Who Is Exempt from Paying Stamp Duty in Australia?

Stamp duty refers to a type of taxation that is charged by the Australian state and territory governments. A wide variety of purchases are subject to stamp duty, including Hire Purchase Agreement contracts, vehicle transfers and registrations, lease and mortgage agreements, property transfers, and various types of insurance policies. 

Individuals who are exempt from paying stamp duty include Indigenous people, farmers, first-time home buyers, pensioners, and retirees depending on what state they currently reside in. Continue reading for a more in-depth look at who is exempt from paying stamp duty state-by-state.

• Victoria: first-time homebuyers, deceased estate transfers, farmers, residence transfers between spouses, and pensioners
• South Australia: family farm transfers, inherited property transfers, and residence transfers between spouses
• Northern Territory: property transfers between trustees, property transfers between family members, and deceased estate transfers
• New South Wales: first-time homebuyers and property transfers that are a result of familial breakups
• Queensland: purchases of manufactured homes, property transfer due to the death of the property owner, the transfer of a property’s portion to a spouse, and property transfers due to the breakups of marriages
• Australian Capital Territory: property transfers due to bankruptcy or insolvency, individuals who are eligible for the Disability Concession Scheme, property transfers between spouses, intergenerational transfers of farmland, and deceased estate transfers

Potential homeowners who are interested in learning more about stamp duty, exemptions, and concessions should reach out to their mortgage broker or use a free online Stamp Duty Calculator for more information and specialized assistance.