Duties Act 1997 No 123



An Act to create and charge a number of duties.
Chapter 1 Preliminary
1   Name of Act
This Act is the Duties Act 1997.
2   Commencement
This Act commences on 1 July 1998.
3   What does this Act do?
This Act creates and charges a number of duties.
Note—
Each duty is dealt with in a separate Chapter of this Act. The Contents pages list the Chapters and their subject-matter.
4   What is a duty?
A duty charged by this Act is, when a liability to pay the duty is created, a debt due to the State of New South Wales.
5   Arrangements for payment of duties
This Act does not contain all the provisions concerning duties. This Act is to be read together with the Taxation Administration Act 1996. The Taxation Administration Act 1996 contains provisions that deal with, for example—
  how assessments of duty are made
  how assessments can be challenged
  what happens if duty is not paid on time
  how unpaid duty may be recovered
  what records must be kept by taxpayers
  how decisions made under this Act can be challenged
  the investigative powers of tax administrators.
6   Meaning of words and expressions used in this Act
Words and expressions used in this Act (or in any particular provision of this Act) that are defined in the Dictionary at the end of this Act have the meanings set out in the Dictionary.
7   Notes in the text
Notes included in this Act are explanatory notes and do not form part of this Act.
Chapter 2 Transactions concerning dutiable property
Part 1 Introduction and overview
8   Imposition of duty on certain transactions concerning dutiable property
(1)  This Chapter charges duty on—
(a)  a transfer of dutiable property, and
(b)  the following transactions—
(i)  an agreement for the sale or transfer of dutiable property,
(ii)  a declaration of trust over dutiable property,
(iii)  a surrender of an interest in land in New South Wales,
(iv)  a foreclosure of a mortgage over dutiable property,
(v)  a vesting of dutiable property by or as a consequence of an order of a court of this or another jurisdiction, whether inside or outside Australia,
(vi)  the enlargement of a term in land into a fee simple under section 134 of the Conveyancing Act 1919,
(vii)  a vesting of land in New South Wales by, or expressly authorised by, statute law of this or another jurisdiction, whether inside or outside Australia,
(viii)  a lease in respect of which a premium is paid or agreed to be paid.
(c)    (Repealed)
Note—
There are other provisions in this Act that deem certain transactions to be a transfer of dutiable property under this Chapter, for example—
(a)  section 9A, which provides for certain circumstances in which a transfer of a partnership interest is taken to occur, and
(b)  section 9B, which provides for certain circumstances in which a transfer of an option to purchase land is taken to occur, and
(c)  section 9C, which provides for circumstances in which a novation of an agreement for the lease of land in New South Wales is taken to be a transfer of dutiable property, and
(d)  Part 2 of Chapter 3, which treats a transfer or assignment of an option to purchase dutiable property as a transfer of the dutiable property in certain circumstances.
(2)  Such a transfer or transaction is a dutiable transaction for the purposes of this Act.
(3)  In this Chapter—
declaration of trust means any declaration (other than by a will or testamentary instrument) that any identified property vested or to be vested in the person making the declaration is or is to be held in trust for the person or persons, or the purpose or purposes, mentioned in the declaration although the beneficial owner of the property, or the person entitled to appoint the property, may not have joined in or assented to the declaration.
lease means a lease of land in New South Wales or an agreement for a lease of land in New South Wales.
premium, in respect of a lease entered into pursuant to an option, includes an amount paid or payable for the grant of the option.
transfer includes an assignment, an exchange and a buy-back of shares in accordance with Division 2 of Part 2J.1 of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
s 8: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [1] [2]; 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [1]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [1]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [1] [2]; 2004 No 33, Sch 4 [1]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [1]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [1] [2]; 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [1]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [1]; 2014 No 56, Sch 1 [1] [2].
8A   Vesting of land in New South Wales by statute law
(1)  Without limiting section 8 (1) (b) (vii), land in New South Wales is vested under statute law if the law vests the land in an entity that the law states is the successor in law of, continuation of or same entity as, the entity in which the land was previously vested.
(2)  However, land in New South Wales is not vested under statute law on the registration of a company under Part 5B.1 of Chapter 5B of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
(3)  The merger of a corporation (company A) with and into another corporation (company B) in circumstances where neither subsection (4) nor subsection (5) applies is taken to be a vesting of the land in New South Wales of company A in company B by statute law.
(4)  A merger of corporations (the merging corporations) in circumstances where another corporation (company C) results as a consequence of the merger is taken to be a vesting of the land in New South Wales of the merging corporations in company C by statute law.
(5)  A merger of corporations (the merging corporations) with and into each other in circumstances where each of the merging corporations continues in existence is taken to be a vesting in the merging corporations, jointly, of 50% (in value) of the land in New South Wales of the merging corporations by statute law.
s 8A: Ins 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [3].
9   Imposition of duty on dutiable transactions that are not transfers
(1)  The duty charged by this Chapter on a dutiable transaction referred to in section 8 (1) (b) is to be charged as if each such dutiable transaction were a transfer of dutiable property.
(2)  Accordingly, for the purpose of charging duty under this Chapter, in relation to a dutiable transaction specified in Column 1 of the following Table—
(a)  the property specified opposite the dutiable transaction in Column 2 is taken to be the property transferred (and a reference in this Act to property transferred includes a reference to such property), and
(b)  the person specified opposite the dutiable transaction in Column 3 is taken to be the transferee of the dutiable property (and a reference in this Act to a transferee includes a reference to such a person), and
(c)  the transfer of the dutiable property is taken to have occurred at the time specified opposite the dutiable transaction in Column 4 (and a reference in this Act to the time at which a transfer occurs includes a reference to such a time).
Table
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Column 4
Dutiable transaction
Property transferred
Transferee
When transfer occurs
agreement for sale or transfer
the property agreed to be sold or transferred
the purchaser or transferee
when the agreement is entered into
declaration of trust
the property vested or to be vested in the declarant
the person declaring the trust
when the declaration is made
surrender
the surrendered property
the person to whom the property is surrendered
when the surrender takes place
foreclosure
the mortgaged property
the mortgagee
when the foreclosure order is made
vesting by court order
the vested property
the person in whom the property is vested
when the order is made
enlargement of a term in land into a fee simple
the estate in fee simple
the person who acquires the estate in fee simple
when the term is enlarged
vesting by statute law
the vested land in New South Wales
the person in whom the land is vested
when the vesting by statute law occurs
lease
the leased property
the lessee
when the lease is entered into
s 9: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [3]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [2]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [4]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [3].
9A   Transfer of partnership interest occurring on change in partnership arrangements
(1)  A transfer of a partnership interest is taken to occur when a change in partnership arrangements occurs.
(2)  A change in partnership arrangements occurs if—
(a)  a partner in an existing partnership retires so that a new partnership is formed (with or without the admission of new partners), or
(b)  a new partner is admitted to an existing partnership so that a new partnership is formed.
(3)  A new partnership is formed when a partner in an existing partnership retires, unless the partnership is wound up on that retirement (sometimes referred to as a general dissolution of the partnership).
(4)  A new partnership is formed whenever a new partner is admitted to an existing partnership.
(5)  For the purposes of this Act—
(a)  if a change in partnership arrangements occurs because of the retirement of a partner in an existing partnership, the retiring partner’s partnership interest is taken to be transferred to the partners in the new partnership (a retirement transfer), and
(b)  if a change in partnership arrangements occurs because of the admission of a new partner to an existing partnership, the new partner’s partnership interest is taken to be transferred to the partners in the new partnership (an admission transfer).
(6)  If a change in partnership arrangements results in both one or more retirement transfers and one or more admission transfers, duty is chargeable only on—
(a)  the retirement transfer or retirement transfers, if the dutiable value of the retirement transfer or retirement transfers exceeds the dutiable value of the admission transfer or admission transfers, or
(b)  the admission transfer or admission transfers, if the dutiable value of the admission transfer or admission transfers exceeds the dutiable value of the retirement transfer or retirement transfers.
(7)  This section does not affect liability for duty on a transfer of a partnership interest that occurs otherwise than because of a change in partnership arrangements.
Note—
For example, a transfer of a partnership interest from one partner to another partner in an existing partnership will also be dutiable under this Chapter.
(7A)  To avoid doubt, a transfer of a partnership interest that is taken to occur under this section is a transfer of dutiable property and a reference in this Act to a transfer of dutiable property or a dutiable transaction includes a reference to such a transfer.
(8)  In this section, retirement of a partner includes retirement as a consequence of the death of a partner.
s 9A: Ins 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [2]. Am 2014 No 56, Sch 1 [3].
9B   Transfer of option occurring on nomination or other change
(1)  A transfer of an option to purchase land in New South Wales is taken to occur if, for valuable consideration—
(a)  another person is nominated to exercise the option, or
(b)  another person is nominated as purchaser or transferee of the land the subject of the option on or before the exercise of the option, or
(c)  the option holder agrees to a novation of the option, or otherwise relinquishes rights under the option, so that another person obtains a right to exercise the option or to purchase the land.
(2)  For the purposes of this Act, in a case referred to in subsection (1) (a) or (b)—
(a)  the option is taken to be transferred when the nomination is made (and a reference in this Act to the time at which a transfer occurs includes a reference to such a time), and
(b)  the person nominated is taken to be the transferee of the option (and a reference in this Act to a transferee includes a reference to such a person).
(3)  For the purposes of this Act, in a case referred to in subsection (1) (c)—
(a)  the option is taken to be transferred when the option holder agrees to the novation or otherwise relinquishes rights under the option (and a reference in this Act to the time at which a transfer occurs includes a reference to such a time), and
(b)  the person who obtains a right to exercise the option or to purchase the land is taken to be the transferee of the option (and a reference in this Act to a transferee includes a reference to such a person).
(4)  This section applies regardless of when the option is exercisable.
(5)  For the purposes of this section, anything done by a person under a power of appointment or other authority granted by an option holder is taken to have been done by the option holder.
