EV Stamp Duty Exemption

Why stamp duty matters

Motor vehicle stamp duty is calculated as a percentage of the vehicle’s market value and paid at registration. On a $60,000 EV:

• NSW: 3% = $1,800
• VIC: ~4.2% (varies by value) = ~$2,520
• QLD: 3.5% for vehicles over $100,000, 2% to $100,000 = $1,200

These are not trivial amounts. Exempting them from eligible EVs reduces the effective purchase price by a meaningful margin, particularly on mid-range vehicles where the EV premium over an equivalent petrol vehicle is around $5,000–$15,000.

State-by-state position (as at early 2026)

Stamp duty policy has changed frequently since 2021 and varies significantly by state. The below is a general overview - verify current thresholds with each state’s revenue office, as these change with budget cycles.

New South Wales: Stamp duty exemption for new BEVs and FCEVs under $78,000 (threshold subject to annual indexation). PHEVs were previously included; status changed with program updates - check Revenue NSW for current eligibility.

Victoria: Stamp duty concession for new zero and low-emission vehicles, phased alongside the removal of the now-discontinued electric vehicle road user charge. Check the SRO website for current rates and thresholds.

Queensland: Stamp duty concession for new eligible BEVs and PHEVs under a price threshold. QRO publishes current thresholds.

South Australia: Has offered stamp duty exemptions for EVs; confirm current status with RevenueSA.

Western Australia: Has introduced EV incentive programs; check the WA Department of Finance for current duty concessions.

ACT: Has been among the more progressive jurisdictions; has offered stamp duty and registration cost incentives. Check Access Canberra.

Interaction with novated leases and FBT

Stamp duty is typically paid at registration and is generally not affected by how you finance or structure the vehicle acquisition. A novated lease arrangement still requires stamp duty to be paid - it’s usually included in the pre-tax lease costs. The FBT exemption and stamp duty exemption are separate and both may apply to the same vehicle.

The trend toward tightening

Several states have begun winding back blanket EV incentives as EV market share has grown. The ACT’s EV incentives were progressively reduced as uptake targets were met. The NSW road user charge for EVs has been introduced alongside the stamp duty exemption. Budget contexts and election cycles both influence when changes happen - it’s worth checking current state policies at the point of purchase rather than relying on information from 12+ months ago.