It is far too often that I hear the sound of shock in a client’s voice when I tell them how much the Government Stamp Duty charges are. These stamp duty charges are a tax that unfortunately many of us have been subjected to but it’s better to learn early what the cost of these taxes will be so that it can be budgeted for.
Stamp Duty is a tax on written documents or Contracts. It is sometimes referred to as Transfer Duty and is imposed by the State Government.
In Queensland the main types of Contracts that are subject to stamp duty are:
• Contracts for the Transfer of Property
• Contracts for the Transfer of Businesses
• Contracts for the Transfer of Motor Vehicles
In this article we will look more closely at stamp duty payable in relation to the transfer of property.
When buying a property, it is the Purchaser who will be responsible to pay the stamp duty.
The amount of stamp duty payable depends on the following:
• The purchase price;
• Whether any concessions apply, such as being a First Home Owner.
If the purchase price includes GST, then you will pay stamp duty on the GST inclusive price. For example, if the purchase price is $400,000 + GST. Stamp duty would be payable on $440,000.
You may be entitled to a concession (or discount) on the amount of stamp duty that you are required to pay if one of the following applies:
• First Home Owner Concession;
• Home Concession
You will be entitled to the First Home Owner Concession if:
• You have never owned residential land anywhere in the world;
• You have not previously claimed the concession;
• The purchase price of the property is less than $550,000;
• You move into the property within 1 year of the transfer date;
• You live in the property as your principal place of residence for at least 12 months;
• You are at least 18 years of age.
You will be entitled to the Home Concession if:
• You move into the property within 12 months of the transfer date;
• You live in the property as your principal place of residence for at least 12 months.
Please visit our Conveyancing – Transfer Duty tab which contains a table of estimated stamp duty amounts payable. http://www.smithsonlawyers.com.au/law-conveyancing.php
Or contact our office for more information. You can also visit the Office of State Revenue website at: https://www.treasury.qld.gov.au