No stamp duty payable on electric vehicle purchases

Stamp duty is exempt for eligible new and used electric light vehicles (EVs) under 4.5 tonne gross vehicle mass (including motorcycles) registered from 1 September 2021 in NSW.

Important changes from 1 January 2024

The stamp duty exemption and the rebate for all eligible EV purchases will end on 1 January 2024. 

Individuals and businesses that have purchased or placed a deposit on an eligible EV prior to 1 January 2024, and are awaiting delivery of the vehicle, will still be eligible to receive the stamp duty exemption and rebate, regardless of whether the vehicle has been delivered by that date. This will ensure that purchasers who are unable to register their vehicle by 31 December 2023, are not disadvantaged for delays in delivery. Further information will be released soon regarding these arrangements. 

In addition, all battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that are registered for the first time or transferred from 1 January 2024 will be liable to pay the road user charge (RUC) once it commences, which is the earlier of 1 July 2027 or when battery EV sales reach 30 per cent of new light vehicle sales.
 

As part of the NSW Government’s incentives to reduce the upfront cost of EVs, eligible new or used battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric light vehicles that cost up to $78,000 (dutiable value) are exempt from stamp duty. This will put up to $3,000 back into the pocket of EV purchasers.

We know that the upfront cost is a major deterrent for many people considering buying an EV. For eligible vehicles, the abolition of stamp duty combined with the NSW Government’s significant rebate of $3,000 (available for new vehicles only), will save new EV purchasers up to $5,540.

For eligible vehicles registered from 15 August 2022, the stamp duty exemption will be applied automatically by Transport for NSW. This will save you from any up-front duty costs. 

    If you registered an eligible vehicle between 1 September 2021 and 14 August 2022, you can claim back the stamp duty paid.

    Click here to claim back stamp duty paid

    What vehicle details are required to apply for a stamp duty exemption?

    The following vehicle details are required for a stamp duty exemption application: 

    • Date of registration
    • Sale price or market value (whichever is higher)
    • Duty amount paid
    • Registration plate number of vehicle
    • Vehicle make
    • Vehicle model
    • VIN

    Electric vehicle stamp duty exemption guidelines

    Eligibility criteria and application process

    The NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy outlines a number of incentives to encourage the purchase of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in NSW.  One of the incentives offered by the NSW Government is a stamp duty exemption for eligible electric vehicles. We know that upfront purchase price is one of the barriers hindering purchase of electric vehicles and this stamp duty exemption is intended to help address this barrier and encourage uptake. 

    This page contains the guidelines for the eligibility criteria and application process (where applicable) for the stamp duty exemption for electric vehicles.

    Eligibility criteria

    Who can apply for a stamp duty exemption?

    All new or used light BEVs and FCEVs with a dutiable value up to and including $78,000 are exempt from stamp duty. Any NSW resident or business registering these vehicles on or after 1 September 2021 for personal or business use are exempt from stamp duty on that registration. 

    What electric vehicles does it apply to?

    The stamp duty exemption is available for new and used light (weighing a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4.5 tonnes or less) BEVs and FCEVs with a dutiable value up to and including $78,000 that are registered on or after 1 September 2021. BEVs and FCEVs with a dutiable value above $78,000 will continue to pay stamp duty. 

    The dutiable value of a vehicle is the higher of the total amount paid or market value (including GST, where applicable), and includes delivery costs, accessories and options added to the vehicle (e.g. towbar, special wheels, paint protection etc) and any other charges or fees levied by the dealer on the purchaser. NSW Government charges administered by Transport for NSW, such as registration fees and vehicle weight tax, the cost of CTP insurance or the premium paid for any extended warranty insurance are not included in the dutiable value. 

    A BEV is a battery electric vehicle which uses only an electric motor for propulsion and runs entirely on battery power, requiring no petrol. 

    A FCEV is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle which uses only an electric motor for propulsion and is equipped with a fuel cell for converting hydrogen to electricity. 