(6)  To avoid doubt, a person who has a right to accept an offer to sell land has a right to purchase the land.
(7)  To avoid doubt, a transfer of an option to purchase land that is taken to occur under this section is a transfer of dutiable property and a reference in this Act to a transfer of dutiable property or a dutiable transaction includes a reference to such a transfer.
(8)  In this section—
option holder, in relation to an option to purchase land in New South Wales, means a person who has a right to purchase the land under the option (whether vested or contingent).
s 9B: Ins 2014 No 56, Sch 1 [4].
9C   Novation of agreement for lease
(1)  A novation of an agreement for the lease of land in New South Wales is taken to be a transfer of dutiable property as if—
(a)  the lessee’s interest in the agreement were dutiable property, and
(b)  the novation of the agreement were a transfer of that dutiable property.
(2)  For the purposes of this Act—
(a)  the transfer is taken to occur when the agreement for lease is novated (and a reference in this Act to the time at which a transfer occurs includes a reference to such a time), and
(b)  the new lessee is taken to be the transferee of the dutiable property (and a reference in this Act to a transferee includes a reference to such a person).
(3)  A reference in this Act to dutiable property includes, in relation to a transfer that is taken to occur under this section, a reference to a lessee’s interest in an agreement for the lease of land in New South Wales.
(4)  To avoid doubt, a reference in this Act to a dutiable transaction includes a reference to a transfer of dutiable property that is taken to occur under this section.
s 9C: Ins 2014 No 56, Sch 1 [4].
10   Form of dutiable transaction is immaterial
The duty charged by this Chapter is payable whether or not a dutiable transaction is effected by an instrument or by any other means.
s 10: Subst 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [1].
11   What is “dutiable property”?
(1)  Dutiable property is any of the following—
(a)  land in New South Wales,
(b)  transferable floor space (also known as heritage floor space), being floor space area that—
(i)  is recorded on a register kept by a local government council in New South Wales, and
(ii)  derives from the unutilised development potential of land in New South Wales that contains improvements of heritage value, and
(iii)  may, subject to obtaining all necessary consents and approvals, be utilised in the development of other land in New South Wales,
(c)  a land use entitlement,
(d)  shares—
(i)  in a NSW company, or
(ii)  in a corporation incorporated outside Australia that are kept on the Australian register kept in New South Wales,
Notes—
Shares is defined in the Dictionary to include rights to shares.
Some shares (namely, shares quoted on the ASX or a recognised stock exchange) are not dutiable property—see subsection (2).
(e)  units in a unit trust scheme, being units—
(i)  registered on a register kept in New South Wales, or
(ii)  that are not registered on a register kept in Australia, but in respect of which the manager (or, if there is no manager, the trustee) of the unit trust scheme is a NSW company or is a natural person resident in New South Wales,
Notes—
Units is defined in the Dictionary to include rights to units.
Some units (namely, units quoted on the ASX or a recognised stock exchange) are not dutiable property—see subsection (2).
(f)    (Repealed)
(g)  a business asset, being, at any relevant time—
(i)  the goodwill of a business, if the business has supplied goods in New South Wales, or provided services in New South Wales, to a customer of the business during the previous 12 months, or
(ii)  intellectual property that has been used or exploited in New South Wales during the previous 12 months, but only if the intellectual property is the subject of an arrangement that includes a dutiable transaction over goodwill referred to in subparagraph (i), or
(iii)  a statutory licence or permission under a Commonwealth law, if the rights under the licence or permission have been exercised, during the previous 12 months, in respect of New South Wales or in an area that includes New South Wales or a part of New South Wales,
Note—
Intellectual property is defined in the Dictionary. Business assets are subject to apportionment under section 28.
(h)  a statutory licence or permission under a New South Wales law,
(h1)  a gaming machine entitlement within the meaning of the Gaming Machines Act 2001,
(i)  a partnership interest, being an interest in a partnership that has partnership property that is dutiable property elsewhere referred to in this section,
(j)  goods in New South Wales, if the subject of an arrangement that includes a dutiable transaction over any dutiable property (other than intellectual property) elsewhere referred to in this section, not including the following—
(i)  goods that are stock-in-trade,
(ii)  materials held for use in manufacture,
(iii)  goods under manufacture,
(iv)  goods held or used in connection with land used for primary production,
(v)  livestock,
(vi)  a registered motor vehicle,
(vii)  a ship or vessel,
(k)  an option to purchase land in New South Wales,
(l)  an interest in any dutiable property referred to in the preceding paragraphs of this section, except to the extent that—
(i)  it arises as a consequence of the ownership of a unit in a unit trust scheme and is not a land use entitlement, or
(ii)  it is, or is attributable to, an option over dutiable property, or
(iii)  it is an interest in a marketable security, being an interest that is traded on the Sydney Futures Exchange.
Note—
In relation to interests in land, see clause 4 of the Dictionary.
(2)  Despite subsection (1), the following marketable securities are not dutiable property—
(a)  shares, or units in a unit trust scheme, that are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange or a recognised stock exchange,
(b)  an interest in shares, or an interest in units in a unit trust scheme, if—
(i)  the shares or units are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange or a recognised stock exchange, or
(ii)  the interest is quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange or a recognised stock exchange.
(3)  In the definition of business asset in this section, a reference to services provided to a customer includes a reference to anything done for a customer pursuant to a contractual obligation.
Note—
Part 4 of this Chapter provides for the abolition, on 1 July 2016, of duty on transfers of some of the types of dutiable property listed above.
The following types of dutiable property cease to be dutiable property on 1 July 2016—
(a)  shares and units referred to in subsection (1) (d) and (e),
(b)  business assets referred to in subsection (1) (g),
(c)  statutory licences or permissions referred to in subsection (1) (h),
(d)  gaming machine entitlements referred to in subsection (1) (h1).
s 11: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [1]–[4]; 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [4] [5]; 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [1]–[5]; 2001 No 96, Sch 1 [1]; 2001 No 127, Sch 5.1 [1]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [4]; 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [1]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [1] [2]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [1] [2]; 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [1]; 2011 No 72, Sch 5.2 [1], 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [3]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [1]; 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [1] [2].
12   When does a liability for duty arise?
(1)  A liability for duty charged by this Chapter arises when a transfer of dutiable property occurs.
(2)  However, if a transfer of dutiable property is effected by an instrument, liability for duty charged by this Chapter arises when the instrument is first executed.
(3)  A liability for duty in respect of a dutiable transaction that is charged with duty as if it were a transfer of dutiable property arises even if the dutiable property is not in existence at the time that the transfer is taken to have occurred, or the instrument effecting the transfer is first executed, as the case requires.
(4)  An electronic registry instrument is taken to be first executed when it is first digitally signed by a subscriber (within the meaning of the Electronic Conveyancing National Law (NSW)).
s 12: Am 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [1]; 2014 No 67, Sch 1 [1]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [2].
13   Who is liable to pay the duty?
Duty charged by this Chapter is payable by the transferee, unless this Chapter requires another person to pay the duty.
s 13: Am 2004 No 33, Sch 4 [2]; 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [2].
14   The liability of joint tenants
For the purpose of assessing duty charged by this Chapter, joint tenants of dutiable property are taken to hold the dutiable property as tenants in common in equal shares.
15   Necessity for instrument or written statement
(1)  If a dutiable transaction that is liable to ad valorem duty under this Chapter or Chapter 2A is not effected by an instrument, the transferee must make a written statement in an approved form.
(2)  The written statement must be made within 3 months after the liability arises.
(3)    (Repealed)
(4)  If a dutiable transaction is completed or evidenced by an instrument within 3 months after the date on which the dutiable transaction occurs, the requirement to lodge a statement and pay duty under this Chapter or Chapter 2A in respect of the statement may be satisfied by the lodgment of and payment of duty on the instrument within 3 months after the date on which the dutiable transaction occurs.
s 15: Am 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [6] [7]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [5]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [1] [2]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [3] [4].
16   Lodging instrument or written statement with Chief Commissioner
(1)  A transferee who is liable to pay duty under this Chapter or Chapter 2A in respect of a dutiable transaction must, within 3 months after the liability arises, lodge with the Chief Commissioner—
(a)  the instrument that effects the dutiable transaction or, if there is more than one such instrument, each one of them as provided by sections 18 (1) and 104X (1), or
(b)  the written statement made in compliance with section 15.
(2)  If the instrument is in a digital form, the instrument must be lodged with the Chief Commissioner in a form and manner approved by the Chief Commissioner.
s 16: Am 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [8]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [3] [4]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [5] [6].
16A   Lodging purchaser’s declaration with Chief Commissioner
A transferee who is liable to pay duty in respect of a dutiable transaction under this Chapter or Chapter 2A must lodge a declaration in the approved form with the instrument or written statement lodged under section 16.
s 16A: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [5]. Am 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [7] [8].
17   When must duty be paid?
(1)  A tax default does not occur for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 if duty is paid within 3 months after the liability to pay the duty arises.
(2)    (Repealed)
s 17: Am 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [9].
18   No double duty
(1)  If a dutiable transaction is effected by more than one instrument, one instrument is to be stamped with the duty payable on the dutiable transaction and each other instrument is chargeable with duty of $50.
Note—
Instrument includes a written statement.
(2)  The duty chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable property made in conformity with an agreement for the sale or transfer of the dutiable property is $10 if the duty chargeable in respect of the agreement has been paid.
(3)  The duty chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable property that is not made in conformity with an agreement for the sale or transfer of the dutiable property is $10 if—
(a)  the duty chargeable in respect of the agreement has been paid, and
(b)  the transfer would be in conformity with the agreement if the transferee was the purchaser under the agreement, and
(c)  the transfer occurs at the same time as, or proximately with, the completion or settlement of the agreement, and
(d)  at the time the agreement was entered into, and at the completion or settlement of the agreement—
(i)  the purchaser under the agreement (other than a purchaser who purchased as a trustee) and the transferee under the transfer were related persons, or
(ii)  if the purchaser purchased as a trustee (other than as a trustee of a self managed superannuation fund)—the transferee and the beneficiary were related persons, or
(iii)  if the purchaser purchased as a trustee of a self managed superannuation fund—the transferee under the transfer was the custodian of that trustee.
