Stamp Duty

Tax & Deductions

Stamp duty is a state government tax on property transactions and legal documents. Paid at time of property registration. Rates vary by state: 5-7% in most states, 6% in Maharashtra (3% for women buyers), 4% in Delhi. It is not recoverable and forms part of your cost of acquisition.

In detail

Stamp duty + registration for common states:nMaharashtra: 6% stamp duty (3% for women) + 1% registrationnDelhi: 6% men, 4% women + 1% registrationnKarnataka: 5% + 1% registrationnTamilnadu: 7% + 4% registrationnRajasthan: 6% + 1% registrationnnFor capital gains calculation: stamp duty and registration paid at purchase are part of cost of acquisition and can be included in indexed cost (for property sold under old regime). Also note: if stamp value > sale price by 10%+, stamp value is deemed as sale/purchase price.

Formula

Stamp duty = Property value x State stamp duty ratenTotal registration cost = Stamp duty + Registration fee (1-2%) + Misc charges

Real-life example

🇮🇳 India example

Rahul buys Rs 80L flat in Mumbai. Stamp duty (6%) = Rs 4.8L. Registration (1%) = Rs 80K. Misc = Rs 20K. Total registration cost: Rs 5.8L. He needs this Rs 5.8L over and above the Rs 16L down payment (20% LTV). Total own funds required at purchase: Rs 21.8L.

Frequently asked questions

Can stamp duty be financed through home loan?
No. Home loans are sanctioned on property value only. Stamp duty and registration must be paid from own funds. This is a commonly overlooked cash requirement in home purchase planning.