Car Stamp Duty Calculator — Australia 2026-27
About to make an offer? Know the government costs before you sign.
Calculate motor vehicle stamp duty for all 8 Australian states and territories. Includes EV stamp duty exemptions (ACT: zero), trade-in deduction, state comparison chart, and total on-road cost estimate. Verify exact rates at your state revenue authority before purchase.
⚠️ Indicative estimates. Exact rates must be confirmed at your state revenue authority. Rates current as of 2026-27 — may change without notice.
Select the question that matches where you are right now.
Your stamp duty is a one-time government charge payable when the vehicle is transferred into your name. It is in addition to the purchase price and is set by state law — it cannot be negotiated with the dealer. Switch to Standard mode to see the all-states comparison chart.
This calculator uses published rate schedules for each state. Some states use graduated tiered systems where the exact bracket depends on the precise purchase price. For vehicles near a rate threshold, even small price differences can change the effective rate. Always verify at your state revenue authority website — most publish online calculators with exact figures.
The total on-road figure includes stamp duty, the transfer fee, first-year registration, and an estimated CTP (Green Slip in NSW). Subsequent years you only pay registration and CTP — stamp duty is a one-time charge at purchase. Budget for it as a day-one cost when arranging car finance or working out your total purchase price.
Switch to Standard mode to see the all-states comparison chart for your vehicle price. The chart shows stamp duty sorted cheapest to most expensive — your selected state is highlighted in blue, the cheapest in green, the most expensive in red. This is useful when you are flexible about which state to register in (e.g. if near a state border or relocating).
EV stamp duty exemptions represent a real, significant saving — particularly in the ACT. Understanding which states offer concessions is valuable if you are flexible about where you register your EV.
The ACT exempts eligible battery electric vehicles from stamp duty entirely — a saving of $1,050–$3,500+ depending on vehicle price. A $70,000 EV in the ACT pays zero stamp duty; the same vehicle in NSW pays approximately $3,250 and in SA approximately $2,800. The ACT is also generally competitive on total registration costs. If you live near the ACT border or work there, the saving may justify registering in the ACT.
Queensland charges 1.5% duty on eligible EVs versus the standard 2.5–3% for petrol vehicles. At $60,000, this saves approximately $600–$900. Victoria has a reduced rate via the LPT system — check the current rate at the State Revenue Office (SRO) as it may have changed since this calculator was last updated. Always verify the current concession before purchase.
Most states offering EV stamp duty exemptions have also introduced per-kilometre road user charges (RUC) for EVs, replacing the fuel excise that EVs do not pay. The ACT RUC is approximately 2.5c/km (2026-27) — at 15,000 km/year, this adds $375/yr. At the typical 5–7 year ownership period, the total RUC may exceed the stamp duty saving for lower-value EVs. However, the stamp duty saving is immediate (reduces the upfront cash required), while the RUC is paid annually. Select "Electric vehicle" in Standard mode and tick your state to model the duty impact.
Buying from a private seller changes how you pay stamp duty — and adds some responsibilities most buyers don't anticipate.
In a dealer transaction, the dealer typically handles stamp duty as part of the on-road costs. In a private sale, you are personally responsible for paying the duty when you transfer the registration into your name. Most states require this within 14 days of purchase. Failing to transfer promptly can result in penalties and can complicate insurance claims if there is an incident during the delay period.
If you buy from a private seller at a price significantly below market value (e.g. from a family member, or an undervalued vehicle), the state revenue authority may assess stamp duty on the estimated market value rather than the price you paid. This is particularly common in NSW and VIC. Keep a signed, dated contract showing the agreed purchase price — this protects you if the authority questions the transaction.
In most states, transferring a used vehicle requires a current roadworthy certificate (safety inspection). This is typically the seller's responsibility — confirm before purchase. VIC and QLD have specific roadworthy rules; NSW requires a pink slip for vehicles over 5 years old. If the seller does not provide a roadworthy, factor in the cost of obtaining one (~$80–$200) and any required repairs before you can register the vehicle in your name.
Stamp duty is largely unavoidable, but there are legitimate situations where you can reduce or eliminate it.
In many states, a trade-in vehicle reduces the dutiable amount in dealer transactions. On a $50,000 car with a $15,000 trade-in, duty may be calculated on only $35,000 — saving several hundred dollars in duty. Use the Advanced mode to model this. Confirm with your state revenue authority that this treatment applies in your state, as rules vary. This only applies to dealer sales, not private sales.
