William David Robinson & Anor v The Commissioners for HMRC [2025] UKFTT 55 (TC)

[2025] UKFTT 00055 (TC)Case No TC09407
FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL
TAX CHAMBER
Hearing Heard on: 17 December 2024Date Judgment date: 3 January 2025
In public by remote video hearing
Appeal reference: TC/2022/12337
STAMP DUTY LAND TAX – HMRC application to strike out – no reasonable prospects of success? - connected party subsale scheme promoted by Cornerstone - consideration for subsale of equitable interest by way of an annuity – application of Schedule 2A FA 2003 and s 75A FA 2003 – interaction with s 52 FA 2003 –no qualifying subsale – if there had been then there were tax avoidance arrangements – s75A applied – consideration not limited by s52 - scheme wholly without technical merit –appellants case bad in law - prospects of a successful appeal merely fanciful - appeal struck out
Before
TRIBUNAL JUDGE NIGEL POPPLEWELLMR CHRISTOPHER JENKINS
Between
WILLIAM DAVID ROBINSONAppellantMARIA FRANCIS MCALLISTERAppellantTHE COMMISSIONERS FOR HIS MAJESTY’S REVENUE AND CUSTOMSRespondentMrs McAllister for AppellantsMr David Street litigator of HM Revenue and Customs’ Solicitor’s Office for RespondentsDECISION

INTRODUCTION

[1]This appeal concerns the efficacy of a mass marketed scheme (“the scheme”), marketed by Cornerstone Tax (“Cornerstone”). It was designed to reduce Stamp Duty Land Tax (“SDLT”) on the acquisition of residential property.[2]In March 2016, the appellants purchased a residential property (“the property”) for £599,950. They used the scheme to mitigate the SDLT payable on that transaction. They filed SDLT returns. Those returns self-assessed the SDLT due as zero. HMRC opened enquiries into those returns. They issued a closure notice on 20 October 2021 assessing the appellants to SDLT of £19,997. The appellants have appealed against this assessment.[3]HMRC have applied to strike out the appeal on the basis that it has no reasonable prospects of success.[4]HMRC told us that they are aware of approximately 750 transactions in which the scheme (or some variant of it) was used.[5]Following the publication of an adverse GAAR panel ruling in April 2023, Goldstone Tax (a company associated with Cornerstone, and who submitted the notice of appeal on behalf the appellants in this appeal) wrote to users of the scheme recommending that they settle.[6]The vast majority of scheme users settled. HMRC told us that at present there are currently only four appeals (including this one) outstanding in relation to the scheme.[7]In simple terms the scheme was envisaged to work as follows. P wishes to purchase a dwelling from V. They enter into an arm’s-length contract (“the original contract”). Before completion of that contract, P sub sells a proportion of his putative equitable interest in that property to an associated individual, P2. Consideration is given by the provision, by P2, of an annuity. P then completes the contract with V.[8]It was Cornerstone’s view that the subsale of the equitable interest was a qualifying subsale under the relevant SDLT legislation. This meant that P could apply for an exemption from SDLT in respect of the original deal with V. P2 was liable to SDLT on the subsale but only on the basis of the annuity which was limited to 12 annual annuity payments (plus it seems an amount equal to the value of the equitable interest as a proportion of the consideration under the original contract). These fell within the nil rate band for SDLT, so no SDLT payable on the transaction.[9]For the reasons given later in this decision, we think this analysis is, and has always been, wholly wrong. It is clear to us that there is no technical merit whatsoever in Cornerstone’s analysis nor in the grounds of appeal which were drafted by Goldstone. We therefore have no hesitation in striking out this appeal as it has no reasonable prospects of success.

THE LAW

[10]The law relating to strike out and to the relevant SDLT legislation is set out in the Appendix.[11]References in the body of this decision to sections and schedules are to sections and schedules of and to the Finance Act 2003 (“FA 2003”). References to paragraph numbers are to paragraphs in Schedule 2A.

