the following conditions are met.
  • (2) The conditions are—
  • (a) that the acquisition is made in the course of a business that consists of or includes acquiring dwellings from individuals in connection with a change of residence resulting from relocation of employment,
  • (b) that the individual occupied the dwelling as his only or main residence at some time in the period of two years ending with the date of the acquisition,
  • (c) that the acquisition is made in connection with a change of residence by the individual resulting from relocation of employment,
  • (d) that the consideration for the acquisition does not exceed the market value of the dwelling,
  • (e) that the property trader does not intend—
  • (i) to spend more than the permitted amount on refurbishment of the dwelling, or
  • (ii) to grant a lease or licence of the dwelling, or
  • (iii) to permit any of its principals or employees (or any person connected with any of its principals or employees) to occupy the dwelling, and
  • (f) that the area of land acquired does not exceed the permitted area.
  • (3) Where the conditions in sub-paragraph (2)(a) to (e) are met but the area of land acquired exceeds the permitted area, the chargeable consideration for the acquisition is taken to be the amount calculated by deducting the market value of the permitted area from the market value of the dwelling.
  • (4) In this paragraph “relocation of employment” means a change of the individual’s place of employment due to—
  • (a) his becoming employed by a new employer,
  • (b) an alteration of the duties of his employment, or
  • (c) an alteration of the place where he normally performs those duties.
  • (5) For the purposes of this paragraph a change of residence is one “resulting from” relocation of employment if—
  • (a) the change is made wholly or mainly to allow the individual to have his residence within a reasonable daily travelling distance of his new place of employment, and
  • (b) his former residence is not within a reasonable daily travelling distance of that place.
  • An individual’s “new place of employment” means the place where he normally performs, or is normally to perform, the duties of his employment after the relocation.
  • (6) In this paragraph—
  • (a) references to the acquisition of the dwelling are to the acquisition, by way of transfer, of a major interest in the dwelling; and
  • (b) references to the market value of the dwelling and of the permitted area are, respectively, to the market value of that major interest in the dwelling and of that interest so far as it relates to that area.

Meaning of “dwelling”, “new dwelling” and “the permitted area”

7
  • (1) “Dwelling” includes land occupied and enjoyed with the dwelling as its garden or grounds.
  • (2) A building or part of a building is a “new dwelling” if—
  • (a) it has been constructed for use as a single dwelling and has not previously been occupied, or
  • (b) it has been adapted for use as a single dwelling and has not been occupied since its adaptation.
  • (3) “The permitted area”, in relation to a dwelling, means land occupied and enjoyed with the dwelling as its garden or grounds that does not exceed—
  • (a) an area (inclusive of the site of the dwelling) of 0.5 of a hectare, or
  • (b) such larger area as is required for the reasonable enjoyment of the dwelling as a dwelling having regard to its size and character.
  • (4) Where sub-paragraph (3)(b) applies, the permitted area is taken to consist of that part of the land that would be the most suitable for occupation and enjoyment with the dwelling as its garden or grounds if the rest of the land were separately occupied.

Meaning of “property trader” and “principal”

8
  • (1) A “property trader” means—
  • (a) a company,
  • (b) a limited liability partnership, or
  • (c) a partnership whose members are all either companies or limited liability partnerships,

that carries on the business of buying and selling dwellings.

  • (2) In relation to a property trader a “principal” means—
  • (a) in the case of a company, a director;
  • (b) in the case of a limited liability partnership, a member;
  • (c) in the case of a partnership whose members are all either companies or limited liability partnerships, a member or a person who is a principal of a member.
  • (3) For the purposes of this Schedule—
  • (a) anything done by or in relation to a company connected with a property trader is treated as done by or in relation to that property trader, and
  • (b) references to the principals or employees of a property trader include the principals or employees of any such company.

Meaning of “refurbishment” and “the permitted amount”

9
  • (1) “Refurbishment” of a dwelling means the carrying out of works that enhance or are intended to enhance the value of the dwelling, but does not include—
  • (a) cleaning the dwelling, or
  • (b) works required solely for the purpose of ensuring that the dwelling meets minimum safety standards.
  • (2) “The permitted amount”, in relation to the refurbishment of a dwelling, is—
  • (a) £10,000, or
  • (b) 5% of the consideration for the acquisition of the dwelling,

whichever is the greater, but subject to a maximum of £20,000.