Primary production vehicles (farm vehicles used off-road), charitable organisations, and government entities may be exempt from stamp duty entirely. Family transfers (spouse to spouse, parent to child) may also be exempt or have reduced duty in some states. These exemptions are state-specific and require documentation. Check your state revenue authority website for the full list of exemptions applicable to your situation.
In states with tiered duty schedules, the duty rate jumps at specific price thresholds. In NSW, the rate rises above $45,000; in WA above $25,000; in VIC above $72,600. If you are negotiating a purchase price near a threshold, getting the price just below can save significant duty. For example, in WA, a vehicle priced at $24,999 pays 2.75% ($687) while one priced at $25,001 pays 2.75% on the first $25,000 and 6.5% above ($687 + $0.07 = $687) — though for WA the real saving comes at higher values where the 6.5% tier applies more substantially.
Dutiable value, rate schedules, and when stamp duty is paid
What is dutiable value?
Stamp duty (also called transfer duty or motor vehicle duty) is calculated on the "dutiable value" of the vehicle — generally the higher of the purchase price or the market value. For dealer sales, this is the sale price. For private sales, the state authority may assess market value independently if the declared price appears below market.
When is stamp duty paid?
Motor vehicle stamp duty is paid at registration or transfer of registration — not at the point of sale. In most states, it is collected by the state roads authority when you register the vehicle in your name. If buying from a dealer, the dealer often handles this as part of the on-road cost process. If buying privately, you pay the duty directly when transferring the registration.
Rate schedule summary (2026-27)
| State | Rate structure | Approx duty on $35k car |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 3% up to $45k, then 5% | ~$1,050 |
| VIC | 2% under $72.6k, 3%, then 4% | ~$700 |
| QLD | Tiered: 2.5% to $40k, 3% to $100k, 5% above | ~$1,050 |
| WA | 2.75% to $25k, then 6.5% | ~$1,543 |
| SA | 4% flat (most vehicles) | ~$1,400 |
| TAS | 3% flat | ~$1,050 |
| ACT | Emissions-based tiered (EV: zero) | ~$1,050 (non-EV) |
| NT | 3% flat | ~$1,050 |
New vs used vehicles
Most states apply the same duty schedule regardless of whether the vehicle is new or used — duty is based on the price paid. Some states may require a market value assessment for used vehicles sold significantly below market price in private sales to prevent duty avoidance.
Which states exempt EVs from stamp duty and how much you can save
| State | EV stamp duty concession | Saving on $60k EV |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | Zero stamp duty on all eligible EVs | ~$1,800 saved |
| VIC | Reduced rate (check SRO for current rate) | ~$600–$900 saved |
| QLD | Reduced rate: 1.5% (vs 3% standard) | ~$450–$900 saved |
| NSW | No stamp duty concession (2026-27) | $0 |
| WA | No stamp duty concession (2026-27) | $0 |
| SA | No stamp duty concession (2026-27) | $0 |
| TAS | No stamp duty concession (2026-27) | $0 |
| NT | No stamp duty concession (2026-27) | $0 |
ACT — the most generous EV incentive in Australia
The Australian Capital Territory offers complete stamp duty exemption for eligible battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids (conditions apply), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. On a $70,000 EV, this saves approximately $2,100–$3,500 in stamp duty compared to NSW or SA. This is in addition to any federal EV incentives. The concession applies to new and used EVs registered in the ACT.
Important: EV road user charges offset the stamp duty saving
Most states that offer EV stamp duty concessions have also introduced per-kilometre road user charges (RUC) for EVs. The ACT RUC is approximately 2.5c/km. At 15,000 km/year, this adds $375/yr — the stamp duty saving is recovered in year 1 but offset partially by the ongoing RUC. Factor both into your total cost of ownership calculation.
How stamp duty differs between private and dealer purchases
Dealer purchases
When buying from a licensed motor vehicle dealer, stamp duty is typically collected as part of the on-road cost and remitted to the state authority by the dealer. The dealer will include it in the total drive-away price or list it separately on the contract. You pay duty on the sale price.
Private sales
When buying from a private seller, you are responsible for paying stamp duty when you transfer the registration into your name. You must do this within the timeframe specified by your state authority (typically 14 days in most states). Bring the signed transfer papers and payment to a Service Centre or complete online.
Market value assessments for private sales
State revenue authorities may assess whether the declared purchase price for a private sale reflects fair market value. If the declared price is significantly below what the vehicle would fetch on the open market, the authority may assess duty on the estimated market value instead — not the price you paid. This can occur if you buy from a friend or family member at a discount, or if the vehicle is sold for well below its Redbook value. Always keep a signed contract showing the agreed price.