THE FACTS

[12]We were provided with a bundle of documents which included authorities. Although Mrs McAllister made oral representations, these were largely by way of submissions. On the basis of this evidence we make the following findings: The scheme (1). On 17 March 2016, Kenneth Alan Rumney and Jean Valerie Rumney (“thevendors”), entered into a contract (“the original contract”) to sell the freehold interest in the property to Mr Robinson and Mrs McAllister for consideration of £599,950. A deposit of £44,000 was paid on the entering into of the original contract and the completion date was stated to be 30 March 2016. (2). On 25 March 2016, Mr Robinson and Mrs McAllister entered into an ‘Agreement for Sale of an Equitable Interest’ under which Mr Robinson agreed to sell 82% of his 99% equitable interest in the property to Mrs McAllister in return for an annuity with a capital value of £496,878.59 at a yield of 0.25% (“the sale of the equitable interest”). Clause 3 of that agreement provided that, “on completion of the purchase of the property”, it “shall be held by William David Robinson and Maria Frances McAllister on trust as to 17% of the 99% beneficial interest in the Property for William David Robinson absolutely and as to the remaining 82% on trust for Maria Frances McAllister absolutely”. (3). On 25 March 2016, Mr Robinson and Mrs McAllister entered into a ‘Deed of Annuity’ under which Mrs McAllister agreed to pay Mr Robinson an annuity of £1,242.20 “[for life / in perpetuity]”. There is no evidence that payments were made by Mrs McAllister to Mr Robinson under the Deed of Annuity. (4). On 30 March 2016, the original contract completed, and the balance of the purchase price was paid by the appellants to the vendors. A single transfer document (TR1) was used to effect the transfer from the vendors to the appellants. The consideration stated in the TR1 is £599,950. It declares that the appellants hold the property on trust as to 99% for Mr Robinson and 1% for Mrs McAllister. Returns, enquiries, closure notices and appeals (5). On 6 April 2016, the appellants submitted:(a) An SDLT return showing the vendors as sellers of the property and Mr Robinson as the sole purchaser of it. In that return, pre-completion transaction relief (relief code 34) was claimed. It further stated that the consideration for the transaction was £491,959 and that the SDLT due was nil (“return 1”).(b) A second SDLT return showing the vendors as sellers of the property and the appellants as joint purchasers of it and stating that the consideration for the transaction was £122,897 and that the SDLT due was nil (“return 2”). (6). On 5 January 2017, HMRC wrote to the appellants to notify them of its intention to open enquiries into both returns. HMRC requested various information and documents in relation to the operation of the scheme. (7). On 20 October 2021, HMRC issued a closure notice to each of the appellants in respect of return 2 which amended the return to increase the SDLT due to £19,997. (8). On 18 November 2021, Goldstone appealed against the closure notice. (9). On 3 March 2022, HMRC wrote to the appellants giving their view of the matter and offering them a statutory review of the decision. (10). On 30 March 2022, Goldstone accepted the offer of a statutory review. (11). On 22 June 2022, the HMRC review officer issued their review conclusion upholding the closure notice and amendments. (12). On 21 July 2022, the appellants notified their appeal to the tribunal. Grounds of appeal (13). The grounds of appeal are set out below:
“1. The Appellants filed an SDLT return for a property showing SDLT due as £nil. 2. The Appellants appeal against HMRC's SDLT assessment on the basis that: a. the appellants (A & B) entered into a contract with the original vendor (V) to purchase the property, obtaining title as tenants in common in the ratios 99 (A):1(8) (Contract 1); b. A sub-sold to B a percentage of the equitable interest in the property (Contract 2). B granted an annuity as consideration for the equitable interest under Contract 2; c. on completion the appellants (A and B) own the property on trust; d. The transactions constitute a qualifying subsale for the purposes of Finance Act 2003 (FA 2003), Schedule 2A (see FA 2003, s.45). Relief is due under paragraph 16; e. S.52 FA 2003 applies to exclusively determine the amount of SDLT paid in respect of the annuity consideration (such that no other amount can be attributed for SDLT purposes); f. S.75A FA 2003 does not apply. S 52 exclusively determines the amount of the consideration for SDLT purposes. The Appellants reserve the right to amend these Grounds of Appeal once HMRC has served its Statement of Case (as to the law and facts)”. a. the appellants (A & B) entered into a contract with the original vendor (V) to purchase the property, obtaining title as tenants in common in the ratios 99 (A):1(8) (Contract 1); b. A sub-sold to B a percentage of the equitable interest in the property (Contract 2). B granted an annuity as consideration for the equitable interest under Contract 2; c. on completion the appellants (A and B) own the property on trust; d. The transactions constitute a qualifying subsale for the purposes of Finance Act 2003 (FA 2003), Schedule 2A (see FA 2003, s.45). Relief is due under paragraph 16; e. S.52 FA 2003 applies to exclusively determine the amount of SDLT paid in respect of the annuity consideration (such that no other amount can be attributed for SDLT purposes); f. S.75A FA 2003 does not apply. S 52 exclusively determines the amount of the consideration for SDLT purposes. The Appellants reserve the right to amend these Grounds of Appeal once HMRC has served its Statement of Case (as to the law and facts)”
. Other matters (14). In a document entitled “covering letter” which was attached to the appellant’s email to the tribunal of 13 May 2024, the appellants state as follows:
“House purchased via the grant of an annuity and sub sale - organised by Cornerstone Tax and the recommended solicitors - Lauriston & Saggar - professional fee insurance taken out and an extra premium paid to account for SDLT interest on the understanding that if this did not comply with UK lawful tax transactions, monies would be returned and the bill paid to HMRC as required”
. DISCUSSION Burden