Note—
Section 64C also provides for a duty concession in respect of a transfer of dutiable property that is made in partial conformity with an agreement for the sale or transfer of the property. The concession applies if the interest in the property transferred to the transferee is not identical to the interest agreed to be transferred to the transferee under the agreement.
(4)  The duty chargeable on a transfer to a trustee of dutiable property subject to a declaration of trust is $10 if ad valorem duty under this Chapter has been paid on the declaration of trust in respect of the same dutiable property.
(5)  The duty chargeable on a transfer of dutiable property as a consequence of a foreclosure order is $10 if ad valorem duty under this Chapter has been paid on the foreclosure.
(6)  The duty chargeable on a declaration of trust that declares the same trusts as those upon and subject to which the same dutiable property was transferred to the person declaring the trust is $10 if ad valorem duty under this Chapter has been paid on the transfer.
(6A)  The duty chargeable on a declaration of trust is $50 if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the declaration of trust supersedes another declaration of trust in respect of which duty under this Chapter has been paid and declares the same trusts as were declared under the superseded declaration of trust, and
(b)  the beneficiary under the declaration of trust is the same as under the superseded declaration of trust, and
(c)  the dutiable property subject to the declaration of trust—
(i)  is wholly or substantially the same as the property that was the subject of the superseded declaration of trust at the time of the declaration of the superseded declaration of trust, or
(ii)  represents the proceeds of re-investment of property that was the subject of the superseded declaration of trust at the time of the declaration of the superseded declaration of trust, or
(iii)  is property to which both subparagraphs (i) and (ii) apply.
(7)  A dutiable transaction in respect of marketable securities that confer a land use entitlement is taken to be a dutiable transaction in respect of the land use entitlement only. If duty has been paid on the dutiable transaction in accordance with a law of another Australian jurisdiction, the duty charged by this Chapter on the dutiable transaction is to be reduced by the amount of the duty so paid.
(8)  Despite subsection (1), if a single dutiable transaction is effected by more than one electronic registry instrument it is sufficient that one of those instruments is duly stamped with the duty chargeable on the dutiable transaction.
Note—
See section 290.
s 18: Am 2000 No 105, Sch 1 [1]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [3]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [2]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [1] [2]; 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [1]; 2014 No 67, Sch 1 [2]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [6] [7]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [9].
19   What is the rate of duty?
Duty is charged on the dutiable value of the dutiable property subject to the dutiable transaction at the relevant rate set out in Part 3.
20   Concessions and exemptions from duty
Concessions and exemptions from duty charged by this Chapter are dealt with in Parts 6, 7 and 8.
Part 2 Dutiable value
21   What is the “dutiable value” of dutiable property?
(1)  The dutiable value of dutiable property that is subject to a dutiable transaction is the greater of—
(a)  the consideration (if any) for the dutiable transaction (being the amount of a monetary consideration or the value of a non-monetary consideration), and
(b)  the unencumbered value of the dutiable property.
(2)  The dutiable value of dutiable property transferred by way of foreclosure is the unencumbered value of the dutiable property and not the value of the debt secured by the mortgaged property.
(3)  The dutiable value of a business asset to which section 28 applies is to be determined in accordance with that section.
(4)  The dutiable value of a partnership interest referred to in section 29 is to be determined in accordance with that section.
(5)  The dutiable value of leased property transferred by way of a lease is taken to be the amount of the premium paid or payable in respect of the lease.
s 21: Am 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [1]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [5].
22   What is the consideration for the transfer of dutiable property?
(1)  The consideration for the transfer of dutiable property is taken to include the amount or value of all encumbrances, whether certain or contingent, subject to which the dutiable property is transferred.
(2)  The consideration for the transfer of the interest of a transferee under an uncompleted agreement for the sale or transfer of dutiable property is taken to include the balance of the amount or value of the consideration that would be required from the transferee under the agreement in order to complete it in accordance with its terms.
(3)  The consideration for the transfer of the goodwill of a business is taken to include the amount or value of the consideration for any restraint of trade arrangement entered into in connection with the transfer of the goodwill.
(4)  The consideration for a transfer of land in New South Wales that occurs as a consequence of the exercise of an option to purchase land is taken to include the amount or value of the consideration provided by or on behalf of the transferee for the option (whether for its grant, transfer, exercise or otherwise).
Note—
This section extends to an agreement for sale or transfer of dutiable property. Under sections 8 and 9 such agreements are treated as transfers of dutiable property.
s 22: Am 2014 No 56, Sch 1 [5].
23   What is the “unencumbered value” of dutiable property?
(1)  The unencumbered value of dutiable property is the value of the property determined without regard to any encumbrance to which the property is subject.
(2)  The unencumbered value of the goodwill of a business is taken to include the value of any restraint of trade arrangement entered into by the vendor in order to protect the value of the goodwill.
(3)  If, before land is transferred to a transferee, the transferee has made improvements to the land, the unencumbered value of the land is to be determined as if those improvements had not been made.
(4)  Subsection (3) does not apply to improvements made to the land for or on behalf of the transferee by the transferor.
s 23: Am 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [1].
24   Interests, agreements and arrangements that reduce the dutiable value
(1)  In determining the dutiable value of dutiable property under this Part, any interest, agreement or arrangement (other than an encumbrance) granted or made in respect of the dutiable property that has the effect of reducing the dutiable value is to be disregarded, subject to subsection (2).
(2)  An interest, agreement or arrangement is not to be disregarded if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that it was not granted or made as a part of an arrangement or scheme with a collateral purpose of reducing the duty otherwise payable on the dutiable transaction.
(3)  In considering whether or not he or she is satisfied for the purposes of subsection (2), the Chief Commissioner may have regard to—
(a)  the duration of the interest, agreement or arrangement before the dutiable transaction, and
(b)  whether the interest, agreement or arrangement has been granted to or made with an associated person, and
(c)  whether there is any commercial efficacy to the granting of the interest or the making of the agreement or arrangement other than to reduce duty, and
(d)  any other matters the Chief Commissioner considers relevant.
s 24: Subst 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [4]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [6].
25   Aggregation of dutiable transactions
(1)  Dutiable transactions relating to separate items of dutiable property, or separate parts of, or interests in, dutiable property are to be aggregated and treated as a single dutiable transaction if—
(a)  they occur within 12 months, and
(ab)  the transferor is the same or the transferors are associated persons, and
(b)  the transferee is the same or the transferees are associated persons, and
(c)  the dutiable transactions together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially, one arrangement relating to all of the items or parts of, or interests in, the dutiable property.
Note—
Associated person is defined in the Dictionary.
(2)  Dutiable transactions are not to be aggregated under this section if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the dutiable property to which the transactions relate are comprised of separate allotments of vacant land, and
(b)  the transferee is a person authorised to contract to do residential building work under the Home Building Act 1989, and
(c)  the transferee intends to construct residential premises on the allotments for the purposes of sale to the public.
(3)  The dutiable value of aggregated dutiable property is the sum of the dutiable values of the items or parts of, or the interests in, the dutiable property as at the time at which each dutiable transaction occurs.
(4)  The amount of duty payable in accordance with this section is to be reduced by the amount of any ad valorem duty under this Chapter paid on a prior dutiable transaction that is, or prior dutiable transactions that are, aggregated in accordance with this section.
(4A)  The amount of duty payable on dutiable transactions aggregated in accordance with this section is to be calculated at the rate applicable under this Chapter at the time at which the earliest of the aggregated dutiable transactions occur.
(5)  Duty may be apportioned to the instruments effecting or evidencing the dutiable transactions, or may be charged in accordance with section 18 (1), as determined by the Chief Commissioner.
(6)  A transferee to whom this section applies must disclose to the Chief Commissioner, in writing, at or before the time at which an instrument or statement relating to the dutiable transactions is lodged for stamping, details known to the transferee of—
(a)  all of the items or parts of, or interests in, the dutiable property included or to be included in the arrangement referred to in subsection (1), and
(b)  the consideration for each item or part of, or interest in, that dutiable property.
Maximum penalty (subsection (6)): 100 penalty units.
Note—
An offence against subsection (6) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 121 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(7)  The reference in this section to dutiable property does not include a reference to marketable securities.
(8)  In this section—
vacant land includes land that the Chief Commissioner considers is substantially vacant apart from there being on that land the remnant of any building, or any other object or structure, that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied has been preserved because of its heritage significance.
s 25: Am 2006 No 87, Sch 1 [1]–[3]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.9 [1]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [6]; 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [1].
26   Certain transactions concerning goods and other property
(1)  If a dutiable transaction involves goods and other dutiable property, the Chief Commissioner may disregard the value of the goods in the transaction if the dutiable value of the other property does not exceed 10% of the dutiable value of all the dutiable property in the transaction.
(2)  This section does not enable the Chief Commissioner to disregard the value of goods used in connection with a business in respect of which the goodwill of the business is, or is part of, the dutiable property.
s 26: Am 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [7]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [6]; 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [2]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [3]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [2]. Subst 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [2].
26A   (Repealed)
s 26A: Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [2]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [4]. Rep 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [2].
27   Apportionment—dutiable property and other property
(1)  If a dutiable transaction relates to dutiable property and property that is not dutiable property, it is chargeable with duty under this Chapter only to the extent that it relates to dutiable property.
(2)  If a dutiable transaction relates to different types of dutiable property for which different rates of duty are chargeable under this Chapter, the dutiable transaction is chargeable with duty under this Chapter as if a separate dutiable transaction had occurred in relation to each such type of dutiable property.