Connected companies etc.

10

Section 839 of the Taxes Act 1988 (connected persons) has effect for the purposes of this Schedule.

Withdrawal of relief under this Schedule

11
  • (1) Relief under this Schedule is withdrawn in the following circumstances.
  • (2) Relief under paragraph 2 (acquisition by property trader from individual acquiring new dwelling) is withdrawn if the property trader—
  • (a) spends more than the permitted amount on refurbishment of the old dwelling, or
  • (b) grants a lease or licence of the old dwelling, or
  • (c) permits any of its principals or employees (or any person connected with any of its principals or employees) to occupy the old dwelling.
  • (3) Relief under paragraph 3 (acquisition by property trader from personal representatives) is withdrawn if the property trader—
  • (a) spends more than the permitted amount on refurbishment of the dwelling, or
  • (b) grants a lease or licence of the dwelling, or
  • (c) permits any of its principals or employees (or any person connected with any of its principals or employees) to occupy the dwelling.
  • (4) Relief under paragraph 4 (acquisition by property trader from individual where chain of transactions breaks down) is withdrawn if the property trader—
  • (a) spends more than the permitted amount on refurbishment of the old dwelling, or
  • (b) grants a lease or licence of the old dwelling, or
  • (c) permits any of its principals or employees (or any person connected with any of its principals or employees) to occupy the old dwelling.
  • (5) Relief under paragraph 6 (acquisition by property trader in case of relocation of employment) is withdrawn if the property trader—
  • (a) spends more than the permitted amount on refurbishment of the dwelling, or
  • (b) grants a lease or licence of the dwelling, or
  • (c) permits any of its principals or employees (or any person connected with any of its principals or employees) to occupy the dwelling.
  • (6) Where relief is withdrawn the amount of tax chargeable is the amount that would have been chargeable in respect of the acquisition but for the relief.

SCHEDULE 17A

Meaning of “lease”

1

In this Part “lease” means—

  • (a) an interest or right in or over land for a term of years (whether fixed or periodic), or
  • (b) a tenancy at will or other interest or right in or over land terminable by notice at any time.

Leases for a fixed term

2

In the application of the provisions of this Part to a lease for a fixed term, no account shall be taken of—

  • (a) any contingency as a result of which the lease may determine before the end of the fixed term, or
  • (b) any right of either party to determine the lease or renew it.

Leases that continue after a fixed term

3
  • (1) This paragraph applies to—
  • (a) a lease for a fixed term and thereafter until determined, or
  • (b) a lease for a fixed term that may continue beyond the fixed term by operation of law.
  • (2) For the purposes of this Part (except sections 77 and 77A (notifiable transactions)), a lease to which this paragraph applies is treated—
  • (a) in the first instance as if it were a lease for the original fixed term and no longer,
  • (b) if the lease continues after the end of that term, as if it were a lease for a fixed term one year longer than the original fixed term,
  • (c) if the lease continues after the end of the term resulting from the application of paragraph (b), as if it were a lease for a fixed term two years longer than the original fixed term,

and so on.

  • (3) Where the effect of sub-paragraph (2) in relation to the continuation of the lease for a period (or further period) of one year after the end of a fixed term is that a transaction becomes notifiable, the purchaser must deliver a return in respect of that transaction before the end of the period of 14 days after the end of that one year period.
  • (3ZA) Where the effect of sub-paragraph (2) in relation to the continuation of the lease for a period (or further period) of one year after the end of a fixed term is that—
  • (a) tax is payable in respect of a transaction where none was payable before and sub-paragraph (3) does not apply, or
  • (b) additional tax is payable in respect of a transaction,

the purchaser must deliver a further return in respect of that transaction before the end of the period of 30 days after the end of that one year period.