DISCUSSION

[13]It is up to HMRC to establish, on the balance of probabilities, that the appeal has no reasonable prospects of success.

Submissions

[14]Mrs McAllister made no technical submissions at the hearing. However, in an email to the tribunal dated 21 August 2024, she and Mr Robinson essentially endorsed the grounds of appeal that had been submitted on their behalf by Goldstone and which are set out above. Shortly stated, those grounds are: (1). The sale of 82% of his equitable interest by Mr Robinson to Mrs McAllister was a qualifying sub sale within Schedule 2A, the consideration for which is limited to 12 annual annuity payments. (2). That reflects the provisions of section 52, which determines, exclusively, the SDLT payable for the sub sale limb of the transaction. So, section 75A does not apply.[15]In summary Mr Cross submitted as follows: (1). There is no pre-completion transaction within the meaning of Schedule 2A. (2). Firstly, adopting a purposive approach to the construction of the relevant legislation, there was only a single land transaction, namely the conveyance of the property from the vendors to Mr Robinson and Mrs McAllister. The sale of the equitable interest has no impact on the completion of that original contract. (3). Secondly, they can only be a pre-completion transaction under Schedule 2A if, as a result of that transaction, “a person other than the original purchaser” becomes entitled to call for a conveyance of the property. Here, Mr Robinson and Mrs McAllister were the original purchaser, and in that capacity were the only people entitled to call for a conveyance. There is no person other than the original purchaser, therefore, who became so entitled as a result of the sale of the equitable interest. (4). Thirdly, the sale of the equitable interest clearly formed part of tax avoidance arrangements. It is reasonable to conclude that the main purpose or one of the main purposes of the appellants in entering into the scheme was to obtain a tax advantage. (5). There is no justification for the submission that section 52 excludes the application of section 75A. Section 75A applies to the scheme as the sale of the equitable interest is a scheme transaction. There is therefore a notional transaction between the vendors and the appellants, the consideration for which is the amount given by or on behalf the appellants (or received by the vendors) as consideration for the transaction. In both cases that is £599,950. Our view Pre completion transaction relief

