A DARLINGTON law firm is advising businesses in the area to conclude lease negotiations before the end of November to avoid being hit by new tax laws.

The Government's new Stamp Duty Land Tax comes into force on December 1, with tenants of commercial properties looking at bills of up to eight times that payable under the current stamp duty system.

Tax on leases was charged on the basis of one year's rent, but Stamp Duty Land Tax will be calculated by reference to the total rent payable for the duration of the term of the lease.

Tim Haggie, who is a partner at Latimer Hinks, said this would mean an average ten-year lease would attract a Stamp Duty Land Tax of approximately four times as much as the stamp duty liability.

And he said an average 25-year lease would attract approximately eight times the stamp duty liability.

Mr Haggie said: "The Government argues that many leases will fall out of liability to pay tax under the new duty, because it is bringing in a starting point of £60,000 capital value for residential leases and £150,000 for commercial property.

"The problem is that those who are liable for the new tax, particularly commercial and longer leases, will be hammered with a much heavier tax burden."

"Certainly, any commercial tenants thinking about completing a lease deal would be well advised to make every effort to complete by November 30."