  • (3ZB) For the purposes of sub-paragraphs (3) and (3ZA), any tax or additional tax payable is calculated according to the effective date of the transaction.
  • (3ZC) Where a purchaser is required to deliver a return under sub-paragraph (3) or a further return under sub-paragraph (3ZA)—
  • (a) that return must include a self-assessment of the amount of tax chargeable in respect of the transaction on the basis of the information contained in the return, and
  • (b) the tax or additional tax payable must be paid not later than the filing date for that return.
  • (3A) But no tax or additional tax is payable in respect of a transaction as a result of the continuation of a lease for a period (or further period) of one year under sub-paragraph (2) if, during that one year period, the tenant under the lease is granted a new lease of the same or substantially the same premises in circumstances where paragraph 9A applies.
  • (3B) Sub-paragraph (2) is subject to paragraph 3A.
  • (4) The provisions of Schedule 10 (returns, enquiries, assessments and other matters) apply to a return under this paragraph as they apply to a return under section 76 (general requirement to deliver land transaction return), with the adaptation that references to the effective date of the transaction shall be read as references to the last day of the one year period for which the lease is continued or (as the case may be) further continued.
  • (5) For the purposes of sections 77 and 77A (notifiable transactions) a lease to which this paragraph applies is a lease for whatever is its fixed term.
  • (6) Where—
  • (a) a lease would be treated as continuing for a period (or further period) of one year under sub-paragraph (2), but
  • (b) (ignoring that sub-paragraph) the lease actually terminates at a time during that period,

the lease is to be treated as continuing under sub-paragraph (2) only until that time; and the references in sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) to that one year period are accordingly to be read as references to so much of that year as ends with that time.

Treatment of leases for indefinite term

4
  • (1) For the purposes of this Part (except sections 77 and 77A (notifiable transactions))—
  • (a) a lease for an indefinite term is treated in the first instance as if it were a lease for a fixed term of a year,
  • (b) if the lease continues after the end of the term resulting from the application of paragraph (a), it is treated as if it were a lease for a fixed term of two years,
  • (c) if the lease continues after the end of the term resulting from the application of paragraph (b), it is treated as if it were a lease for a fixed term of three years,

and so on.

  • (2) No account shall be taken for the purposes of this Part of any other statutory provision in England and Wales or Northern Ireland deeming a lease for an indefinite period to be a lease for a different term.
  • (3) Where the effect of sub-paragraph (1) in relation to the continuation of the lease after the end of a deemed fixed term is that a transaction becomes notifiable, the purchaser must deliver a return in respect of that transaction before the end of the period of 14 days after the end of that term.
  • (3A) Where the effect of sub-paragraph (1) in relation to the continuation of the lease after the end of a deemed fixed term is that—
  • (a) tax is payable in respect of a transaction where none was payable before and sub-paragraph (3) does not apply, or
  • (b) additional tax is payable in respect of a transaction,

the purchaser must deliver a further return in respect of that transaction before the end of the period of 30 days after the end of that term.

  • (3B) For the purposes of sub-paragraphs (3) and (3A), any tax or additional tax payable is calculated according to the effective date of the transaction.
  • (3C) Where a purchaser is required to deliver a return under sub-paragraph (3) or a further return under sub-paragraph (3A)—
  • (a) that return must include a self-assessment of the amount of tax chargeable in respect of the transaction on the basis of the information contained in the return, and
  • (b) the tax or additional tax payable must be paid not later than the filing date for that return.
  • (4) The provisions of Schedule 10 (returns, enquiries, assessments and other matters) apply to a return under this paragraph as they apply to a return under section 76 (general requirement to deliver land transaction return), with the adaptation that references to the effective date of the transaction shall be read as references to the day on which the lease becomes treated as being for a longer fixed term.
  • (4A) For the purposes of sections 77 and 77A (notifiable transactions) a lease for an indefinite term is a lease for a term of less then seven years.
  • (5) References in this paragraph to a lease for an indefinite period include—
  • (a) a periodic tenancy or other interest or right terminable by a period of notice,
  • (b) a tenancy at will ..., or
  • (c) any other interest or right terminable by notice at any time.

Treatment of successive linked leases

5
  • (1) This paragraph applies where—
  • (a) successive leases are granted or treated as granted (whether at the same time or at different times) of the same or substantially the same premises, and
  • (b) those grants are linked transactions.
  • (2) This Part applies as if the series of leases were a single lease—
  • (a) granted at the time of the grant of the first lease in the series,
  • (b) for a term equal to the aggregate of the terms of all the leases, and
  • (c) in consideration of the rent payable under all of the leases.
  • (3) The grant of later leases in the series is accordingly disregarded for the purposes of this Part except section 81A (return or further return in consequence of later linked transaction).