Our view

[16]We start by considering HMRC’s challenge to the pre-completion transaction relief claimed by the appellants.[17]HMRC challenge the appellants’ right to claim the relief on two bases. Firstly, when the statutory provisions are construed purposively against the facts viewed realistically, there was only ever a single land transaction.[18]Secondly, if there were two land transactions (a sale and the subsale), relief is not available as the subsale was not a qualifying subsale.[19]The current pre-completion transaction provisions are set out in s45 and Schedule 2A. The legislation is set out in the Appendix. But broadly speaking it works as follows.[20]Where a vendor has contracted with a purchaser for the sale of a chargeable interest and before that contract is completed, someone other than that purchaser becomes entitled to call for a conveyance of that interest, then subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, the purchaser may be entitled to relief from the SDLT which would otherwise be payable on completion of the acquisition. A qualifying subsale is one class of transactions which potentially qualifies for the relief.[21]The purchaser needs to claim that relief by completing an SDLT return.[22]However, relief cannot be claimed where the qualifying subsale forms part of any tax avoidance arrangements.[23]The sub purchaser, too, must complete an SDLT return specifying the consideration payable for the subsale.[24]Where the purchaser and sub purchaser are connected, that consideration is deemed to be an appropriate proportion of the consideration payable by the purchaser under the original contract (“the minimum consideration”) as well as any additional consideration payable by the sub purchaser.[25]The case of these appellants, return 1, which appears to deal with the sale limb of the transaction, somewhat bizarrely states that Mr Robinson is the sole purchaser, and expresses the consideration to be £491,959. It claims pre-completion transaction relief.[26]Return 2 states that the vendors are the sellers, the purchasers are the appellants, and the consideration is £122,897.[27]The maths here seems to be that that figure is made up as being 18% of the purchase price plus 12 annual annuity payments.[28]This again seems very odd since if this consideration was designed to comply with the minimum consideration rule, and the equitable interest sold by Mr Robinson to Mrs McAllister was 82% of his 99% interest, then the minimum consideration, based on the £599,950 payable under the original contract, is in the region of £491,959 (i.e. the consideration expressed to be payable under return 1).[29]However, this mathematical oddity is largely irrelevant to our consideration of the relevant issues.[30]Although this point was not made by Goldstone, we would observe that HMRC have issued their closure notice in respect of their enquiry into return 2. And in that return, no pre-completion transaction relief is claimed. That relief was only claimed in return 1. But we don’t think this matters. Return 2 declares that the vendors are the sellers and the appellants are the purchasers and the consideration as being £122,987. HMRC have closed their enquiry and concluded that the consideration for the transaction in which there are those sellers and purchasers, should be £599,950. They say that for one reason or another, the appellants were the purchasers in a land transaction for which the consideration is that amount. We find that this is a valid closure notice.

Only one transaction

[31]HMRC’s first challenge is that has been no pre-completion transaction. This is either because there has only been a single transaction based on a purposive construction of the legislation, or that an essential precondition for the provisions to apply has not been met. They say that there has been no transaction as a result of which a person other than the original purchaser has become entitled to call for a conveyance of the property.[32]It is notable that both of these challenges were set out in HMRC’s view of the matter letter dated 3 March 2022 and in their review conclusion letter dated 22 June 2022, yet neither were dealt with in the grounds of appeal.[33]Our task is to decide whether the relevant statutory provisions, construed purposively, are intended to apply to the scheme, viewed realistically. In this case the question is whether sections 44 and 45 and Schedule 2A construed purposively, are intended to apply to the scheme viewed realistically.[34]There is no doubt that the scheme is a tax avoidance scheme. That is abundantly clear from the facts as we have found them. The scheme’s existence and purpose were solely to avoid SDLT on the purchase of the property from the vendors.[35]From the Supreme Court decision in Hurstwood Properties (A) Ltd v Rossendale BC [2022] A.C. 690 (SC), which dealt with business rates, we take the following principles of statutory construction in relation to the relevant SDLT legislation and the scheme: (1). The essence of the approach is to give the statutory provision a purposive construction in order to determine the nature of the transaction to which it was intended to apply and then to decide whether the actual transaction (which might involve considering the overall effect of a number of elements intended to operate together) answers to the statutory description. (2). Sections 44 and 45 and Schedule 2A must be read in the context of FA 2003 as a whole which in turn should be read in the historical context of the situation which led to its enactment. (3). The purpose for which Schedule 2A was introduced requires consideration of its political and social objective. (4). Since the scheme is a tax avoidance scheme which involves a series of steps planned in advance, it is both permissible and necessary not just to consider the particular steps individually but to consider the scheme as a whole. (5). The result of applying the purposive approach to fiscal legislation has often been to disregard transactions or elements of transactions which have no business purpose and have as their sole aim the avoidance of tax. It is not generally to be expected that Parliament intends to exempt from tax a transaction which has no purpose other than tax avoidance.[36]HMRC’s first challenge is that there is no subsale of the property notwithstanding the sale of the equitable interest. There was no land transaction until the original contract was completed, and when it was so completed, it completed the sale of the property from the vendors to the appellants for the purchase price. That is reflected in the TR1. The sale of the equitable interest does not impinge on that.[37]We recognise the force of this submission. The purpose of the pre-completion transaction relief (originally introduced in the FA 2003 by section 45 and subsequently amended by the introduction of Schedule 2A in 2013) was to relieve a purchaser who had only a fleeting or transient interest in land, from an SDLT charge, where that purchaser had assigned their rights to the land prior to completing the original purchase. The intention was that the sub purchaser in these circumstances, who would have an ongoing and substantial interest in the property, would bear the duty. It was never intended to relieve a transaction from duty completely. It was intended to remove the double charge to duty in circumstances where there was, in effect, only one purchaser who acquires the real economic interest in property.[38]We have applied this principle to our interpretation of the relevant legislation, and in particular whether there has been a pre-completion transaction. The transaction is only a pre-completion transaction if “as a result of the transaction a person other than the original purchaser… becomes entitled to call for a conveyance to that person of the whole or part of the subject matter of the original contract…”.[39]On both a literal and purposive interpretation of this provision, the sale of the equitable interest does not comprise a pre-completion transaction. The legislation is clearly not intended to apply to a situation such as this. And it does not. Prior to the sale of the equitable interest, the original purchaser (the appellants) were entitled to call for a conveyance of the property from the vendors. After that transaction (or as a result of it) the only people who were entitled to call for a conveyance of the property from the vendors were the appellants.[40]Whether this was under the original contract, or as a result of the sale of the equitable interest does not matter. In our view the right to call for a conveyance arises under the original contract since, to the extent that there was a valid transfer of an equitable interest, that per se does not give the equitable owner the right to call for a conveyance to it. That right was enjoyed by the appellants under the original contract.[41]But what is crystal clear is that at no stage in the scheme was anyone other than the appellants entitled to call for a conveyance of the subject matter of the original contract.[42]And this is how the legislation is intended to work. The appellants purchased the property for their own use. Therefore, they should be liable to the tax. They do not have a fleeting or transient interest in the property. They have a substantive and long-term interest in it.[43]Goldstone have never challenged this point. Nor is it addressed in Cornerstones original advice.[44]The conditions for claiming pre completion transaction relief were not met. There was a single land transaction from the vendors to the appellants, the consideration for which, as reflected in the TR1, was £599,950.

