Stamp Duty and the Purchase of Company Shares
Stamp duty is a tax levied by the government on the purchase or transfer of certain assets. In the context of a company shareholder, when shares are bought or exchanged, stamp duty is usually payable.
When an existing company issues additional shares, the tax is payable by the purchaser, the party gaining the stake. Stamp duty is paid to HM Revenue and Customs at 0.5 % of the market value of the equity purchased. Shares issued to the original subscribers on company set-up are not subject to stamp duty.
Any subsequent equity issued to subscribers or any other chargeable persons would be liable to the tax.