28   Apportionment—business assets in this and other jurisdictions
(1) Business assets to which this section applies This section applies to a business asset referred to in section 11 (1) (g), being—
(a)  the goodwill of a business, if the business has also supplied goods outside New South Wales, or provided services outside New South Wales, to a customer of the business during the previous 12 months, or
(b)  intellectual property that has also been used or exploited in one or more other Australian jurisdictions during the previous 12 months, or
(c)  a statutory licence or permission under a Commonwealth law if the rights under the licence or permission have been exercised during the previous 12 months in respect of one or more other Australian jurisdictions.
(2) How is the dutiable value of a business asset determined? The dutiable value (DV) of a business asset to which this section applies is to be determined in accordance with the following formula—
 
where—
A is the unencumbered value of the business asset, or so much of the consideration for the dutiable transaction as relates to the business asset, whichever is the greater, and
X is the gross amount (expressed in Australian dollars) of goods supplied, and services provided, in New South Wales by the business to customers of the business during the last 3 completed financial years preceding the dutiable transaction, and
Y is the gross amount (expressed in Australian dollars) of goods supplied, and services provided, in and outside New South Wales by the business to customers of the business during the last 3 completed financial years preceding the dutiable transaction.
(3)  Subsection (2) applies to intellectual property together with goodwill as if the intellectual property and goodwill comprise a single business asset.
(4)  If an apportionment cannot be made under subsection (2), the Chief Commissioner may make an apportionment on such basis as the Chief Commissioner considers appropriate in the circumstances.
(5)  In this section, a reference to a service provided to a customer includes a reference to anything done for a customer pursuant to a contractual obligation.
(6)  This section applies only to dutiable transactions that occur before 1 July 2016 (the date on which duty on transfers of business assets is abolished).
s 28: Am 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [8]; 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [2]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [5]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [3]–[7]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [3]; 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [3].
29   Partnership interests
(1)  The dutiable value of a partnership interest (DV) is to be determined in accordance with the following formula—
 
where—
A is the value of the partnership interest, or so much of the consideration for the dutiable transaction as relates to the partnership interest, whichever is the greater, and
X is the unencumbered value of all dutiable property of the partnership, and
Y is the unencumbered value of all assets of the partnership.
(2)  For the purposes of this section and despite subsection (1), the unencumbered value of dutiable property that is a business asset to which section 28 applies is the dutiable value of the business asset determined in accordance with section 28.
(3)  If the property of a partnership includes a land-related asset and an interest in the land-related asset is transferred as a result of the transfer of the partnership interest, the dutiable value of the partnership interest is to be reduced by the dutiable value of the interest in the land-related asset that is transferred, but only if ad valorem duty under this Chapter has been paid or is payable on the transfer of the interest in the land-related asset.
Note—
For example, 3 partners jointly hold land valued at $9 million and other non-dutiable property valued at $3 million. The partnership has liabilities of $6 million. One partner retires, and is paid $2 million for his or her partnership interest. The retiring partner transfers a one-third interest in the land to the remaining partners. Duty is payable at an ad valorem rate on the transfer of the one-third interest in the land. The transfer of the interest in land has a dutiable value of $3 million. Under this section, the partnership interest has a dutiable value of $1.5 million (DV = $2M × $9M/$12M). As the dutiable value of the interest in land transferred exceeds the dutiable value of the partnership interest transferred, the minimum duty would be payable on the transfer of the partnership interest.
(3A)  The minimum duty chargeable in respect of a transfer of a partnership interest to which subsection (3) applies is $50.
(4)  For the purposes of subsection (3), each of the following items of dutiable property is a land-related asset
(a)  land in New South Wales,
(b)  transferable floor space,
(c)  a land use entitlement,
(d)  an interest in an item of dutiable property referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).
s 29: Am 2000 No 105, Sch 1 [2]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [3]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [4]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [6].
30   Partitions
(1) What is a partition? For the purposes of this section, a partition occurs when dutiable property comprised of land in New South Wales that is held by persons jointly (as joint tenants or tenants in common) is transferred or agreed to be transferred to one or more of those persons.
(2) Single dutiable transaction For the purposes of this section and sections 16, 18 and 104X, a partition is taken to be a single dutiable transaction.
(3) Dutiable value The dutiable value of a partition is the greater of—
(a)  the sum of the amounts by which the unencumbered value of the dutiable property transferred, or agreed to be transferred, to a person by the partition exceeds the unencumbered value of the interest held by the person in the dutiable property transferred, or agreed to be transferred, to each person by the partition immediately before the partition, and
(b)  the sum of any consideration for the partition paid by any of the parties.
(3A)    (Repealed)
(4) Minimum duty The minimum duty chargeable on a transaction that effects a partition is $50.
(5) Who is liable to pay the duty? Duty charged by this section is payable by the persons making the partition or any one or more of them.
(6) Anti-avoidance criteria This section does not apply in respect of a partition if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the partition is part of a scheme to avoid duty on an exchange of land that was not jointly held by the parties before the scheme was entered into.
s 30: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [5]–[7]; 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [6]; 2000 No 105, Sch 1 [3]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [4] [5]; 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [3]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [3]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [8].
31   Effect of alteration in purchase price
(1)  If after an agreement for the sale or transfer of dutiable property is entered into and before the property is transferred—
(a)  the consideration under the agreement is reduced and the reduced consideration is not less than the unencumbered value of the dutiable property when the consideration was reduced, or
(b)  the consideration under the agreement is reduced because the parties have agreed not to transfer some of the dutiable property previously agreed to be transferred and the reduced consideration is not less than the unencumbered value of the dutiable property that remained to be transferred when the consideration was reduced, or
(c)  the consideration under the agreement is increased and the dutiable value when the consideration was increased is greater than the dutiable value when the agreement was entered into,
the Chief Commissioner must assess or reassess the liability to duty of the agreement in accordance with the change in the consideration.
(2)  The liability to pay additional duty arising from an increase in the consideration occurs on the date the consideration is agreed to be increased.
s 31: Subst 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [7].
Part 3 Rates of duty
Division 1 Preliminary
ch 2, pt 3, div 1: Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [2].
32AA   Definitions
In this Part—
adjustable amount means an amount specified in this Part as an adjustable amount for the purposes of Division 3.
base amount means the amount specified for a threshold range in Column 4 of the table to section 32 (1).
fixed rate means the rate specified for a threshold range in Column 5 of the table to section 32 (1).
maximum threshold amount means the amount specified for a threshold range in Column 3 of the table to section 32 (1).
minimum threshold amount means the amount specified for a threshold range in Column 2 of the table to section 32 (1).
premium base amount—see section 32A (2).
threshold range—see section 32 (2).
s 32AA: Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [2].
Division 2 Rates of duty
ch 2, pt 3, div 2: Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [2].
32   General rate
(1)  The rate of duty chargeable on a dutiable transaction is the base amount for the threshold range that applies to the dutiable transaction plus the amount determined at the fixed rate in respect of the dutiable value of the dutiable property involved in the transaction.
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Column 4
Column 5
Threshold range
Minimum threshold amount
Maximum threshold amount
Base amount
Fixed rate
1
$0
$14,000
$0
$1.25 for every $100 (or part) of the dutiable value
2
$14,000
$30,000
$175
$1.50 for every $100 (or part) by which the dutiable value exceeds the minimum threshold amount
3
$30,000
$81,000
$415
$1.75 for every $100 (or part) by which the dutiable value exceeds the minimum threshold amount
4
$81,000
$304,000
$1,307
$3.50 for every $100 (or part) by which the dutiable value exceeds the minimum threshold amount
5
$304,000
$1,013,000
$9,112
$4.50 for every $100 (or part) by which the dutiable value exceeds the minimum threshold amount
6
$1,013,000
$41,017
$5.50 for every $100 (or part) by which the dutiable value exceeds the minimum threshold amount
(2)  For the purposes of this Part, a threshold range applies to a dutiable transaction if the dutiable value of the dutiable property involved in the transaction is more than the minimum threshold amount but not more than the maximum threshold amount (if any) specified for that threshold range.
(3)  The rate of duty provided for by this section applies unless other provision is made by this Chapter.
(4)  Each minimum threshold amount and maximum threshold amount is an adjustable amount for the purposes of Division 3.
s 32: Subst 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [2].
32A   Premium rate for residential land with dutiable value exceeding $3,000,000
(1)  The rate of duty chargeable on a dutiable transaction in respect of residential land that has a dutiable value exceeding $3,040,000 is the premium base amount plus $7 for every $100, or part, by which the dutiable value of the residential land exceeds $3,040,000.
(2)  The premium base amount is the amount of duty chargeable in respect of a dutiable transaction involving dutiable property that has a dutiable value of $3,040,000, determined in accordance with section 32.
Note—
The premium base amount in respect of a dutiable transaction occurring in the financial year commencing on 1 July 2019 is $152,502.
(2A)  The rate of duty chargeable on a dutiable transaction in respect of residential land that has a dutiable value not exceeding $3,040,000 is as provided for by section 32.
(2B)  If the dutiable property subject to a dutiable transaction comprises 2 or more individual items of residential land and 1 or more of those items has a dutiable value exceeding $3,040,000, the rate of duty chargeable on the dutiable transaction is as follows—
(a)  for each item of residential land that has a dutiable value exceeding $3,040,000—the premium base amount plus $7 for every $100, or part, by which the dutiable value of the item exceeds $3,040,000,
(b)  for the rest of the dutiable property—the rate provided for by section 32.
(2C)  The amount of $3,040,000 specified in any provision of this section is an adjustable amount for the purposes of Division 3.
(3)  For the purposes of this section, residential land means—
(a)  a parcel of land on which there is one single dwelling or one flat, or a parcel of land on which there is a building under construction that, when completed, will constitute one single dwelling or one flat, or
(b)  a strata lot, if it is lawfully occupied as a separate dwelling, or suitable for lawful occupation as a separate dwelling, or
(c)  a land use entitlement, if it entitles the holder of the land use entitlement to occupy a building, or part of a building, as a separate dwelling, or
(d)  a parcel of vacant land that is zoned or otherwise designated for use under an environmental planning instrument (within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) for residential or principally for residential purposes.
