Car stamp duty calculator for every state
Motor vehicle stamp duty is a state tax paid when a vehicle is first registered or the registration is transferred to a new owner, and it is worked out on the price paid or the market value, whichever the state uses. Pick a state, enter the dutiable value and the calculator shows the duty and the working, using the rates each revenue office publishes for 2026.
Duty on a $30,000 used car, by state
| State | What it’s called | Duty on $30,000 | Rates from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | vehicle registration duty | $900 | Rates current at October 2026 (no change announced for 2026-27). The extra $2 per $100 for light vehicles over $100,000 has applied since 1 July 2018, and the higher rate applies to the whole dutiable value. |
| New South Wales | motor vehicle duty | $900 | Rates current at October 2026. The EV exemption ended on 1 January 2024. |
| Victoria | motor vehicle duty | $1,260 | Rates effective from 1 July 2026 (luxury threshold $80,809 for 2026-27). |
| Western Australia | vehicle licence duty | $1,050 | Rates current at October 2026 (no change to duty rates in the 2026-27 WA Budget). |
| South Australia | stamp duty on motor vehicles | $1,140 | Rates current at October 2026 (confirmed in the RevenueSA overview dated 19 February 2026). |
| Tasmania | motor vehicle duty | $900 | Rates current at October 2026. The EV exemption ended on 31 December 2023. |
| Australian Capital Territory | motor vehicle duty | $951 | Rates effective for registrations from 1 September 2025 to 31 January 2027. |
| Northern Territory | motor vehicle stamp duty | $900 | Rates current at October 2026. EV concession applies from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2027. |
Used passenger car, 4 cylinders, petrol, 180 g/km where emissions matter.
How motor vehicle duty works in Australia
Every state and territory charges duty on the registration or transfer of a vehicle. Each one sets its own rates and calls it something slightly different: vehicle registration duty in Queensland, vehicle licence duty in Western Australia, motor vehicle duty in most other places.
Most states charge a set amount for every $100 or part of $100 of value. That means the value is rounded up first, so a $30,050 car is charged as if it were $30,100. Victoria rounds to the next $200 and Western Australia uses a percentage.
Several states also change the rate based on the type of vehicle. Queensland looks at cylinders and whether it is a hybrid or electric, the ACT looks at CO2 emissions, Victoria gives green cars a flat rate, and NSW, South Australia and Tasmania treat utes and vans differently from passenger cars.
What value the duty is based on
For a new vehicle the dutiable value is generally the full price including GST, options, accessories and dealer delivery, but not registration or CTP insurance. Tasmania also includes luxury car tax and any trade-in allowance.
For a used vehicle most states use the sale price or the market value, whichever is higher. This stops a low declared price on a transfer from reducing the duty. Western Australia uses the open market value for used vehicles and the manufacturer retail price for new ones.
Who pays and when
The buyer pays, at the time the vehicle is registered or transferred into their name. When a dealer sells a car, the duty is usually collected in the drive-away price and paid with the registration or transfer paperwork.
In most states a licensed dealer can register stock held for sale without paying duty, and many extend that to demonstrators. The exemption has conditions, such as time limits (often 12 months), kilometre limits, and no use as loan or courtesy cars. Duty becomes payable if the vehicle stops qualifying, so track the date each car was registered and how it is being used.
Electric vehicles and duty in 2026
Most EV stamp duty exemptions have now ended. NSW ended its exemption on 1 January 2024, Tasmania on 31 December 2023 and the ACT replaced its nil rate with $2.50 per $100 from 1 September 2025. The Northern Territory concession (no duty on the first $50,000) runs until 30 June 2027.
Queensland still charges hybrids and EVs a lower rate, and Victoria charges green cars (120 g/km CO2 or less) a flat $8.40 per $200 at any value.
Before you quote a customer
This calculator gives an estimate from the published rates. Heavy vehicles, special vehicles, primary producer and disability concessions, and fleet discount rates are not covered. Always confirm the final figure with the state revenue office or its official calculator, and check for rate changes if the vehicle will be registered after 1 July or, in the ACT, after 31 January 2027.
Questions dealers ask
Who pays stamp duty when a dealer sells a car?
The buyer. Duty is charged when the vehicle is registered or the registration is transferred into the buyer’s name, and dealers usually collect it as part of the on-road costs and pay it with the registration.
Is stamp duty worked out on the price or the market value?
In most states it’s worked out on the higher of the price paid (including GST and accessories fitted before registration) and the vehicle’s market value. Each state page shows the exact basis.
Do electric cars pay less stamp duty?
It depends on the state. Some states have emissions-based rates or EV concessions and others removed them. Pick your state above to see the current treatment.
Do dealers pay duty on their own stock?
Generally not while a car is held as trading stock, but rules differ for demonstrators and cars registered in the dealer’s name. Check the dealer notes on your state’s page.
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