Stamp duty refund Hungary

Hi,

Has anyone out there ever had to claim back stamp duty paid in Hungary? I was buying an apartment in Budapest and paid the stamp duty some time ago. However, it now looks like I will be terminating the contract so I was wondering how to go about getting a refund of the stamp duty I paid.

Any info or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Catser.

You'll definitely need your lawyer to assist with this one! Hungarian bodies don't like giving refunds and you'll need to make a formal application to APEH, most likely with the assistance of your lawyer. Technically speaking, are you definitely terminating the contract or are you effectively selling the property on to someone else? If it's the latter, the situation may be treated as if you purchased the apartment first.

It looks like I will be terminating the contract but until I see it on paper I won't be taking anything for granted!

I don't actually have my own independent lawyer at the moment so I was hoping to apply for the refund myself. Who or what is APEH?

You'll need a lawyer, Catser. Almost nobody in administration in Hungary speaks English for a start.

APEH is the Hungarian equivalent of the Revenue Commissioners.

To be honest after my recent experience with a Hungarian lawyer I don't particularly want to go down that road. I guess I will wait until the contract is definitely terminated and see what I can do then.

Take the advice regarding a lawyer, and get one. If you need help in finding a reliable one just ask, I am sure someone on the forum can point you in the right direction....

Hi Catser,


We terminated our purchase contract in Hungary a few weeks ago but didn't realise we could claim back the stamp duty.

We purchased in Szinyei Merse and as we were unable to obtain full title, we decided to terminate. Had originally paid 30% but managed to get large % refunded. Well at least we are promised same. Due to be within our bank account before mid Feb! Fingers crossed!

I will check with our Hungarian lawyer re stamp duty refund - but he is not so "independent". He certainly did not mention stamp duty refunds when we last spoke to him.

Will let you know what he says.

Rgds.,

Valc