U.K. to Accept Tax Relief Claims via Email to Stem Virus Spread

The U.K. will temporarily accept requests for stamp duty tax relief by email to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus.

“To stop the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) we have temporarily changed the way we deal with Stamp Duty,” the tax office said in updated guidance Friday. “You should not post schemes of arrangement to HMRC - you should email your documents to HMRC at stampdutymailbox@hmrc.gov.uk,,” it said on its website.

• The move affects companies involved in a takeover or merger using a transfer of shares, where stamp duty is payable.
• Those who have already mailed their claims should resubmit them electronically, the tax office said.