Australia Car Stamp Duty Calculator 2026 by State

April 26, 2026 in Sydney, Australia — Buying a car in Australia means paying stamp duty (also called transfer duty) in most states, with rates and rules varying significantly across the country. From Victoria's 6.4% rate to Western Australia's flat $2.70 per $1,000, the difference in duty can add thousands to your purchase cost.

What Is Car Stamp Duty in Australia?

Stamp duty on vehicles — also known as transfer duty or transfer stamp — is a state government tax levied when ownership of a vehicle changes hands. It applies to both new and used vehicles, and the rate depends on your state or territory of residence and the vehicle's purchase price or market value.

Key things to know about car stamp duty:

Calculated on the vehicle purchase price or market value
Rate varies by state — from near 0% to 6.4%
Some states exempt or reduce duty for electric vehicles
Must be paid within 14 days of vehicle delivery in most states
Exemption available for transfers between family members in some states

Stamp Duty by State — Complete 2026 Rates

New South Wales (NSW)

Vehicle Value	Stamp Duty Rate
Under $78,000 (EV)	$0 — EV exemption until June 2027
$0 – $44,999	$3 per $1,000
$45,000 – $54,999	$3 per $1,000 + $20 per $1,000 over $45,000
$55,000+	$4.50 per $1,000

NSW offers a full exemption for new EVs under $78,000 purchased before June 30, 2027.

Victoria (VIC)

Vehicle Value	Stamp Duty Rate
All vehicles	6.4% of dutyable value

Victoria applies a flat 6.4% rate on all vehicle transfers. EVs may qualify for an exemption — check with State Revenue Office Victoria.

Queensland (QLD)

Vehicle Value	Stamp Duty Rate
All vehicles	$7.00 per $1,000 of value (0.7%)

QLD has a relatively low flat rate. First-home buyers may qualify for concessions on vehicle purchases.

Western Australia (WA)

Vehicle Value	Stamp Duty Rate
Under $75,000 (EV concession)	$0 — EV concession
General vehicles	$2.70 per $1,000 of value (0.27%)

WA has the lowest general stamp duty rate in Australia. EVs under $75,000 are exempt from duty.

South Australia (SA)

Vehicle Value	Stamp Duty Rate
Under $1,000	$0
$1,000 – $50,000	$2.20 per $1,000
$50,001+	$2.30 per $1,000

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT does not charge stamp duty on motor vehicles. Vehicle transfers are duty-free in the ACT.

Northern Territory (NT)

No stamp duty on motor vehicles in the Northern Territory.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania applies duty based on the vehicle value, generally at a similar rate to NSW. Check with Tasmanian Revenue Office for current rates.

EV Exemptions Across Australia 2026

State	EV Exemption	Conditions
NSW	100% exemption	Under $78,000, purchased before Jun 2027
VIC	Potentially exempt	Check with SRO Victoria
QLD	First-home buyer rate	Check eligibility
WA	100% concession	Under $75,000
SA	None specific to EVs	General rates apply
ACT	No duty charged	All vehicles exempt
NT	No duty charged	All vehicles exempt

Examples: Total Stamp Duty on Cars

State	$30,000 Car	$50,000 Car	$80,000 Car
NSW (fossil fuel)	$90	$150	$360
NSW (EV under $78k)	$0	$0	$0
VIC	$1,920	$3,200	$5,120
QLD	$210	$350	$560
WA (fossil fuel)	$81	$135	$216
ACT	$0	$0	$0

How to Pay and Calculate

Most states calculate stamp duty automatically when you register the vehicle with your local roads authority. You can estimate your cost using each state's revenue office website:

Conclusion

Car stamp duty in Australia varies dramatically by state — from $0 in ACT and NT to 6.4% in Victoria. EVs enjoy significant exemptions in NSW and WA. Always use your state revenue office calculator before purchasing to get the exact duty figure.

Disclaimer: Rates based on State Revenue Office data as of April 2026. Confirm with your local roads authority and revenue office before purchasing.

Official Resources: NSW State Revenue | SRO Victoria | Queensland Revenue | WA Government

Questions

How is stamp duty calculated on a car in Australia?

Stamp duty (also called transfer duty or transfer stamp) on vehicles is calculated as a percentage of the vehicle purchase price or as a fixed rate per $1,000 of value, depending on the state. Rates vary significantly between states, from near 0% for EVs in some states to 6.4% in Victoria.

Which Australian state has the highest car stamp duty?

Victoria has the highest ad valorem stamp duty rate on vehicles at 6.4% of the purchase price. Queensland charges $7 per $1,000 of value (roughly 0.7%), while Western Australia charges $2.70 per $1,000.

Are electric vehicles exempt from stamp duty in Australia?

Several states offer exemptions or concessions for EVs. NSW exempts EVs under $78,000 from stamp duty until June 2027. Victoria offers a stamp duty exemption for zero-emission vehicles. Queensland has a first-home buyer concession that may apply to EVs. WA offers a concession for EVs priced under $75,000.

How much stamp duty on a $50,000 car in NSW?

For a $50,000 car in NSW, stamp duty is calculated at $3 per $1,000 of value = $150. EVs under $78,000 are exempt. The rate changes to $4.50 per $1,000 for vehicles above certain price thresholds.

Do I pay stamp duty on a used car in Australia?

Yes. Stamp duty (transfer duty) is payable on both new and used vehicles when ownership transfers. The duty is based on the market value of the vehicle at the time of transfer, not the original purchase price.

What is the difference between stamp duty and transfer duty?

Stamp duty and transfer duty are the same thing — different names used in different states. In NSW, VIC, and QLD it is commonly called transfer duty. In SA it is called stamp duty. The calculation method and exemptions vary by state.

Can I use a calculator to estimate car stamp duty in Australia?

Yes. Most state revenue offices (SRO) provide online duty calculators. You can also use our Australia Car Stamp Duty Calculator to estimate costs across all states based on your vehicle price and location.

Is there an exemption for first-home buyers buying a car?

First-home buyer concessions apply to property purchases, not vehicles, in most Australian states. Some states may have specific concessions for low-value vehicles or EVs that effectively reduce duty for first-time buyers.