(4)  For the purpose of subsection (3) (a), land does not cease to be regarded as land on which there is one single dwelling, or one flat, merely because the land is also used or is capable of being used for the purpose of one other residential occupancy, if that residential occupancy is an excluded residential occupancy.
(5)  This section does not apply to a case in which section 32B or 32C applies.
(6)  In this section—
excluded residential occupancy means—
(a)  one room, or
(b)  one suite of rooms (not being a flat) each room of which all occupants of the suite are entitled to occupy, or
(c)  one flat, or
(d)  one suite of rooms (not being a flat) each room of which all occupants of the suite are entitled to occupy, and one room, or
(e)  one flat and one room, or
(f)  2 rooms, each of which is separately occupied.
flat means a room or suite of rooms (whether or not forming part of a building or a detached building)—
(a)  occupied or used as a separate dwelling, or
(b)  so constructed, designed or adapted as to be capable of being occupied or used as a separate dwelling,
but does not include a single dwelling, a strata lot or a dwelling, or portion of a building, that is occupied under a land use entitlement.
single dwelling means a house—
(a)  occupied or used as a separate dwelling, or
(b)  so constructed, designed or adapted as to be capable of being occupied or used as a separate dwelling,
but does not include a strata lot or a property commonly known as a shop and dwelling.
s 32A: Ins 2004 No 33, Sch 3.1 [1]. Am 2004 No 67, Sch 1 [1]; 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [4] [5]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [9]; 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [3].
32B   Rate for residential land used for other purposes
(1)  If a dutiable transaction in respect of residential land has a dutiable value exceeding $3,040,000, and the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the residential land is used for purposes other than residential purposes, duty is to be charged at the rate of $7 for every $100, or part, of the premium value of the residential land.
(2)  The premium value of the residential land is the amount (if any) by which the dutiable value of the residential land, when reduced by the apportionment factor, exceeds $3,040,000.
(2A)  The amount of $3,040,000 specified in subsections (1) and (2) is an adjustable amount for the purposes of Division 3.
(3)  The apportionment factor is—
(a)  if the land is mixed development land or mixed use land and there is an apportionment factor entered in the Register of Land Values in respect of the land value of the land under Division 5 or 5A of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916—that apportionment factor, or
(b)  if paragraph (a) is not applicable—such other apportionment factor as the Chief Commissioner considers fair and reasonable to reflect the use of the land for non-residential purposes, subject to subsections (4) and (5).
(4)  If there is no apportionment factor entered in the Register of Land Values in respect of the land value of the land, and the land is mixed development land or mixed use land, the Chief Commissioner may request the Valuer-General to determine the apportionment factor in respect of the land concerned.
(5)  If a request is made under subsection (4)—
(a)  the Valuer-General must determine the apportionment factor concerned and enter it in the Register of Land Values under the Valuation of Land Act 1916, and
(b)  that apportionment factor is to be applied in respect of the residential land.
Note—
Divisions 5 and 5A of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916 allow objections to be made against the amount of an apportionment factor.
(6)  Duty is to be charged, at the rate set out in section 32, in respect of the dutiable value of the dutiable property transferred reduced by the premium value of the residential land.
(7)  In this section—
mixed development land has the same meaning as in Division 5 of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916.
mixed use land has the same meaning as in Division 5A of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916.
residential land has the same meaning as in section 32A.
s 32B: Ins 2004 No 33, Sch 3.1 [1]. Am 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [4] [5].
32C   Rate for large parcels of residential land
(1)  If a dutiable transaction in respect of residential land that is a parcel of land has a dutiable value exceeding $3,040,000, and the area of the parcel of land exceeds 2 hectares, duty is to be charged at the rate of $7 for every $100, or part, of the premium value of the residential land.
(2)  The premium value of the residential land is the amount (if any) by which the dutiable value of the residential land, when multiplied by the apportionment factor, exceeds $3,040,000.
(2A)  The amount of $3,040,000 specified in subsections (1) and (2) is an adjustable amount for the purposes of Division 3.
(3)  The apportionment factor is the proportion that 2 hectares bears to the total area of the parcel of land in hectares.
(4)  Duty is to be charged, at the rate set out in section 32, in respect of the dutiable value of the dutiable property transferred reduced by the premium value of the residential land.
(4A)  This section does not apply in respect of residential land if section 32B applies to the land.
(5)  In this section—
residential land has the same meaning as in section 32A.
s 32C: Ins 2004 No 33, Sch 3.1 [1]. Am 2004 No 96, Sch 2 [1] [2]; 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [4] [5].
33   Shares, units, derivatives and interests (marketable securities)
(1)  The rate of duty chargeable on dutiable transactions in respect of marketable securities is 60 cents per $100, or part, of the dutiable value of the marketable securities.
(2)    (Repealed)
(3)  A minimum rate of duty of $10 is chargeable under this section in respect of a transfer of shares of a corporation that is not the legal or beneficial owner of land in New South Wales.
(4)  A rate of duty chargeable under this section does not apply to a dutiable transaction that confers a land use entitlement.
(5)  If a provision of this Chapter provides that a duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of marketable securities, and the duty charged at the rate provided for by subsection (1) would be less than $50, the duty chargeable is that lesser amount.
(6)  This section is subject to section 273, which provides for a minimum duty of $10.
Note—
Transactions in respect of shares or units that are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange or a recognised stock exchange, or interests in such shares or units, are not dutiable transactions (see section 11 (2)).
s 33: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [8]; 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [10]–[13]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [4]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [8] [9]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [3].
33A   Shares in share management fisheries
The rate of duty chargeable on dutiable transactions in respect of shares in a share management fishery (within the meaning of the Fisheries Management Act 1994) is 60 cents per $100, or part, of the dutiable value of the shares.
s 33A: Ins 2001 No 96, Sch 1 [2].
Division 3 Indexation of amounts
ch 2, pt 3, div 3 (ss 33AB–33AF): Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [6].
33AB   Interpretation
(1)  In this Division—
CPI number means the Consumer Price Index (All Groups Index) for Sydney published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in the latest published series of that index.
(2)  If, after 1 July in any year, the Australian Statistician publishes a CPI number in respect of the latest March quarter in substitution for a CPI number previously published in respect of that quarter, the publication of the later CPI number is to be disregarded for the purposes of any adjustment under this Division.
ch 2, pt 3, div 3 (ss 33AB–33AF): Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [6].
33AC   Adjustable amounts
(1)  Each adjustable amount is to be adjusted for the year commencing on 1 July 2020, and each subsequent year, in accordance with this section.
(2)  The adjustable amounts that are to apply for a year are to be calculated by multiplying the adjustable amounts that applied before any adjustment under this Division by A/B where—
A is the CPI number for the March quarter in the year immediately preceding the year for which the amount is calculated.
B is the CPI number for the March quarter of 2019.
A/B is calculated to the nearest 3 decimal places (and a fourth decimal place of 5 is to be rounded up).
(3)  An adjustable amount determined in accordance with this section is to be rounded to the nearest $1,000 (and an amount of $500 is to be rounded up).
(4)  However, if the adjustable amount calculated for any year is less than the amount that applied for the previous year, then the amount for that previous year applies instead.
ch 2, pt 3, div 3 (ss 33AB–33AF): Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [6].
33AD   Base amounts
(1)  Each base amount for a threshold range is to be adjusted for the year commencing on 1 July 2020, and each subsequent year, so that it is equal to the sum of all fixed rate amounts determined for the preceding threshold ranges.
(2)  The fixed rate amount for a threshold range is the amount determined at the fixed rate in respect of dutiable property that has a dutiable value equal to the maximum threshold amount for the threshold range.
(3)  An adjusted base amount determined in accordance with this section is to be rounded to the nearest dollar (and an amount of 50 cents is to be rounded down).
ch 2, pt 3, div 3 (ss 33AB–33AF): Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [6].
33AE   References to adjustable amounts and base amounts
(1)  The adjustable amounts and base amounts adjusted for a year in accordance with this Division replace the amounts that applied for the previous year.
(2)  Accordingly, a reference to a rate or amount of duty as provided for by, or determined in accordance with, section 32 is a reference to the rate or amount subject to any adjustment under this Division.
ch 2, pt 3, div 3 (ss 33AB–33AF): Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [6].
33AF   Publication of adjusted amounts
(1)  The Chief Commissioner is to publish a notice on the NSW legislation website before the start of each year commencing on 1 July specifying the following amounts that are to apply for that year—
(a)  each adjustable amount, as adjusted in accordance with this Division,
(b)  each base amount, as adjusted in accordance with this Division,
(c)  the premium base amount, determined by reference to any relevant amount adjusted in accordance with this Division.
Editorial note—
(2)  However, failure to publish the notice or late publication of the notice does not affect the validity of an adjustment under this Division.
ch 2, pt 3, div 3 (ss 33AB–33AF): Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 1 [6].
Part 4 Abolition of various duties
ch 2, pt 4: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14]. Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [9]. Subst 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [4].
ch 2, pt 4, introduction: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [1]. Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
ch 2, pt 4, div 1: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
33B   (Repealed)
s 33B: Ins 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [4]. Rep 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [4].
34   Abolition of duty on transfers of marketable securities and commercial fishery shares
(1)  On and from 1 July 2016, marketable securities and commercial fishery shares are not dutiable property (despite section 11).
(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of any transfer or transaction with respect to marketable securities or commercial fishery shares that occurs before 1 July 2016 and, accordingly, does not affect any requirement to pay duty under this Chapter in respect of the transfer or transaction.
(3)  In this section—
commercial fishery share means a share in a share management fishery (within the meaning of the Fisheries Management Act 1994).
s 34: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14]. Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [9]. Am 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [3]–[5]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [6]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [5] [6]. Subst 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [4].
35   Abolition of duty on transfers of business assets
(1)  On and from 1 July 2016, a business asset is not dutiable property (despite section 11).
(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of any transfer or transaction with respect to business assets that occurs before 1 July 2016 and, accordingly, does not affect any requirement to pay duty under this Chapter in respect of the transfer or transaction.
s 35: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14]. Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [9]. Am 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [6]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [7]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [7]–[9]. Subst 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [4].
