Homeowners are being warned by HMRC about scam cold calls from rogue tax repayment agencies advising them to make stamp duty land tax (SDLT) refund claims, potentially leading to large tax bills.

The warning has been issued after HMRC received a number of stamp duty refund claims which failed to meet its criteria. Incorrect refund claims must be repaid to HMRC with interest, potentially incurring penalties as well.

The cold callers are known to call new homeowners after finding them through the Land Registry records and property search websites.

HMRC analysis suggests up to a third of claims for multiple dwelling relief refunds were incorrect.

Nicole Newbury, HMRC director for wealthy and mid-sized business, said:

"We are seeing obviously spurious refund claims that are never going to succeed; but will lead to an unnecessary bill for the customer.

"So we are warning new homeowners not to get caught out by tax repayment agents promising easy money on a ‘no win, no fee' basis.

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We want to help people get it right and avoid unnecessary tax bills, so treat promises of easy money with real caution."

Anyone approached about stamp duty refund claims should check with the original conveyancer or call HMRC.

Ask us about your stamp duty land tax.