HMRC have answered six questions on the following SDLT issues: (1) whether FA 2003 Sch 15 para 17A is still needed; (2) the interaction of FA 2003 s 53 and Sch 17A para 16; (3) partial exemption for joint purchasers including charities or RSLs; (4) the time limit for amendments to land transaction returns in circumstances involving an agreement for lease conditional on planning permission; (5) SDLT on gifts by individuals as exchanges; and (6) effective dates and works. The comments on the questions concerning surrenders and re-grants of leases and on a suggested solution to the problem arising from the time limit for amending land transaction returns reveal clear differences between the views of HMRC and the STPG.