Rent

6
  • (1) For the purposes of this Part a single sum expressed to be payable in respect of rent, or expressed to be payable in respect of rent and other matters but not apportioned, shall be treated as entirely rent.
  • (2) Sub-paragraph (1) is without prejudice to the application of paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 (chargeable consideration: just and reasonable apportionment) where separate sums are expressed to be payable in respect of rent and other matters.

Variable or uncertain rent

7
  • (1) This paragraph applies to determine the amount of rent payable under a lease where that amount—
  • (a) varies in accordance with provision in the lease, or
  • (b) is contingent, uncertain or unascertained.
  • (2) As regards rent payable in respect of any period before the end of the fifth year of the term of the lease—
  • (a) the provisions of this Part apply as in relation to other chargeable consideration, and
  • (b) the provisions of section 51 (1) and (2) accordingly apply if the amount is contingent, uncertain or unascertained.
  • (3) As regards rent payable in respect of any period after the end of the fifth year of the term of the lease, the annual amount is assumed for the purposes of this Part to be, in every case, equal to the highest amount of rent payable in respect of any consecutive twelve month period in the first five years of the term.

In determining that amount take into account (if necessary) any amounts determined as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b), but disregard paragraphs 9(2) and 9A(3) (deemed reduction of rent, where further lease granted, for period during which rents overlap).

  • (4) This paragraph has effect subject to paragraph 8 (adjustment where rent payable ceases to be uncertain).
  • (4A) For the purposes of this paragraph and paragraph 8, the cases where the amount of rent payable under a lease is uncertain or unascertained include cases where there is a possibility of that amount being varied under—
  • (a) section 12, 13 or 33 of the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986,
  • (b) Part 2 of the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995,
  • (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • (5) No account shall be taken for the purposes of this Part of any provision for rent to be adjusted in line with the retail prices index.

Adjustment where rent ceases to be uncertain

8
  • (1) Where the provisions of section 51 (1) and (2) (contingent, uncertain or unascertained consideration) apply in relation to a transaction by virtue of paragraph 7 (uncertain rent) and—
  • (a) the end of the fifth year of the term of the lease is reached, or
  • (b) the amount of rent payable in respect of the first five years of the term of the lease ceases to be uncertain at an earlier date,

the following provisions have effect to require or permit reconsideration of how this Part applies to the transaction (and to any transaction in relation to which it is a linked transaction).

  • (2) For the purposes of this paragraph the amount of rent payable ceases to be uncertain when—
  • (a) in the case of contingent rent, the contingency occurs or it becomes clear that it will not occur, and
  • (b) in the case of uncertain or unascertained rent, the amount becomes ascertained.
  • (3) If the result as regards the rent paid or payable in respect of the first five years of the term of the lease is that a transaction becomes notifiable, the purchaser must make a return to HMRC within 14 days of the date referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b).
  • (3A) If the result as regards the rent paid or payable in respect of the first five years of the term of the lease is that—
  • (a) tax is payable in respect of a transaction where none was payable before and sub-paragraph (3) does not apply, or
  • (b) additional tax is payable in respect of a transaction,

the purchaser must make a further return to HMRC within 30 days of the date referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b).

  • (3B) If a purchaser is required to make a return under sub-paragraph (3) or a further return under sub-paragraph (3A)—
  • (a) that return must contain a self-assessment of the tax chargeable in respect of the transaction on the basis of the information contained in the return,
  • (b) the tax so chargeable is to be calculated by reference to the rates in force at the effective date of the transaction, and
  • (c) the tax or additional tax payable must be paid not later than the filing date for that return.
  • (4) The provisions of Schedule 10 (returns, enquiries, assessment and other matters) apply to a return under this paragraph as they apply to a return under section 76 (general requirement to make land transaction return), subject to the adaptation that references to the effective date of the transaction shall be read as references to the date referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b).
  • (5) If the result as regards the rent paid or payable in respect of the first five years of the term of the lease is that less tax is payable in respect of the transaction than has already been paid—
  • (a) the purchaser may, within the period allowed for amendment of the land transaction return, amend the return accordingly;
  • (b) after the end of that period he may (if the land transaction return is not so amended) make a claim to the Inland Revenue for repayment of the amount overpaid.

Rent for overlap period in case of grant of further lease

9
  • (1) This paragraph applies where—

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