Stamp duty when buying a car: State by state
Stamp duty is an important, although sometimes overlooked, aspect of buying a car. To get the full cost of your car purchase, you must include stamp duty fees. Estimate fees depending on the state and territory using the Car Stamp Duty Calculator below.
How to use our Car Stamp Duty Calculator
Stamp duty for states and territories differ. So, the first step on this motor vehicle stamp duty calculator is choosing your location. Then, you must input the vehicle value and pick the appropriate vehicle type or motor type. Once done, your estimated stamp duty will be calculated instantly.
What is stamp duty?
Stamp duty is a tax levied by state governments on the transfer of ownership of an asset. It is most well-known as a tax on the purchase or sale of a house, but it also applies to the purchase of motor vehicles.
Vehicle or car stamp duty is a one-off payment, applying to both new and used cars purchased from a dealer or through private sale. Typically, if purchasing from a dealership, the driveaway price is inclusive of stamp duty. If the vehicle is purchased privately, stamp duty is paid through the respective state or territory transport office.
How much is car stamp duty?
The cost of stamp duty varies depending on several factors including:
-
The price of the car.
-
The type of the car.
-
Region of registration.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of the stamp duty costs for each state and territory.
Queensland
In Queensland, stamp duty is calculated based on the market value of the vehicle and whether it’s new or used.
|
Under $100,000 |
Over $100,000 |
|
|
Hybrid and electric vehicles |
$2 per $100 or part of $100 |
$4 per $100 or part of $100 |
|
1 to 4 cylinders, 2 rotors or a steam vehicle |
$3 per $100 or part of $100 |
$5 per $100 or part of $100 |
|
5 to 6 cylinders, 3 rotors |
$3.5 per $100 or part of $100 |
$5.50 per $100 or part of $100 |
|
7 or more cylinders |
$4 per $100 or part of $100 |
$6 per $100 or part of $100 |
New South Wales
In NSW, stamp duty is calculated on the market value of the vehicle or the purchase price—whichever is higher.
|
Price paid: |
$44,999 or less |
$45,000 or more |
|
Duty payable: |
$3 for every $100 or part of $100 |
$1350 plus $5 per $100 or part of $100 |
Victoria
In VIC, stamp duty is more complex than in other states or territories. The rate is typically charged on either the market value of the car or the purchase price, whichever is greater. However, different stamp duty rates apply depending on:
- Whether the car you are buying is new or used
- Whether it emits a certain amount of CO2 (with vehicles emitting less than 120g/km classified as "green passenger cars")
- Whether it is registered to a primary producer, or
- Whether it is classified as a non-passenger vehicle that covers single- and dual-cab utes, commercial vans, motorcycles, and vehicles designed to carry more than eight people.
| Type |
Value |
Rate |
|
Green passenger car |
N/A |
$8.40 per $200 or part thereof |
|
Primary producer passenger car |
N/A |
$8.40 per $200 or part thereof |
|
New utes, vans, motorcylces and minibuses |
N/A |
$5.40 per $200 or part thereof |
|
Used utes, vans, motorcycles and minibuses |
N/A |
$8.40 per $200 or part thereof |
|
All other new and used vehicles |
$0-$69,152 |
$8.40 per $200 or part thereof |
|
|
$69,153 - $100,000 |
$10.40 per $200 or part thereof |
|
|
$100,001 - $150,000 |
$14.00 per $200 or part thereof |
|
|
Over $150,000 |
$18.00 per $200 or part thereof |
To calculate how much stamp duty you would be required to pay in Victoria, the State Government has a stamp duty calculator available here.
South Australia
In SA, stamp duty is calculated on the purchase price or value of the vehicle and if the vehicle is classified as commercial or non-commercial.
|
Price paid: |
Up to $1000 |
$1001 - $2000 |
$2001 - $3000 |
More than $3001 |
|
Duty payable: |
1 per $100 or part of $100, with a minimum payment of $5 |
$10 plus $2 per $100 or part of $100 |
$30 plus $3 per $100 or part of $100 |
$60 plus $4 per $100 or part of $100 |
Western Australia
In WA, stamp duty is calculated on the purchase price and the weight of the vehicle.
Non-heavy vehicles (gross mass of 4.5 tonnes or less) require:
| Dutiable value | Value rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $25,000 | 2.75% of dutiable value |
| $25,000 - $50,000 | R% of the dutiable value, where R = [2.75 + ((dutiable value - 25,000)/ 6,666.66)] rounded to 2 decimal places |
| Over $50,000 | 6.5% of dutiable value |
Tasmania
In TAS, stamp duty is calculated on the vehicle’s market value.
| Price paid: | Up to $600 | $600 - $34,999 | $35,000 - $39,999 | $40,000 and over |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duty payable: | $20 flat rate | $3 per $100 or part of $100 | $1050 plus $11 per $100 or part of $100 | $4 per $100 or part of $100 |
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, stamp duty is calculated on the type of vehicle you have, the purchase price or market value of your vehicle (whichever is higher), and its green rating.
Vehicles are identified by four classes - A, B, C, and D.
Class A is for the most efficient vehicles, while Class D is for the opposite. Vehicles not rated by the Green Vehicle Guide are classified as Class C.
This table represents the stamp duty amounts payable before 1 July 2023.
| Green vehicle Class: | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price up to $45,000: | No stamp duty payable. | $1 for every $100 or part of $100 of the dutiable value. | $3 for every $100 or part of $100 of the dutiable value. | $4 for every $100 or part of $100 of the dutiable value. |
| Price over $45,000: | No stamp duty payable. | $450 plus $2 for every $100 or part of $100 of the dutiable value. | $1350 plus $5 for every $100 or part of $100 of the dutiable value. | $1800 plus $6 for every $100 or part of $100 of the dutiable value. |
This is the stamp duty amounts payable on or after 1 July 2023.
| Green vehicle Class: | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class D | Non-rated vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price up to $45,000: | No stamp duty payable. | $1 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. | $3.05 for each $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. | $4.25 for each $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. | $3 for every $100, or part of $100, of the dutiable value. |
| Price over $45,000: | No stamp duty payable. | $450 and an additional $2 for every $100 (or part of $100) of dutiable value over $45,$1,350 and an additional $5 for every $100 (or part of $100) of dutiable value over $45,000.000. | $1,370.50 and an additional $5.11 for every $100 (or part of $100) of dutiable value over $45,000. | $1,910.60 and an additional $6.82 for every $100 (or part of $100) of dutiable value over $45,000. | $1,350 and an additional $5 for every $100 (or part of $100) of dutiable value over $45,000. |
Northern Territory
In the NT, stamp duty is calculated at a rate of 3% of the value of the vehicle plus a $19 transfer of ownership fee.
Are there exemptions from car stamp duty?
The exemptions from stamp duty vary across the regions, as well. In some cases, you will not be required to pay for the vehicle stamp duty if:
- The vehicle is from a deceased estate.
- The vehicle has been registered in your name in another state where you have already paid the stamp duty.
- The vehicle is used for primary production or charities.
- The vehicle make is electric or hybrid.
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