Stamp duty calculator.
State-by-state. Indicative.
Quick indicative stamp duty for sale deeds, gift deeds, leases, and other common documents across 22 Indian states. Confirm the final number with your state's Registration & Stamps Department.
Plus registration fee (typically 1% in most states, capped in some). Some states require additional surcharges, transfer duty, or local body tax — confirm with the sub-registrar before execution.
Important:Stamp duty is levied under each state's Stamp Act read with the Indian Stamp Act 1899. Rates here reflect 2025-26 indicative values for the most common documents. Special schemes (women buyers, first-time buyers, affordable housing) can reduce duty further — always check current state notifications. LexVio's Legal AI auto-flags stamp duty exposure when reviewing sale deeds and lease agreements.
Understanding stamp duty in India
Stamp duty is a state-level transaction tax on legal instruments — sale deeds, gift deeds, leases, loan agreements, and more. It's governed by the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 at the central level, but each state has its own schedule of rates and amendments, which is why duty on the same instrument varies wildly between Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
Pay the right duty and your document is admissible as evidence and registrable. Under-pay and Section 35 makes it inadmissible until you pay the deficit plus up to 10x penalty. This calculator gives you a credible starting figure for 22 states — but the state portal is the final source of truth.
Instruments that need stamping
- Sale deeds — highest rates, percentage of consideration or market value (whichever higher).
- Gift deeds — typically lower for transfers within family; full rate otherwise.
- Lease deeds — based on rent and term; long leases approach sale-deed rates.
- Loan / mortgage agreements — usually a fixed low percentage of the loan amount.
- Letter of Allotment, Power of Attorney — flat fees or low percentages.
- Affidavits, indemnity bonds — nominal stamp paper (₹10-₹500) depending on state.
What this calculator does not cover
- Registration charges — separate from stamp duty (usually 1% of consideration).
- Local body / metro cess — Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune may add 1% extra.
- State-specific rebates — women buyers, first-time buyers, senior citizens — only the most common are baked in.
- Mid-year rate changes — states amend rates in the annual budget; portal is canonical.
Frequently asked
Why do stamp duty rates vary so much between states?
Stamp duty is a state subject under the Indian Constitution (Entry 63, State List). Each state runs its own stamp act or amends the central Indian Stamp Act, 1899. Maharashtra charges 5-6% on sale deeds, Karnataka 3-5%, Delhi 4-6% with separate 1% registration. Calls about national averages are meaningless — always check your specific state.
Can stamp duty be paid online?
Yes, via e-stamping (Stock Holding Corporation of India — SHCIL) or your state's portal. Maharashtra has GRAS, Karnataka has Kaveri Online, Delhi uses SHCIL. Franking and traditional stamp paper still work but are being phased out. E-stamp certificates carry a unique reference number verifiable on the issuing portal.
What is e-stamping and how is it different from franking?
E-stamping generates a digital certificate from a central server (SHCIL/state portal) carrying a unique number — instantly verifiable, no physical paper. Franking is a stamp impression applied by an authorised bank/franking centre on your document. Both are legally equivalent. E-stamping is faster, harder to forge, and increasingly the default.
Is there a stamp-duty rebate for women buyers?
Yes in several states. Delhi gives a 2% rebate (4% instead of 6%) for sole female ownership. Maharashtra gives 1%. Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttarakhand have similar concessions for women, joint female ownership, or first-time buyers. Check your state's current notification — rebate amounts change with each state budget.
What happens if I sign on an under-stamped document?
Under Section 35 of the Indian Stamp Act, an under-stamped document is inadmissible as evidence in court. The penalty for under-stamping is up to 10 times the deficient duty. Courts can impound the document and refer it to the Collector for adjudication. You can validate later by paying the deficit plus penalty, but the document is unusable until then.
Is stamp duty refundable if the deal falls through?
Generally yes, within specific timelines. Most states allow refund within 6 months (sometimes 1 year) of stamp purchase if the document was not executed, with a small deduction (usually 10%). Refund process needs application to the District Collector or sub-registrar with original stamp paper and proof that the transaction didn't go through.
Does stamp duty apply to lease agreements too?
Yes. Leases of immovable property attract stamp duty based on lease term and rent. Short rent agreements (11 months) are typically taxed at a low flat rate. Long leases (3+ years) are taxed similar to sale deeds — that's why most residential rentals are structured as 11-month renewable agreements, to keep stamp duty minimal.