Car Stamp Duty Calculator — Australia 2026-27
Calculate motor vehicle stamp duty for all 8 Australian states and territories. Includes the 2026-27 EV concessions still running (NT: up to $1,500 off, QLD: $2 per $100), trade-in deduction, state comparison chart, and total on-road cost estimate. Verify exact rates at your state revenue authority before purchase.
About to make an offer? Know the government costs before you sign.
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).
The EV stamp duty landscape has narrowed sharply. The Northern Territory is now the most generous jurisdiction — the ACT's outright exemption ended on 31 August 2025.
The ACT's stamp duty exemption for zero and low emissions vehicles ran from August 2022 and finished on 31 August 2025. From 1 September 2025 the ACT charges emissions-rated duty across six bands (AAA to D) with thresholds at $45,000 and $80,000. A zero emissions vehicle sits in band AAA and pays the lowest scale: 2.5% up to $45,000, then $1,125 plus 4% to $80,000, then $2,525 plus 8%. A $70,000 EV in the ACT now pays about $2,125 in duty — still roughly $700 less than an equivalent petrol car in band C, but no longer free.
The Northern Territory takes up to $1,500 off the stamp duty on an eligible plug-in electric vehicle (battery electric or plug-in hybrid, new or used). Because NT duty is $3 per $100, that wipes out the duty entirely on any EV up to $50,000 and reduces it above that. The concession runs to 30 June 2027. Queensland charges hybrids and EVs $2 per $100 of dutiable value instead of $3 for a 4-cylinder car — a $600 saving on a $60,000 EV.
Victoria charges a green passenger car — defined as a model with combined tailpipe CO2 emissions of 120 g/km or less, which includes every pure EV — a flat $8.40 per $200 (4.2%) at any value. But that is exactly the same rate an ordinary passenger car pays up to $80,809, so a $60,000 EV in Victoria pays $2,520 in duty, identical to a petrol equivalent. The green rate only becomes a concession above $80,809, where an ordinary passenger car moves to $10.40, $14.00 or $18.00 per $200 and the EV stays on $8.40. Separately, the per-kilometre EV road user charge Victoria introduced was struck down by the High Court in Vanderstock v Victoria (2023) as an unconstitutional excise, so no state currently levies one — including the ACT.
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 some states a trade-in vehicle reduces the dutiable amount in a dealer transaction: on a $50,000 car with a $15,000 trade-in, duty is then calculated on $35,000. But this is the exception rather than the rule — the Northern Territory, for example, explicitly includes the trade-in allowance in the sale price when working out dutiable value, so the trade-in saves you nothing on duty there. Use the Advanced mode to model the best case, then confirm the treatment with your state revenue authority before you budget for it. Where it does apply, it 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 rate jumps at specific price thresholds. In NSW the rate rises above $45,000; in Victoria above $80,809; in the ACT above $45,000 and again above $80,000; in Queensland above $100,000. Queensland's threshold is the sharpest of the lot, because the higher rate applies to the whole dutiable value rather than just the excess: a $100,000 four-cylinder car pays $3,000 in duty, while a $100,100 one pays $5,005 — an extra $2,005 of duty for $100 more car. If you are negotiating near a threshold, getting the price under it can be worth far more than the discount itself.
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 per $100 up to $45k, then $5 per $100 on the excess | ~$1,050 |
| VIC | $8.40 per $200 (4.2%) up to $80,809; then $10.40, $14.00 and $18.00 per $200 — applied to the whole value | ~$1,470 |
| QLD | Per $100 by engine: EV/hybrid $2, 1–4 cyl $3, 5–6 cyl $3.50, 7+ cyl $4 — higher rates on the whole value above $100k | ~$1,050 (4-cyl) |
| WA | 2.75% to $25k, sliding 2.75%–6.5% to $50k, then 6.5% of the whole value | ~$1,487 |
| SA | 4% (most vehicles) | ~$1,400 |
| TAS | 3% | ~$1,050 |
| ACT | Emissions-rated bands AAA–D with steps at $45k and $80k; a ZEV pays the AAA scale (2.5% to $45k) | ~$1,110 (band C petrol) |
| NT | $3 per $100 (3%), less the plug-in EV concession of up to $1,500 | ~$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 still discount EV stamp duty in 2026-27, and how much you save
| State | EV stamp duty concession | Saving on $60k EV |
|---|---|---|
| NT | Up to $1,500 off an eligible plug-in EV (new or used) — zero duty up to $50,000. Runs to 30 June 2027 | $1,500 saved |
| ACT | Exemption ended 31 Aug 2025. ZEVs now pay the lowest emissions band (AAA): 2.5% to $45k, then $1,125 + 4% | ~$545 saved vs a band-C petrol car |
| QLD | $2 per $100 for hybrid and electric vehicles (vs $3 for a 4-cylinder car) | $600 saved |
| VIC | Green passenger car rate of $8.40 per $200 at any value — identical to the standard rate below $80,809 | $0 (saves only above $80,809) |
| NSW | No stamp duty concession — abolished 1 January 2024 | $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 — the last big EV stamp duty concession
The Northern Territory gives eligible plug-in electric vehicles — battery electric and plug-in hybrid, new or used — a stamp duty concession of up to $1,500. Because NT duty is $3 per $100 of dutiable value, $1,500 is exactly the duty on a $50,000 vehicle, so any eligible EV at or under $50,000 pays no stamp duty at all, and anything above pays 3% only on the value over $50,000. The concession has applied since 1 July 2022 and is legislated to run until 30 June 2027. The NT also waives the registration component for eligible EVs over the same period.