36   Abolition of duty on transfers of statutory licences or permissions and gaming machine entitlements
(1)  On and from 1 July 2016, a statutory licence or permission, or a gaming machine entitlement, is not dutiable property (despite section 11).
(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of any transfer or transaction with respect to statutory licences or permissions, or gaming machine entitlements, that occurs before 1 July 2016 and, accordingly, does not affect any requirement to pay duty under this Chapter in respect of the transfer or transaction.
(3)  In this section—
gaming machine entitlement means a gaming machine entitlement within the meaning of the Gaming Machines Act 2001.
statutory licence or permission means a statutory licence or permission under a New South Wales law.
s 36: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14]. Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [9]. Am 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [6]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [8]; 2011 No 72, Sch 5.2 [1]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [10]–[12]. Subst 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [4].
37   Anti-avoidance measures
Section 35 or 36 does not apply in respect of a transfer or transaction that occurs on or after 1 July 2016 if—
(a)  the transfer or transaction replaces a transfer or transaction involving the same business asset, statutory licence or permission, or gaming machine entitlement, that occurred before 1 July 2016, or
(b)  the transfer or transaction is made or entered into pursuant to an option to purchase the business asset, statutory licence or permission, or gaming machine entitlement, that was granted before 1 July 2016, or
(c)  the transfer or transaction was made or entered into pursuant to another arrangement, made before 1 July 2016, the only or main purpose of which was to defer the transfer or transaction until 1 July 2016, or later, so that duty would not be chargeable under this Chapter on the transfer or transaction.
s 37: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14]. Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [9]. Am 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [6]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [9]; 2011 No 72, Sch 5.2 [1]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]. Subst 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [13]; 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [4].
38–48A   (Repealed)
s 38: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
s 39: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
ch 2, pt 4, divs 2–4 (ss 40–46): Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
ch 2, pt 4, divs 2–4 (ss 40–46): Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
ch 2, pt 4, div 5: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
s 47: Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
s 48: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [8]; 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [9]. Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
s 48A: Ins 1999 No 60, Sch 2 [1]. Rep 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [14].
Part 5 Special provisions
49   Interim payment of duty
(1)  If the full dutiable value of dutiable property subject to an agreement for sale or transfer cannot, in the Chief Commissioner’s opinion, be immediately ascertained, the Chief Commissioner may make an assessment by way of estimate under section 11 (2) of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(2)  An instrument effecting or evidencing the sale or transfer may be stamped “interim stamp only”.
(3)  The Chief Commissioner must, when the full dutiable value of the dutiable property has been ascertained, reassess the duty payable in respect of the instrument.
(4)  If no further duty is payable, the interim stamp is to be cancelled and any amount paid in excess of the amount assessed is to be refunded.
(5)  If further duty is payable, liability for the further duty arises when a notice of assessment is issued, despite any other provision of this Act.
(6)  On payment of the balance of the duty (and any interest or penalty tax), the instrument is to be stamped with the amount of the balance and marked to indicate that duty has been duly paid.
s 49: Am 2004 No 96, Sch 2 [3]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [2]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [10].
49A   Purchases “off the plan”
(1)  Liability for duty on an off the plan purchase agreement arises—
(a)  on completion of the agreement, or
(b)  on the assignment of the whole or any part of the purchaser’s interest under the agreement, or
(c)  on the expiration of 12 months after the date of the agreement,
whichever first occurs.
(1A)  This section applies in relation to an off the plan purchaser agreement only if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied, when assessing liability for duty after the agreement is lodged for stamping, that the purchaser or transferee under the agreement (or, if there is more than one purchaser or transferee, at least one of them) intends to use and occupy the residence to which the agreement relates as a principal place of residence in accordance with the residence requirement.
(1B)  The residence must be used and occupied by the purchaser or transferee (or, if there is more than one purchaser or transferee, at least one of them) as the purchaser or transferee’s principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months, with occupation commencing no later than 12 months (or such longer period as the Chief Commissioner may approve) after completion of the sale or transfer. This requirement is referred to as the residence requirement.
(1C)  If the residence requirement is not complied with in relation to the residence, this section is taken never to have applied in relation to the off the plan purchase agreement, including for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(2)  This section applies despite section 12.
(3)  Nothing in this section prevents the Chief Commissioner from accepting payment of duty and stamping an off the plan purchase agreement at any time after the agreement has been executed.
(3A)  This section does not apply in relation to an off the plan purchase agreement if any purchaser or transferee under the agreement is a foreign person (within the meaning of Chapter 2A).
(4)  In this section—
off the plan purchase agreement means an agreement for the sale or transfer of dutiable property, being land on which a residence is to be erected or developed before completion of the sale or transfer.
s 49A: Ins 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [10]. Subst 1999 No 60, Sch 2 [2]. Am 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [10]; 2017 No 33, Sch 3 [1].
50   Cancelled agreements
(1)  An agreement for the sale or transfer of dutiable property that is cancelled is not liable to duty under this Chapter if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied—
(a)  that the agreement was not cancelled to give effect to a subsale, or
(b)  that the purchaser or transferee under the agreement is a promoter of a named company proposed to be incorporated and that the company is the purchaser or transferee of the dutiable property under a subsequent agreement, or
(c)  that the purchaser or transferee under the agreement and the purchaser or transferee under a subsequent agreement relating to the same dutiable property were related persons when the agreement that is cancelled was entered into.
(2)  If duty has been paid on an agreement that is not liable to duty under this Chapter because of this section, the Chief Commissioner must reassess and refund the duty if an application for a refund is made within—
(a)  5 years of the initial assessment, or
(b)  12 months after the agreement is cancelled,
whichever is the later.
(3)  In this section, cancelled means rescinded, annulled or otherwise terminated without completion.
s 50: Am 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [8] [9].
50A   Cancelled transfers of dutiable property
(1)  A transfer of dutiable property that is effected by an instrument is not liable to duty under this Chapter if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the transfer instrument has been cancelled and the dutiable property has not been transferred to the transferee, and
(b)  the transfer was not cancelled to give effect to a subsale.
(c)    (Repealed)
(2)  If duty has been paid on a transfer of dutiable property that is not liable to duty under this Chapter because of this section, the Chief Commissioner must reassess and refund the duty if an application for a refund is made within 5 years of the initial assessment.
(3)  The transfer instrument in respect of which the application is made must be surrendered to the Chief Commissioner unless the Chief Commissioner dispenses with that requirement.
(4)  In this section, cancelled includes abandoned.
s 50A: Ins 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [5]. Am 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [2]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [11].
51   Transfers arising from mortgages of land under Real Property Act 1900
(1)  The mortgagor and the mortgagee are jointly and severally liable to pay the duty chargeable on a transfer by way of mortgage of dutiable property that is land under the Real Property Act 1900.
(2)  If the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  duty has been paid in accordance with this section on a transfer of dutiable property to which this section applies, and
(b)  the dutiable property has been re-transferred to the mortgagor (or a person to whom the land has been transmitted by death or bankruptcy) and the mortgagor (or person) is the registered proprietor of the land,
the Chief Commissioner must refund the ad valorem duty paid on the transfer less the amount of duty that would have been payable on the mortgage under Chapter 7 (Mortgages).
(3)  In this section—
ad valorem duty means ad valorem duty under this Chapter.
s 51: Am 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [11].
52   Possessory applications
(1)  A possessory application under the Real Property Act 1900 is chargeable with the same duty as a transfer of the land the subject of the application as if the dutiable value of the land were the land value of the land within the meaning of the Valuation of Land Act 1916.
(2)  The person liable to pay the duty is the applicant.
53   Applications to bring land under Real Property Act 1900
(1)  An application to bring land under the Real Property Act 1900 is chargeable with—
(a)  the same duty as on a possessory application under that Act if—
(i)  the application contains an application based on possessory title, and
(ii)  the applicant has not paid ad valorem duty under this Chapter on a transfer of the land, or
(b)  the same duty as on a transfer of the land if the applicant nominates another person as the person for whose estate or interest a folio of the Register is to be created, or
(c)  duty of $50 in any other case.
(2)  The person liable to pay the duty is—
(a)  the applicant, if subsection (1) (a) or (c) applies, or
(b)  the nominee, if subsection (1) (b) applies.
s 53: Am 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [5]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [6].
53A   Duty on lease premiums
In the case of property transferred by way of a lease for which a premium is paid or payable, duty is not chargeable under this Chapter on—
(a)  so much of the premium of a residential lease as relates to premises used, or intended to be used, exclusively as a residence, or
(b)  so much of the premium of a lease as relates to a moveable dwelling site used, or intended to be used, as the principal place of residence of the lessee.
s 53A: Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [10].
Part 6 Concessional rates of duty
Division 1 Trusts
54   Change in trustees
(1)  In this section—
dutiable trust property means dutiable property that is trust property.
licensed trustee company means a licensed trustee company within the meaning of Chapter 5D of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
new trustee means a trustee appointed in substitution for a trustee or a trustee appointed in addition to a trustee or trustees.
responsible entity means a responsible entity within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
special trustee means—
(a)  a licensed trustee company in its capacity as trustee or administrator of a deceased estate, and
(b)  the trustee of a complying superannuation fund, within the meaning of section 42 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 of the Commonwealth, in its capacity as trustee of that fund.
(2)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable trust property to a special trustee as a consequence of the retirement of a trustee or the appointment of a new trustee.
(2A)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable trust property to any of the following as a consequence of the retirement of a trustee or the appointment of a new trustee if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the transfer is not part of a scheme to avoid duty that involves conferring an interest, in relation to the dutiable trust property, on a new trustee or any other person (whether or not as a beneficiary) so as to cause any person to cease holding the whole or any part of a beneficial interest (or potential beneficial interest) in that property—
(a)  a licensed trustee company that is not a special trustee,
(b)  a trustee of a self managed superannuation fund,
(c)  a trustee of a special disability trust.