    The stamp duty exemption will only be available for light battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric motor vehicles (motor vehicle is defined under the Road Transport Act 2013). This includes the following categories:  

    • passenger vehicles 
    • sports utility vehicles 
    • light trucks/light commercial vehicles 
    • motorcycles 

    Vehicles that are not exempt from stamp duty under this policy include:  

    • hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles 
    • heavy trucks and other types of heavy vehicles 
    • trailers and caravans

    Examples of BEVs and FCEVs that, subject to pricing and eligibility requirements, may qualify for this stamp duty exemption can be found here. 

     

    When does the electric vehicle need to be purchased and registered?

    Stamp duty is ordinarily payable on the registration of a vehicle if the vehicle has not previously been registered, or a previously registered vehicle is being registered to a different person. This dutiable event must be on or after 1 September 2021 to be eligible for a stamp duty exemption. 

    If you have purchased an eligible vehicle and registered the vehicle on or after 1 September 2021, you are eligible for a stamp duty exemption. Stamp duty continues to be payable in relation to vehicle registrations prior to 1 September 2021 and for registrations of non-exempt vehicles.

    There is no restriction on when a vehicle was purchased to be eligible for a stamp duty exemption. Eligible vehicles purchased before 1 September 2021 and registered on or after 1 September 2021 are exempt from stamp duty for that registration.

    Do you still need to pay stamp duty when registering an eligible electric vehicle?

    You would have been required to pay stamp duty when registering an eligible vehicle between 1 September 2021 and 14 August 2022. A stamp duty refund can then be claimed through an application portal.

    For eligible vehicles registered or transferred from 15 August 2022, the stamp duty exemption will be automatically applied. This means you will not have to pay stamp duty or claim a refund. 

    Application process

    When and how can a stamp duty exemption and refund be applied for?

    A stamp duty exemption and refund can be applied for from 1 November 2021 on the NSW Government online application portal here. 

    From 15 August 2022, the stamp duty exemption will be automated, and you will not need to pay the duty or claim a refund.

    What documents do you need to apply for a stamp duty exemption?

    Evidence required during the application process includes: 

    • Current and valid NSW Driver Licence (which matches the registration details) 

    • Certificate of Registration (which shows a registration number, registration history, registered owner, vehicle use, Vehicle Identification Number – VIN, a duty paid amount) 

    When will a stamp duty be refunded?

    For customers applying for the exemption and refund, Revenue NSW will review the information within 15 business days from the submission of a complete application. Revenue NSW will notify applicants if they have been successful.

    If the stamp duty exemption is granted, Revenue NSW will proceed to transfer the stamp duty refund to the bank account nominated by the customer within five business days of notification of successful application.

    Please note that from 15 August 2022, the stamp duty exemption will be automatically applied. You will not have to pay any up-front duty costs or apply for a refund.

    Do you need to apply separately for a rebate and a stamp duty refund?

    Separate applications for a rebate and a stamp duty refund for eligible vehicle purchases are required, however both applications will be available through a single online portal. You can find out more information about electric vehicle rebates here.  

    What personal details are required to apply for a stamp duty exemption?

    If you are applying as an individual, you will be required to provide: 

    • Transport for NSW Customer Number

    • Copy of your NSW Driver Licence

    • Copy of your Certificate of Registration

    • Name

    • Date of birth

    • Mailing address

    • Email

    • Phone number

    If you are applying as a business, you will be required to provide: 

    • Transport for NSW Customer Number

    • Copy of NSW Driver Licence of the business contact person

    • Copy of the Certificate of Registration

    • Company or business name

    • ABN, ACN or ABRN etc.

    • Contact person name

    • Contact mailing address

    • Contact email

    • Contact phone number

    For more information about the NSW Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy, visit: 

    For help with Stamp Duty Refund Applications, please contact the Revenue NSW Electric Vehicle team: 

    For questions about the eligibility of a vehicle for the stamp duty exemption, please contact Technical Enquiries at Transport for NSW: 

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