Every property or transaction involving land, shares or certain business transfers can trigger stamp duty (also known as transfer duty). Missteps can cost thousands or lead to unexpected liability.
Our stamp duty lawyers provide clear advice across buying, selling, restructuring or transfers. We map your obligations, minimise costs and build defensible positions that hold up under challenge – protecting your cash flow and peace of mind.
Stamp duty (or transfer duty in some states) is a tax imposed by state and territory governments on certain transactions, including property, business transfers and sometimes shares.
The rate depends on transaction type, value, location, and purpose.
Whether it’s a residential property sale, commercial land, or business restructuring, accurate classification and timing matter.
How you structure a transaction, what you include in the agreement and whether eligible exemptions apply all affect how much duty you will pay.
Stamp duty impacts property, business and share transfers – from contract drafting to settlement and compliance with state revenue authorities. These are the most common stamp duty issues we help clients resolve.
Stamp duty rules differ across states and can change depending on the transaction. We provide clear, practical advice that minimises costs, avoids penalties and keeps your contracts and settlements on track.
Whether buying, selling or transferring property between related parties, we advise on duty calculations, concessions, and exemptions so you don’t overpay or trigger unexpected liabilities.
Buying or transferring shares or units in companies and trusts that hold land can trigger landholder duty. We assess thresholds, structure transactions, and advise on exemptions to avoid costly surprises.
State revenue authorities review high-value or unusual transactions closely. We prepare submissions, respond to queries, and resolve disputes quickly to protect your position and cash flow.
Dividing land between co-owners is often dutiable. We structure partitions to meet statutory concessions where available, minimising costs and ensuring compliance.
When property is purchased in one name but held for another, duty issues can arise. We guide you through declarations of trust and ensure the correct treatment from the outset.
Replacing a trustee can attract duty if not managed carefully. We prepare the documents, confirm eligibility for exemptions and liaise with revenue authorities to keep the process seamless.
Transfers between spouses or de facto partners often qualify for exemptions or concessions. We confirm eligibility, prepare the documents, and lodge with revenue authorities to secure the benefit.
Transferring property under a will or intestacy can be duty-free if the rules are followed. We advise executors and beneficiaries on exemptions, timing, and documentation to protect entitlements.
Revenue authorities closely monitor transactions and step in where they see red flags – high-value property or business transfers, related-party dealings, valuations that appear low compared to market data, reliance on concessions or exemptions or late and inconsistent lodgements.
If you are audited, we take the lead. We prepare a clear position supported by evidence, agree scope and timelines and correct genuine errors in a way that limits exposure.
Where appropriate, we make voluntary disclosures to reduce penalties and negotiate practical outcomes that protect your cash flow.
If escalation is required, we pursue objections or reviews while preserving privilege and keeping your transactions moving.
Stamp duty rules are complex, costs are high and mistakes can trigger penalties or disputes. Legal advice ensures you meet obligations, minimise liability and protect your financial position.
We clarify exactly how duty applies to your transaction so you know upfront what you owe, when it’s due and what exemptions apply.
We identify and secure available concessions, exemptions and refunds so you don’t pay more than required.
We prepare and lodge documents that align with duty laws and revenue requirements, reducing audit risk and avoiding penalties.
If revenue authorities review your transaction, we frame your position with evidence, correct errors and negotiate outcomes that protect you.
Whether you are buying a home, transferring property, restructuring a business or dealing with a trust, we provide stamp duty advice that protects your interests and minimises exposure.
When stamp duty threatens to complicate your deal, you need advice that is precise, practical and timely – advice that clarifies your obligations, secures exemptions and keeps your transaction on track.
We cut through complex duty laws and turn them into clear, actionable steps. Our advice works in practice for property, business and trust transactions, keeping deals on track.
We’ve reduced liabilities, secured refunds and resolved audits and disputes with revenue authorities. Our track record shows we deliver outcomes that protect your financial position.
Every transaction is different. We take time to understand your structure and goals, then tailor advice that fits your commercial objectives and risk profile.
Stamp duty can be expensive, but advice doesn’t have to be. We scope issues upfront, keep drafting lean and offer fixed fees where possible, so you have certainty on costs and outcomes.