Trade-in treatment
In most Australian states, a trade-in vehicle reduces the dutiable amount in dealer transactions. Example: buying a $50,000 car with a $15,000 trade-in, stamp duty may be calculated on $35,000 (the net price after trade-in). This is state-specific — check with your state authority. Use the Advanced mode in this calculator to enter a trade-in value and see the estimated duty reduction.
All the costs beyond the sticker price: stamp duty, CTP, registration, transfer, and more
Full on-road cost checklist
| Cost item | Approximate amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle stamp duty | $700–$3,000+ (price-dependent) | Buyer |
| Registration fee (first year) | $250–$700 (state-dependent) | Buyer |
| CTP insurance (Green Slip in NSW) | $400–$700 (state/insurer dependent) | Buyer |
| Transfer of registration fee | $25–$100 | Buyer |
| Roadworthy / safety inspection | $40–$150 (if required) | Seller (often) |
| Dealer delivery charge | $500–$2,000 (varies widely) | Buyer |
| Extended warranty (optional) | $500–$3,000 | Buyer (optional) |
Stamp duty is a one-off, but registration and CTP recur every year — estimate registration fees for your state with our car registration cost calculator.
Negotiating on-road costs
On-road costs are generally fixed government charges that cannot be negotiated — stamp duty, registration, CTP, and transfer fees are set by law. However, dealer delivery charges and "documentation fees" can be negotiated or waived. Always ask the dealer to separate the regulated on-road costs from dealer fees so you can see exactly what is fixed and what is not.
Drive-away price explained
A "drive-away" price from a dealer is a quoted price that includes all on-road costs — stamp duty, registration, CTP, and dealer delivery. This is the total you pay to drive the car away. Always confirm what is included in the drive-away quote, as some dealers may exclude extended warranty or paint protection from their drive-away price while including it in fine print.
❓ Frequently asked Frequently asked questions
How much is stamp duty on a car in Australia?
Motor vehicle stamp duty varies significantly by state. For a typical $35,000 car: NSW approximately $1,050 (3%); VIC approximately $700 (2%); QLD approximately $1,050 (tiered); WA approximately $1,543 (2.75% to $25k then 6.5%); SA approximately $1,400 (4%); TAS approximately $1,050 (3%); ACT approximately $1,050 for non-EV (EVs: zero). South Australia and Western Australia tend to be the most expensive for higher-value vehicles. Always verify current rates at your state revenue authority before purchasing.
Do I pay stamp duty on a used car purchased privately?
Yes — stamp duty applies to both new and used vehicles, and to both dealer and private sales. When buying privately, you pay the stamp duty yourself when transferring the registration into your name (typically within 14 days of purchase in most states). Bring the signed transfer documents and payment to your state roads authority. The duty is based on the purchase price, though the revenue authority may assess a higher market value if the declared price appears below market.
Is there stamp duty on electric vehicles in Australia?
It depends on the state. The ACT offers complete stamp duty exemption for eligible battery electric vehicles — the most generous EV incentive in Australia. Victoria and Queensland offer reduced stamp duty rates for EVs. NSW, WA, SA, TAS, and NT do not currently offer stamp duty concessions for EVs (as of 2026-27). Select your state and tick "Electric Vehicle" in this calculator to see the impact. Note that most states with EV stamp duty exemptions have also introduced per-kilometre road user charges for EVs.
Does a trade-in reduce stamp duty?
In most Australian states, a trade-in with a licensed dealer reduces the dutiable amount — you pay stamp duty on the net price after trade-in. For example, buying a $50,000 car with a $15,000 trade-in, you may pay duty on only $35,000 in some states. However, this treatment is state-specific and applies primarily to dealer transactions. For private sales, the rules vary — contact your state revenue authority to confirm the treatment. Use the Advanced mode in this calculator to model a trade-in and see the estimated duty reduction.
Where these figures come from
Property and mortgage figures on this page are drawn from the Reserve Bank of Australia (rate data), APRA (serviceability and lending rules), the ATO (CGT and rental rules), and State Revenue Offices (stamp duty).
- Mortgage & variable-rate data — RBA — Lenders' Interest Rates (F6).
- Lending serviceability buffer (3%) — APRA — Prudential Practice Guide APG 223.
- Capital gains tax & main residence — ATO — Capital gains tax.
- Negative gearing & rental income — ATO — Rental properties.
- Stamp duty (NSW example) — Revenue NSW — Transfer duty.
- First Home Owner Grant schemes — FirstHome.gov.au.
Last checked: July 2026. Rates and thresholds are reviewed against the source of record each November, when annual adjustments for the following tax year are published.