Tax advantage

[45]HMRC’s second submission was that even if the sale of the equitable interest was a pre-completion transaction, relief for the original purchaser was not available as the qualifying subsale formed part of a tax avoidance arrangement.[46]Whether this is so is an objective test. Arrangements are tax avoidance arrangements under paragraph 18 “if, having regard to all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to conclude that the obtaining of a tax advantage for the original purchaser or any other person was the main purpose, or one of the main purposes of the original purchaser in entering into the arrangements”.[47]Tax advantage is broadly defined and includes a relief from tax and the avoidance or reduction of a charge to tax.[48]We have no hesitation in concluding, and find as a fact, that the scheme had, as its main or one of its main purposes, the obtaining of a tax advantage for the appellants.[49]We say this for a number of reasons. (1). Firstly, it is self-evident that a purchaser buying a residential property would not go through the transactions envisaged by the scheme unless it would save them SDLT. There are no domestic or other reasons why the appellants would have structured the purchase in the way described in the scheme unless they had as their main purpose the avoidance or reduction to the SDLT otherwise payable. (2). Secondly, the grounds of appeal clearly demonstrate that the scheme exploited the legislation (or rather was intended to exploit the legislation) in a way reflected in the SDLT returns and consequently no SDLT was payable under either. (3). Cornerstone’s generic letter (which was sent to users of the scheme although there is no evidence that such a letter was sent to the appellants) clearly set out that the scheme is designed to “mitigate” SDLT and suggests that this is “aggressive tax planning” (and thus a user might incur a reputational risk if they used the scheme). (4). The GAAR panel’s opinion was that these were abusive arrangements. (5). The letter sent by Goldstone to scheme users following the GAAR panel’s ruling tals about “your tax planning”. (6). The fact that the appellants paid a premium to nominated lawyers for implementing the scheme.[50]We have no hesitation in concluding that the scheme comprises tax avoidance arrangements and thus the appellants, in their capacity as original purchasers, could not claim relief for any pre-completion transaction.[51]Once again, it is notable that this challenge to the efficacy of the scheme, and justification for it being claimed in return 1, was contained in both HMRCs view of the matter letter and their review conclusion letter, yet it was not addressed at all in Goldstone’s grounds of appeal.[52]It is worth saying however that in the Cornerstone letter referred to above, they do deal with tax avoidance arrangements and say “however these are subject to the overriding condition that the TAAR in s75A overreaches this rule. Since this is not triggered in this case… then relief can be properly claimed”.[53]This is a novel and somewhat ambitious interpretation of the law. There is nothing in the legislation itself to suggest that the tax avoidance arrangements provisions in paragraph 18 do not apply where section 75A does not apply. Or to put it the other way round, paragraph 18 applies only when section 75A applies. There is no caselaw of which we are aware supports it. No authority for the proposition was given in the letter.[54]The two provisions are independent and perform separate tasks. Paragraph 18 is a specific, motive-based provision which applies only to pre-completion transactions. Section 75A is a freestanding motiveless anti-avoidance provision which applies across the SDLT landscape.[55]It would be very surprising if the former is only switched on by the engagement of the latter. And it is not. It is possible for a qualifying subsale to fall foul of paragraph 18 yet section 75A might not apply. And vice versa. The qualifying subsale might be entered into for perfectly proper motives yet be struck down by section 75A.[56]There is a statutory link in paragraph 18(5) which specifically states that “Nothing in… this paragraph affects the breadth of the application of section 75A to 75C (anti-avoidance)”.[57]But that simply emphases the broad application of section 75A and that it remains applicable even if the provisions of paragraph 18 apply. It does not say that paragraph 18 is switched on only if section 75A is also engaged.[58]This did not comprise a ground of appeal and so we consider it no further in this decision. But it is symptomatic of the cavalier analysis which Cornerstone has adopted towards the application of the relevant SDLT legislation to the mechanics of the scheme.

