What is stamp duty on property in India?+
Stamp duty is a state government tax paid when registering property transactions (sale, purchase, gift, lease). It is calculated as a percentage of the property's market value or agreement value, whichever is higher. Stamp duty is paid by the buyer. In addition to stamp duty, a registration fee (usually 1% of property value) is paid to the Sub-Registrar's office.
What are the stamp duty rates in Maharashtra 2026?+
Maharashtra stamp duty 2026: Within Municipal Corporation limits (BMC, PCMC etc.): Male buyer: 6%, Female buyer: 5%, Joint (male+female): 6%. Rural areas: 4%. Plus registration: 1% of property value (maximum ₹30,000 for residential properties). PMRDA, PCMC, Nashik, Nagpur areas: 7% (includes 1% metro cess for metro cities). Government occasionally offers stamp duty waivers/reductions for specific periods.
What is the stamp duty for women buyers in India?+
Many states offer 1-2% discount on stamp duty for women buyers to encourage women's property ownership: Delhi: Women buyers pay 4% vs 6% for men. Rajasthan: Women pay 5% vs 6% for men. Maharashtra: Women pay 5% vs 6% for men. Uttar Pradesh: Women pay 6% vs 7% for men. Tamil Nadu: No gender-based concession (7% for all). The property must be in the woman's sole name to avail the concession.
Can stamp duty be paid online in India?+
Yes, stamp duty can be paid online in most states: Maharashtra: iStampDuty portal. Delhi: DELHILOGIN / E-Stamp. Karnataka: KAVERI 2.0 portal. Tamil Nadu: TNREGINET portal. UP: IGRSUP portal. Online payment generates a receipt/challan which is submitted at the Sub-Registrar's office. E-stamping through Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL) is available in most states.
Is stamp duty tax deductible?+
Stamp duty and registration charges are eligible for Section 80C deduction (up to ₹1.5 lakh) under the old tax regime, but only in the year of payment and only for residential property purchased for self-use. Not available under new tax regime. The deduction covers both stamp duty and registration charges. This benefit is available for the first purchase only; not for resale properties.
What is circle rate and how does it affect stamp duty?+
Circle rate (also called guidance value or ready reckoner rate) is the minimum rate fixed by the state government for property registration in different areas. Stamp duty is calculated on the higher of: (a) actual transaction price or (b) circle rate. If you buy a property below circle rate, you still pay stamp duty on the circle rate. This prevents tax evasion through undervaluation. Check your state's sub-registrar website for circle rates.