Under the Indian Constitution, land is a state subject, granting individual states the authority to create laws, levy taxes, and collect revenue on these properties within their jurisdiction.

This decentralised approach ensures that land administration is tailored to each state's socioeconomic, cultural, and geographical landscape. These laws regulate land tenure, usage, acquisition, and reforms, shaping the property market accordingly. A well-coordinated system involving state revenue departments, city administrations, and the IGRS (Integrated Grievance Redressal System) ensures efficient property registration and revenue collection.

This article provides essential details on stamp duty in Karnataka, including the latest stamp duty rates in Karnataka, property registration charges, and other key aspects of property transactions.

Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Karnataka

Karnataka property registration charges are determined based on the guidance value of the property, which is the government-assessed minimum value. Stamp duty on home loans is a percentage of this value, in addition to a fixed registration fee.
As per the latest stamp duty rates in Karnataka, charges typically range between 2% and 5% of the property’s consideration value. These fees are mandatory for legally transferring property ownership.
Here is a breakdown of the stamp duty charges in Karnataka, along with the applicable registration charges:

Karnataka Stamp Duty Calculator and Registration Charges Process

To make stamp duty calculations easier, the Karnataka state government offers an online stamp duty calculator. Follow these steps to estimate stamp duty charges in Karnataka:

• Visit the Kaveri Online Services portal, the official platform under the Department of Stamps and Registration, Government of Karnataka.
• Locate and navigate to the "Stamp Duty and Registration Fee Calculator" tab.
• Enter details such as property location, market value, and transaction type.
• Click "Calculate" to see details such as the stamp duty on property in Karnataka, the registration charges, cess, and surcharge.

*Please refer to the official Kaveri Online Services portal for the most up-to-date information on stamp duty calculation.

Factors Involved in the Calculation of Stamp Duty in Karnataka

Several factors determine the final stamp duty charges in Karnataka, including:

• Market Value of the Property - Higher-value properties attract higher stamp duty rates.
• Property Location - Urban areas often have higher guidance values, leading to increased stamp duty charges compared to rural areas.
• Type of Property - Residential and commercial properties have different stamp duty structures, with commercial properties often incurring higher charges.
• Ownership Type - Discounts or concessions may apply to women buyers or joint ownership, depending on government policies.
• Applicable Exemptions - Some government policies offer rebates on certain property transactions.

Stamp Duty in Karnataka: Tax Benefits

Investing in property in Karnataka offers potential tax benefits, including deductions on stamp duty under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

• Buyers can claim up to INR 1.5 lakhs as a deduction on stamp duty and registration charges.
• This benefit applies only to new residential properties.
• Deductions must be claimed in the same financial year as the property purchase.
• The deduction is only available under the Old Tax Regime.

These tax incentives help reduce the overall cost of property acquisition, making real estate investments more affordable.

How to Pay Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Karnataka Online?

Paying stamp duty in Karnataka online is a simple process. Follow these steps:

• Visit the Khajane-2 or K2 website.
• Click "Generate Challan" under the Services section.
• Enter buyer and seller details, property information, and payment purpose.
• Select "Stamp Duty" under Agreement of Sale as the sub-category.
• Enter the stamp duty amount and select a payment method (net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card).
• Generate the challan, which remains valid for 90 days.

*It’s always advisable to check the official government website for any updates or changes in the payment process.

How to Pay Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Karnataka Offline?

For those preferring offline payment, follow these steps:

• Visit the local sub-registrar’s office in your area.
• Submit required documents with signatures from the buyer, seller, and witnesses.
• Purchase the necessary impressive stamps from an authorised vendor.
• Pay the stamp duty and registration fees at the designated counter.
• Get documents verified by the sub-registrar.
• Receive the property registration certificate upon successful verification.

Key Points to Remember Before Paying Stamp Duty in Karnataka 

Before proceeding with the payment of stamp duty in Karnataka, it's essential to consider the following:

• Validity of Stamp Paper: Ensure that the stamp paper used is purchased in the name of one of the parties involved in the transaction and is utilised within six months of its issuance. Using an expired stamp paper can lead to legal complications.
  
• Timely Payment: All instruments liable for stamp duty must be stamped before or on the day of execution. Delayed payment can result in penalties or the document being inadmissible in legal proceedings.
  
• Mode of Payment: Karnataka offers both online and offline methods for paying stamp duty. Familiarise yourself with the procedures to ensure a smooth transaction.
  
• Additional Charges: Apart from stamp duty, be aware of other charges such as registration fees, cess, and surcharges that may apply, depending on the property's location and value.

Latest Update  on the Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Karnataka

In 2025, the Karnataka government introduced major revisions to stamp duty for specific documents, marking the first amendment to the Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957 in 28 years. The revised rates, which took effect following the governor’s approval in February 2025, impose a 200% to 500% increase in stamp duty on documents that don’t require registration. From affidavits and adoption deeds to company reconstructions, these changes impact 25 different documents. The property tax, however, remains unchanged.

Conclusion

When budgeting for a property purchase in Karnataka, it’s crucial to factor in stamp duty and registration charges, as these fees are essential for legally transferring ownership. Paying the correct charges ensures a smooth and legally valid property transaction.
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