Navigating SDLT Compliance: InfoTrack’s New Questionnaire, Tax Assessment and Estimate

Why It Matters

The upgrade gives conveyancing firms a defensible, automated solution to meet HMRC’s tighter SDLT advisory requirements, reducing compliance risk and operational overhead.

Key Takeaways

• HMRC requires conveyancers to register as tax advisers under MTAR
• InfoTrack adds separate per‑party SDLT questionnaire to eCOS platform
• Integrated assessment auto‑generates audit‑ready SDLT estimate and complexity flags
• Two‑factor e‑signature locks forms, ensuring compliance with new regulations
• Feature included at no extra cost; commercial SDLT tools forthcoming

Pulse Analysis

The UK’s recent rollout of Mandatory Tax Adviser Registration marks a watershed for the conveyancing sector. By extending the definition of a tax adviser to any party submitting SDLT returns, HMRC forces firms to adopt rigorous data‑capture and audit practices, or risk penalties. With a three‑month deadline for registration, firms are scrambling for technology that can embed compliance into everyday workflows rather than treating it as an after‑the‑fact check.

InfoTrack’s eCOS platform answers that need by splitting SDLT data collection into two focused forms. The updated Purchaser Questionnaire retains property‑specific queries, while the new Per‑party SDLT Questionnaire gathers buyer‑level details such as marital status, residency under the 183‑day rule, and ownership of overseas assets exceeding £40,000 (about $50,800). Once signed with two‑factor authentication, the system locks the responses, timestamps the device and IP, and automatically generates an SDLT Assessment report that flags complexity, provides a tax estimate, and logs every answer for audit purposes. This creates a single source of truth that aligns with HMRC’s demand for transparent, defensible advice.

Beyond compliance, the solution delivers operational efficiencies. The questionnaire auto‑populates the existing purchase workspace, requiring no extra clicks and incurring no additional fees, which is rare in a market where add‑on modules often carry steep price tags. Looking ahead, InfoTrack plans to extend the functionality to commercial SDLT and lease extensions, positioning itself as a comprehensive compliance hub. Conveyancers that adopt these tools now can streamline client onboarding, reduce manual errors, and stay ahead of regulatory scrutiny, gaining a competitive edge in a tightening market.