The ACT exemption ended on 31 August 2025
The ACT exempted zero and low emissions vehicles from motor vehicle duty from August 2022, and extended it to some used hybrids and plug-in hybrids from July 2023. That exemption ceased on 31 August 2025. Since 1 September 2025 every vehicle pays duty on an emissions-rated scale with a minimum rate of 2.5%, steps at $45,000 and $80,000, and 8% on value above $80,000. A zero emissions vehicle is band AAA and pays the lowest rate in the table, but it is no longer free — a $60,000 EV pays about $1,725 in ACT duty.
EV road user charges are not currently levied by any state
Victoria's per-kilometre zero and low emissions vehicle road user charge was ruled invalid by the High Court in Vanderstock v Victoria (October 2023), which held that a distance-based charge on EVs is a duty of excise and therefore a Commonwealth power alone. No Australian state or territory — the ACT included — currently charges EV drivers a per-kilometre road user charge, though a national arrangement remains under discussion. Do not budget for one when comparing an EV's stamp duty position against a petrol car.
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 some states a trade-in vehicle reduces the dutiable amount in dealer transactions — buying a $50,000 car with a $15,000 trade-in, stamp duty is then calculated on $35,000. Elsewhere the trade-in is disregarded: the Northern Territory includes the trade-in allowance in the sale price used for duty, so the dutiable value stays at $50,000. 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 where it applies.
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 petrol car: NSW approximately $1,050 ($3 per $100); VIC approximately $1,470 ($8.40 per $200, or 4.2%); QLD approximately $1,050 ($3 per $100 for a 4-cylinder); WA approximately $1,487 (2.75% to $25k then a sliding rate); SA approximately $1,400 (4%); TAS approximately $1,050 (3%); NT approximately $1,050 ($3 per $100); ACT approximately $1,110 on the emissions-rated scale for a mid-band petrol car. Western Australia and Victoria are the most expensive for mid-priced vehicles, and WA stays dearest as prices rise because 6.5% applies to the whole value above $50,000. 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, and the picture changed in 2025. The Northern Territory is now the most generous: eligible plug-in EVs get a stamp duty concession of up to $1,500, which means no duty at all up to $50,000, and it runs until 30 June 2027. Queensland charges hybrids and EVs $2 per $100 of dutiable value instead of $3 for a 4-cylinder car. The ACT's outright exemption for zero and low emissions vehicles ended on 31 August 2025 — ACT EVs now pay the lowest emissions band (2.5% up to $45,000), not zero. Victoria's green passenger car rate of $8.40 per $200 is identical to the standard rate below $80,809, so it saves nothing on a typical EV. NSW (abolished 1 January 2024), WA, SA and TAS offer no EV stamp duty concession. Select your state and tick "Electric vehicle" in this calculator to see the impact.
Does a trade-in reduce stamp duty?
Only in some states. Where a trade-in with a licensed dealer does reduce the dutiable amount, you pay stamp duty on the net price — buying a $50,000 car with a $15,000 trade-in, duty is calculated on $35,000. But several jurisdictions ignore the trade-in entirely: the Northern Territory, for instance, expressly includes the trade-in allowance in the sale price used to work out dutiable value. The treatment is state-specific and applies to dealer transactions, not private sales, so contact your state revenue authority before you assume the reduction. Use the Advanced mode in this calculator to model the best case.
Where these figures come from
Motor vehicle duty is a state and territory tax, so every rate on this page comes from the revenue office or transport authority that levies it. There is no federal schedule and no ATO involvement.
- NSW — motor vehicle duty — Revenue NSW — Motor vehicle duty.
- VIC — $8.40 per $200 base rate and the $80,809 threshold — State Revenue Office Victoria — Motor vehicle duty current rates.
- QLD — $2 per $100 hybrid/electric rate and cylinder-based scale — Queensland Government — Vehicle registration duty rates.
- WA — vehicle licence duty sliding scale — RevenueWA — Vehicle licence duty.
- SA — motor vehicle registration duty — RevenueSA — Stamp duty on motor vehicles.
- TAS — motor vehicle duty — State Revenue Office Tasmania — Motor vehicle duty.
- ACT — emissions-rated duty and the end of the ZEV exemption — ACT Revenue Office — Motor vehicle duty.
- NT — 3% rate and the plug-in EV concession — NT Government — EV registration and stamp duty concessions.
Last checked: 24 July 2026. Verified this pass: Victoria's $8.40 per $200 base rate for passenger cars up to $80,809 (rates from 1 July 2026), the end of the ACT zero and low emissions vehicle duty exemption on 31 August 2025, Queensland's $2 per $100 hybrid and electric rate, and the NT plug-in EV concession of up to $1,500 running to 30 June 2027.