Kerala Stamp Duty Calculator 2026
Male buyer 8% · Female buyer 8% · Registration 2%.
Kerala stamp duty — what makes this state different
Kerala combined 10% is among highest in India, second only to Tamil Nadu's 11%. No women rebate. Assessed on "fair value" updated every 5 years.
Hiked 6% to 8% in 2009, never revised. The 2024 fair-value revision pushed urban Ernakulam/Thiruvananthapuram parcels up 25–40%.
Women-buyer policy
No women rebate. Kerala briefly experimented with 1% rebate in 2007 but withdrew within 18 months.
Tribal-area, SC/ST and agricultural-land rules
Tribal area transfers in Wayanad, Idukki exempt under KST Act. CRZ plots attract regular duty. Plantation land has separate cess.
How to pay Kerala stamp duty online
Kerala accepts e-Stamp through SHCIL for any amount above ₹500. Generate the e-Stamp challan at Kerala Registration Dept ↗.
Steps: (1) Compute duty using the calculator. (2) Generate e-Stamp on SHCIL or state portal. (3) Book sub-registrar slot online. (4) Carry buyer + seller (with two witnesses), Aadhaar, PAN, recent property tax receipt, encumbrance certificate, and the executed sale deed in two originals. (5) Biometric capture at sub-registrar; registered deed released within 7 working days.
Common mistakes that void the registration
- Under-declaring consideration below circle rate — sub-registrar levies on circle rate; gap becomes taxable under section 56(2)(x).
- Wrong stamp paper denomination — using ₹500 stamp for ₹1Cr deed will be rejected; e-Stamp avoids this.
- Missing two witnesses — Section 32 of Registration Act requires two witnesses physically present with PAN/Aadhaar.
- Stale encumbrance certificate — most sub-registrars require EC dated within 30 days.
- Power of Attorney not stamped separately — PoA itself attracts duty in Kerala and must be registered before executing the sale deed.
Estimates only. Verified against Kerala Registration Dept. Always confirm the latest circle rate notification before drafting the agreement to sell.
FAQ — Kerala stamp duty
What is the current stamp duty rate in Kerala?
As of 2026, Kerala charges 8% for male buyers and 8% for female buyers, plus 2% registration fee. Last revised in 2024.
Is there a women-buyer rebate in Kerala?
No women rebate. Kerala briefly experimented with 1% rebate in 2007 but withdrew within 18 months.
How is stamp duty calculated in Kerala — on agreement value or circle rate?
On the HIGHER of agreement consideration or state circle rate. If you under-declare, the sub-registrar levies on circle rate anyway and the gap becomes deemed gift income under Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act.
Where do I pay Kerala stamp duty online?
Through https://registration.kerala.gov.in/ (Kerala Registration Dept). e-Stamp via Stock Holding Corporation (SHCIL) for amounts above ₹500.
What is the registration fee in Kerala?
2%. Separate from stamp duty under Registration Act 1908.
Are there exemptions for tribal/SC-ST/agricultural land?
Tribal area transfers in Wayanad, Idukki exempt under KST Act. CRZ plots attract regular duty. Plantation land has separate cess.
When were Kerala stamp duty rates last revised?
Last revised in 2024. Hiked 6% to 8% in 2009, never revised. The 2024 fair-value revision pushed urban Ernakulam/Thiruvananthapuram parcels up 25–40%.
Can NRI buyers claim concessions in Kerala?
NRI/OCI buyers pay the same headline rate as resident male buyers unless the state offers a specific NRI concession. Punjab is the only state with explicit NRI rate at 5%.
Other states
MaharashtraKarnatakaDelhiUttar PradeshTamil NaduTelanganaGujaratHaryanaWest BengalRajasthanMadhya PradeshPunjabAndhra PradeshChhattisgarhJharkhandOdishaBiharAssamGoaHimachal PradeshUttarakhand