(3)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable trust property to a person (other than to a licensed trustee company, a special trustee, a trustee of a self managed superannuation fund or a trustee of a special disability trust) as a consequence of the retirement of a trustee or the appointment of a new trustee if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that, as the case may be—
(a)  none of the continuing trustees remaining after the retirement of a trustee is or can become a beneficiary under the trust, and
(b)  none of the trustees of the trust after the appointment of a new trustee is or can become a beneficiary under the trust, and
(c)  the transfer is not part of a scheme to avoid duty that involves conferring an interest, in relation to the dutiable trust property, on a new trustee or any other person (whether or not as a beneficiary) so as to cause any person to cease holding the whole or any part of a beneficial interest (or potential beneficial interest) in that property.
If the Chief Commissioner is not so satisfied, the transfer is chargeable with the same duty as a transfer to a beneficiary under and in conformity with the trusts subject to which the property is held, unless subsection (3A) applies.
(3A)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable trust property as a consequence of the retirement of a responsible entity of a managed investment scheme or the appointment of a new responsible entity of a managed investment scheme if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the only beneficial interest acquired by a person in relation to the dutiable trust property as a result of the transfer is a beneficial interest acquired by the replacement or new responsible entity solely because of its appointment as responsible entity for the scheme.
(3B)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a vesting of land in New South Wales by, or expressly authorised by, statute law (as referred to in section 8 (1) (b) (vii)) in a person or responsible entity if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that subsection (2), (2A), (3) or (3A) would apply in respect of the dutiable transaction if it were a transfer of dutiable property.
(4)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable trust property to a responsible entity if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the transfer is necessary to enable an undertaking that existed before the commencement of Chapter 5C of the Corporations Law to become a registered scheme within the meaning of Division 11 of Part 11.2 of the Corporations Law (as continued in effect by section 1408 of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth).
s 54: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [9]; 1998 No 63, Sch 1 [1] [2]; 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [11]; 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [1]–[3]; 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [1]; 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [2] [3]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [6]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [5]; 2009 No 49, Sch 2.22; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [10]; 2009 No 109, Sch 2.2 [1] [2]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [3]–[6]; 2010 No 118, Sch 1 [1]; 2014 No 19, Sch 1 [1]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [12]–[15].
54A   Transfers in relation to managed investment schemes
(1)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable property from—
(a)  a responsible entity of a managed investment scheme, or
(b)  a person who held the dutiable property as a trustee of a prescribed interest scheme within the meaning of the Corporations Law as in force immediately before 1 July 1998 when the scheme became a registered scheme within the meaning of Division 11 of Part 11.2 of the Corporations Law (as continued in effect by section 1408 of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth),
to a custodian or agent of the responsible entity as custodian or agent of the scheme in which the transferor held the dutiable property.
(2)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable property from the custodian of the responsible entity of a managed investment scheme to the responsible entity.
(3)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a vesting of land in New South Wales by statute law (as referred to in section 8 (1) (b) (vii)) in a responsible entity if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that subsection (2) would apply in respect of the dutiable transaction if it were a transfer of dutiable property.
(4)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable property from the sub-custodian of a custodian of the responsible entity of a managed investment scheme to the custodian of the responsible entity of the managed investment scheme.
(5)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable property from a trustee of a wholly owned sub-trust of a managed investment scheme to a custodian of the trustee of that wholly owned sub-trust.
(6)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable property from a custodian of the trustee of a wholly owned sub-trust of a managed investment scheme to that trustee.
(7)  In this section, a reference to a wholly owned sub-trust of a managed investment scheme includes a sub-trust that is part of a chain of sub-trusts—
(a)  that starts with a wholly owned sub-trust of a managed investment scheme, and
(b)  in which a link in the chain is formed if the sub-trust wholly owns the next sub-trust in the chain.
(8)  A sub-trust is taken to be a wholly owned sub-trust of a managed investment scheme or sub-trust (the controlling trust) if the units in the sub-trust are wholly owned by the trustee of the controlling trust in the trustee’s capacity as trustee of the controlling trust.
s 54A: Ins 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [12]. Subst 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [4]. Am 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [4]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [7]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [5]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [11]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [5].
55   Property vested in an apparent purchaser
(1)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of—
(a)  a declaration of trust made by an apparent purchaser in respect of identified dutiable property—
(i)  vested in the apparent purchaser upon trust for the real purchaser who provided the money for the purchase of the dutiable property, or
(ii)  to be vested in the apparent purchaser upon trust for the real purchaser, if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the money for the purchase of the dutiable property has been or will be provided by the real purchaser, or
(b)  a transfer of dutiable property from an apparent purchaser to the real purchaser if—
(i)  the dutiable property is property, or part of property, vested in the apparent purchaser upon trust for the real purchaser, and
(ii)  the real purchaser provided the money for the purchase of the dutiable property and for any improvements made to the dutiable property after the purchase.
(1A)  For the purposes of subsection (1), money provided by a person other than the real purchaser is taken to have been provided by the real purchaser if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the money was provided as a loan and has been or will be repaid by the real purchaser.
(1B)  This section applies whether or not there has been a change in the legal description of the dutiable property between the purchase of the property by the apparent purchaser and the transfer to the real purchaser.
Note—
For example, if the dutiable property is land, this section continues to apply if there is a change in the legal description of the dutiable property as a consequence of the subdivision of the land.
(2)  In this section, purchase includes an allotment.
s 55: Am 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [3] [4]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [5].
56   Transfers back from a nominee
(1)  If—
(a)  dutiable property (other than marketable securities) that was transferred to a person to be held by that person as trustee for the transferor is transferred back to the transferor by the trustee, and
(b)  no person other than the transferor has had a beneficial interest in the dutiable property (other than the trustee’s right of indemnity) between its transfer to the trustee and its transfer back to the transferor,
the duty chargeable on the transfer of the dutiable property back to the transferor is $50.
(2)  If duty of $50 has been paid on a transfer under subsection (1), the initial transfer to the trustee is also chargeable with duty of $50. The Chief Commissioner must reassess the initial transfer and refund any duty paid in excess of $50 if an application for a refund is made within—
(a)  5 years after the initial assessment, or
(b)  12 months after the transfer back to the original transferor,
whichever is the later.
(3)  In this section, trustee includes a trustee appointed in substitution for a trustee or a trustee appointed in addition to a trustee or trustees.
s 56: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [2]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [5].
56A   Transfer of property subject to a statutory trust to a beneficial owner
(1)  This section applies if dutiable property that is vested in a person as trustee of a statutory trust as a consequence of the making of an order under section 66G of the Conveyancing Act 1919 is transferred or agreed to be transferred by the trustee to one or more of the beneficial owners of the dutiable property.
(2)  The dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the transfer or agreement is to be calculated by deducting from the unencumbered value of the dutiable property or the consideration for the transfer or agreement, whichever is the greater, the proportion of that amount that is the same as the proportion of the purchaser’s beneficial interest in the dutiable property immediately before the transfer or agreement.
s 56A: Ins 1999 No 60, Sch 2 [3].
57   Property passing to beneficiaries
(1)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer for no consideration of dutiable property to a beneficiary made under and in conformity with the trusts contained in a declaration of trust, subject to subsections (2) and (3).
(2)  Subsection (1) applies only to the extent that the property being transferred is property that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied is—
(a)  wholly or substantially the same as the property the subject of the declaration of trust and that—
(i)  duty charged by this Chapter has been paid in respect of the declaration of trust over that property, or
(ii)  the declaration of trust is exempt from duty, or
(b)  dutiable property representing the proceeds of re-investment of property referred to in paragraph (a), or
(c)  property to which both paragraphs (a) and (b) apply.
(3)  Subsection (1) applies only if the transferee was a beneficiary at the time at which duty became chargeable in respect of the declaration of trust.
s 57: Am 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [5]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [5]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [12].
58   Establishment of a trust relating to unidentified property and non-dutiable property
(1)  Duty of $500 is chargeable in respect of an instrument executed in New South Wales that declares a trust over New South Wales property none of which is dutiable property.
(2)  Duty of $500 is chargeable in respect of an instrument executed in New South Wales that declares that property, although not identified in the instrument, when vested in the person executing the instrument is to be held in trust for a person or persons or a purpose or purposes mentioned in the instrument.
(3)  It is immaterial whether or not the beneficial owner or person entitled to appoint the property has joined in or assented to the instrument.
(4)  A liability for duty charged by this section arises when the instrument is first executed.
(5)  Duty charged by this section is payable by the person declaring the trust.
(6)  This section does not apply in respect of any property that is a marketable security, if the marketable security is not dutiable property.
s 58: Am 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [15]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [6]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [6].
59   Instrument relating to managed investment scheme
(1)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of an instrument that effects or evidences a dutiable transaction and which—
(a)  amends, varies or replaces an instrument that establishes or governs a managed investment scheme, and
(b)  does not transfer, or have the effect of transferring, any dutiable property to a person who does not hold units in the scheme, and
(c)  does not have the effect of reducing the number of persons who hold units in the scheme.
(2)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a declaration of trust—
(a)  made by a trustee in respect of dutiable property that, immediately before the trust is declared, is held by the trustee as trustee of the prescribed interest scheme within the meaning of the Corporations Law as in force immediately before 1 July 1998, and
(b)  to hold the dutiable property on trust for the responsible entity of the managed investment scheme.
s 59: Subst 1998 No 63, Sch 1 [3]. Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [13] [14]; 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [6]; 2006 No 87, Sch 1 [4] (am 2006 No 120, Sch 2.91); 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [5].