S75A

[59]HMRC’s final challenge is under section 75A. Again, this challenge was set out in HMRC’s foregoing correspondence, but on this occasion, as can be seen from the grounds of appeal, Goldstone provided a “justification” as to why section 75A does not apply.[60]It is clear from the text of section 75A itself, and the circumstances in which it was introduced into FA 2003 in 2007 (having already been introduced into the SDLT regime by way of statutory instrument) that section 75A is a targeted anti-avoidance provision, designed to combat the avoidance of SDLT (see Project Blue in the FTT per Judge Brannan at [211-216]).[61]It is motiveless as per Lord Hodge in Project Blue Limited v Commissioners for Her Majesty’sRevenue and Customs [2018] UKSC 30 (“Project Blue”), at [42] “there is nothing in the body of the section which expressly or inferentially refers to motivation. The provision was enacted to counter tax avoidance which resulted from the use of a number of transactions to effect the disposal and acquisition of a chargeable interest. It is sufficient for the operation of the section that tax avoidance, in the sense of a reduced liability or no liability to SDLT, resulted from the series of transactions which the parties put in place, whatever their motive for transacting in that matter”.[62]It therefore must be construed in the same manner as sections 44 and 45 and Schedule 2A, and the principles regarding statutory construction set out at [35] above apply.[63]Section 75A itself was designed to combat subsale schemes such as the scheme. Such schemes are envisaged as being scheme transactions within the ambit of section 75A(3)(b).[64]Under section 75A, where there is a disposal of a chargeable interest from V to P, one or more scheme transactions are involved in connection with that disposal and as a result of the scheme transactions less SDLT is payable than would have been payable had there been a notional transaction from V to P, then any scheme transactions which are land transactions are disregarded, and SDLT is charged on that notional transaction.[65]One difficulty which arises is identifying V and P, and in particular P. But Lord Hodge has made it clear in [44] of Project Blue that P is the “person on whom the tax charge would have fallen if there had not been the scheme transactions to which subsection (1)(b) refers and which exploited a loophole in the statutory provisions”.[66]In relation to the acquisition of the property by the appellants, the appellants are P as they are the person on whom the SDLT liability would have fallen had it not been for the scheme.[67]So, applying the provisions of section 75A to the scheme: (1). Section 75A is engaged since the vendors disposed of the property which was acquired by the appellants and a number of transactions (including the sale of the equitable interest and the Deed of Annuity) were involved in connection with that disposal and acquisition. (2). The SDLT payable in respect of the scheme transactions (zero) is less than the amount that would have been paid on a notional transaction between the vendors and the appellants (£19,997). (3). In these circumstances the sale of the equitable interest is disregarded and there is a notional transaction between the vendors and the appellants for which the chargeable consideration is the £599,950 paid by the appellant under the original contract, and (subject to what we say below) the 12 annual annuity payments payable for the sale of the equitable interest.[68]HMRC do not suggest that the appellant’s liability is anything other than the duty payable on the consideration of £599,950. They are not seeking to increase the duty by adding the annuity payments to that consideration.[69]And this is not something which we need to consider further in the context of strike out application.

Section 52

[70]Finally, in the context of section 75A, we have considered the assertion that section 52 applies to exclusively determine the amount of consideration for SDLT purposes.[71]Section 52 is a charging provision. Like sections 51 and 53 it deals with circumstances in which the chargeable consideration provisions in Schedule 4 do not readily apply to a particular transaction. Section 52 applies where consideration is given by way of an annuity. Section 52(2) provides that the consideration to be taken into account “is limited to 12 years annual payments”.[72]We firstly observe that Cornerstone, who presumably recommended the figures which were to be included in the SDLT returns, did not recommend that the amount of SDLT was only 12 annual annuity payments. In return 2, the chargeable consideration was stated to be £122,897. This suggests that the appellants are connected and the minimum consideration provisions apply.[73]Furthermore, we can see no justification for the assertion that somehow section 52 ousts the application of section 75A.[74]As stated above, section 75A is a wide-ranging charging provision which applies, mechanically, where the preconditions for its application are made out (as they are in this case). There is nothing in that section which limits its application in the manner suggested by Goldstone.[75]In the Upper Tribunal decision of David Hannah [2021] UKUT 22 (an individual associated with Cornerstone and which also involved the use of an annuity) it was argued that section 52 was a relieving provision from which the notional transaction under section 75A should benefit by virtue of section 75C (2).[76]That submission was rejected by the Upper Tribunal. They doubted that section 52 was a relief. We would go further and say that it is not a relief. To the contrary, it is a charging provision.[77]Furthermore, the Upper Tribunal pointed out that even if the consideration for the notional transaction could be reduced by dint of the annuity being given by way of consideration for the sale, the amount received by the vendors was still the amount they actually received for the sale (in that case £765,000). That amount is unaffected by the provisions of section 52 even if it could be construed as a relief. The same is true in this case.[78]In conclusion, therefore, it is our view that section 75A applies to the scheme with the consequence that the SDLT payable is £19,997. That application is unaffected by the provisions of section 52.

Strike out

[79]Our role is not to determine the appeal. It is to consider HMRC’s application that the appeal should be struck out on the basis that it has no reasonable prospect of success.[80]We have considered the legal principles on strike out as set out in the Appendix. We must decide whether there is a realistic as opposed to a fanciful prospect of the appellants succeeding if their appeal went to a trial. Their appeal must carry some degree of conviction.[81]We need to consider whether if the matter went to trial, further evidence might be adduced which would affect the outcome of the case.[82]Where we are satisfied that we have all the evidence necessary for a proper determination of the issues and that the parties have had an adequate opportunity to address them in argument, we should grasp the nettle and decide it.[83]That is what we intend to do. The issues in these appeals involved short points of statutory construction. The evidence is before us. Whilst there are many inconsistencies in the scheme analysis and the way in which it was implemented in the conveyancing documents and reflected in the SDLT returns, we are in no doubt as to the moving parts of the scheme. There is no need for oral evidence. The documents speak for themselves. The appellants are innocents abroad. They will be able to give no additional evidence which would affect the legal analysis of the scheme. The question of whether the scheme involved tax avoidance arrangements is an objective test. For the reasons set out above, we have no hesitation in saying that there were such arrangements.[84]For all the reasons given above, it is our view that the appellants’ case is bad in law and there is no realistic prospect of it succeeding if this matter went to a trial.

DECISION

[85]We allow HMRC’s application and Direct that these proceedings are struck out with immediate effect.[86]We would advert the appellants to the provisions of Rule 8(5) and (6) regarding reinstatement.

RIGHT TO APPLY FOR PERMISSION TO APPEAL

[87]This document contains full findings of fact and reasons for the decision. Any party dissatisfied with this decision has a right to apply for permission to appeal against it pursuant to Rule 39 of the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 2009. The application must be received by this Tribunal not later than 56 days after this decision is sent to that party. The parties are referred to “Guidance to accompany a Decision from the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber)” which accompanies and forms part of this decision notice. NIGEL POPPLEWELL TRIBUNAL JUDGE Release date: 03rd JANUARY 2025