59A   Nomineeing transactions—unquoted marketable securities
Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of marketable securities, other than marketable securities that are not dutiable property, between any of the following persons—
(a)  the beneficial owner,
(b)  a trustee or nominee of the beneficial owner,
(c)  a custodian of a trustee or nominee of the beneficial owner,
(d)  a sub-custodian of a custodian of a trustee or nominee of the beneficial owner,
but only if—
(e)  there is no change in the beneficial ownership of the marketable securities, and
(f)  if the transferee is a person referred to in paragraph (b)–(d), the transferee is to hold the marketable securities solely for another person referred to in paragraph (a)–(c) and there is no contemplation of the marketable securities being held for any other person, and
(g)  if the transferor is a person referred to in paragraph (b)–(d), the marketable securities were held by the person solely for another person referred to in paragraph (a)–(c) and, since the time when the marketable securities were first transferred or issued to the transferor, no person has held the marketable securities other than solely for a person referred to in paragraph (a)–(c).
s 59A: Ins 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [16]. Am 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [5].
59B   Change in custodians
Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable property by a custodian of the trustee of a trust to another custodian of the trustee of the trust if—
(a)  there is no change in the beneficial ownership of the dutiable property, and
(b)  the transferee is to hold the dutiable property solely for a trustee as trustee of the trust and there is no contemplation of the dutiable property being held for any other person or being held in any other capacity, and
(c)  the dutiable property was held by the transferor solely for a trustee as trustee of the trust and, since the time when the dutiable property was first transferred to the transferor, no person has held the dutiable property otherwise than solely for a trustee as trustee of the trust.
s 59B: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [7]. Am 2010 No 118, Sch 1 [2].
Division 2 Superannuation
60   Instruments relating to superannuation
(1)  The following instruments are liable to duty of $20 if they were first executed before 1 July 2001—
(a)  an instrument that establishes, or that amends provisions governing, a superannuation fund, an approved deposit fund, a pooled superannuation trust or an eligible rollover fund, being a fund or trust that, in the opinion of the trustees, will be a complying superannuation fund, a complying approved deposit fund, a pooled superannuation trust or an eligible rollover fund within 12 months after the instrument or amending instrument takes effect,
(b)  an instrument under which an employer agrees to participate in or contribute to a complying superannuation fund or a superannuation fund that, in the opinion of the trustees, will become a complying superannuation fund within 12 months after the employer agrees to participate in or contribute to the fund,
(c)  an instrument that is executed in order to set out or vary the terms of custodial arrangements concerning a complying superannuation fund, a complying approved deposit fund, a pooled superannuation trust or an eligible rollover fund (whether or not the instrument contains any other terms) or concerning a fund or trust that, in the opinion of the trustees, will be a complying superannuation fund, a complying approved deposit fund, a pooled superannuation trust or an eligible rollover fund within 12 months after the instrument takes effect.
(2)  A liability for duty charged by this section arises when the instrument is first executed.
(3)  The persons liable to pay the duty are the parties to the instrument.
(4)  The duty may be denoted by adhesive stamp.
(5)  Despite subsection (1), an instrument to which this section applies is not liable to duty if—
(a)  it is exempt from duty under a corresponding Act, or
(b)  the duty for which it is liable under a corresponding Act has been paid.
s 60: Am 2001 No 39, Sch 2 [1].
61   Transfers of property in connection with persons changing superannuation funds
(1)  This section applies to a relevant transfer that occurs in connection with a person—
(a)  ceasing to be a member of, or otherwise ceasing to be entitled to benefits in respect of, a superannuation fund that is a complying superannuation fund or was a complying superannuation fund within the period of 12 months before the transfer was made, and
(b)  becoming a member of, or otherwise becoming entitled to benefits in respect of, another superannuation fund that is also a complying superannuation fund or will, in the opinion of the trustees of both funds concerned, be a complying superannuation fund within 12 months after the transfer is made.
(1A)  For the purposes of this section, each of the following is a relevant transfer
(a)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property from a trustee of a superannuation fund, or a custodian of the trustee, to the trustee of another superannuation fund, or to a custodian of the trustee of another superannuation fund,
(b)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property from a trustee of a superannuation fund to a custodian of the trustee, or from a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund to the trustee,
(c)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, marketable securities from a trustee of a pooled superannuation trust, made in exchange for a redemption of units in the trust, to the trustee of a superannuation fund, or a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund,
(c1)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, marketable securities from the trustee of a superannuation fund, or a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund, made in exchange for the issue of units in a pooled superannuation trust, to a trustee of the pooled superannuation trust,
(d)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, marketable securities from a life company or custodian for a life company to the trustee of a superannuation fund or a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund if the transfer is made in consideration of the surrender or termination, by the trustee of the superannuation fund of which the person has ceased to be a member, of a policy of life insurance issued by the life company,
(e)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, marketable securities from the trustee of a superannuation fund or a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund to a life company or custodian for a life company if the transfer is made in consideration of the issue, by the life company, of a policy of life insurance to the trustee of the superannuation fund of which the person has become a member.
(2)  The duty chargeable on a relevant transfer to which this section applies is ad valorem duty in accordance with this Chapter or $500, whichever is the lesser.
(2A)  This section applies despite section 18 (2) and (3).
(3)  An application for an assessment of duty in accordance with this section is to be accompanied by the following—
(a)  a brief explanation of the background to the transfer and the entitlements to be extinguished and created,
(b)  copies of the governing rules of the superannuation funds concerned,
(c)  a statement of the property to be transferred,
(d)  a copy of each instrument relating to the transfer,
(e)  a declaration, in the approved form, from a trustee (or a director of a corporate trustee) of each of the superannuation funds concerned stating that, in the opinion of the trustee (or director), the fund the person will become a member of, or otherwise become entitled to benefits in respect of, will be a complying superannuation fund within 12 months after the transfer occurs.
(4)  The Chief Commissioner may require further information.
(5)  In this section, complying superannuation fund includes a complying approved deposit fund and an eligible rollover fund.
s 61: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [10]; 2005 No 111, Sch 1 [1]–[3]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [7]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [8]; 2010 No 118, Sch 1 [3]–[6]; 2011 No 50, Sch 1 [1]; 2017 No 25, Sch 2.4 [1].
62   Transfers between trustees and custodians of superannuation funds or trusts
(1)  This section applies to the following dutiable transactions—
(a)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property from a trustee of—
(i)  a complying superannuation fund, or
(ii)  a pooled superannuation trust, or
(iii)  a fund or trust that, in the opinion of the trustees, will be a complying superannuation fund or a pooled superannuation trust within 12 months after the transfer takes effect,
to a custodian of the trustee of the fund or trust, where there is no change in the beneficial ownership of the property,
(b)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property from a custodian of a trustee of—
(i)  a complying superannuation fund, or
(ii)  a pooled superannuation trust, or
(iii)  a fund or trust that, in the opinion of the trustees, will be a complying superannuation fund or a pooled superannuation trust within 12 months after the transfer takes effect,
to a trustee of the fund or trust, where there is no change in the beneficial ownership of the property,
(c)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property from a custodian of a trustee of—
(i)  a complying superannuation fund, or
(ii)  a pooled superannuation trust, or
(iii)  a fund or trust that, in the opinion of the trustees, will be a complying superannuation fund or a pooled superannuation trust within 12 months after the transfer takes effect,
to another custodian of the trustee of the fund or trust, where there is no change in the beneficial ownership of the property.
(2)    (Repealed)
(3)  The duty chargeable on a dutiable transaction to which this section applies is—
(a)  except as provided by paragraph (b), ad valorem duty in accordance with this Chapter or $500, whichever is the lesser, or
(b)  if the dutiable property transferred, or agreed to be transferred, is marketable securities, $10.
(4)  In this section, complying superannuation fund includes a complying approved deposit fund and an eligible rollover fund.
s 62: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [15]; 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [2] [3]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [8] [9].
62A   Transfers to self managed superannuation funds
(1)  Duty of $500 is chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property from a member or members of a self managed superannuation fund to the trustee or custodian of the trustee of the self managed superannuation fund but only if—
(a)  there are no other members of the superannuation fund (besides the member or members transferring or agreeing to transfer the property) or the dutiable property is segregated from other fund property, and
(b)  the property is to be used solely for the purpose of providing a retirement benefit to the member or members transferring or agreeing to transfer the property, and
(c)  if there is more than one member transferring or agreeing to transfer the property, the property is to be used for the benefit of those members in the same proportions as it was held by them before the transfer or agreement to transfer.
(2)  Dutiable property is segregated from other fund property if—
(a)  the property is held specifically for the benefit of the member or members transferring or agreeing to transfer the dutiable property, as fund members, and
(b)  the property (or proceeds of sale of the property) cannot be pooled with property held for any other member of the superannuation fund (besides the member or members transferring or agreeing to transfer the property), and
(c)  no other member of the superannuation fund (besides the member or members transferring or agreeing to transfer the property) can obtain an interest in the property (or the proceeds of sale of the property).
(3)  This section does not apply to a transfer of, or agreement to transfer, dutiable property held by a member of a self managed superannuation fund in a trustee capacity.
(3A)    (Repealed)
(4)  This section does not apply in respect of a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property if, as a result of the transfer, the superannuation fund will cease to be a complying superannuation fund.
(5)  A superannuation fund that has not been confirmed as a complying superannuation fund may be treated as a complying superannuation fund for the purposes of this section only if the trustee is satisfied, at the time a liability for duty arises, that the fund will be confirmed as a complying superannuation fund.
(6)  A superannuation fund is confirmed as a complying superannuation fund when the Regulator first gives a notice to the trustee under section 40 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 of the Commonwealth stating that the fund is a complying superannuation fund.
(7)  The Chief Commissioner may assess or reassess the duty chargeable in respect of a transfer or agreement to transfer if the Chief Commissioner is not satisfied that the superannuation fund was a complying superannuation fund at the time the liability for duty arose.
s 62A: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [9]. Am 2010 No 118, Sch 1 [7]; 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [2]–[5]; 2014 No 56, Sch 1 [6].
62B   Declaration of trust by custodian
(1)  Duty of $500 is chargeable on a declaration of trust made by a custodian of the trustee of a self managed superannuation fund that dutiable property is or is to be held in trust for the trustee of the self managed superannuation fund if—
(a)  the declaration of trust names the self managed superannuation fund, and
(b)  ad valorem duty under this Chapter has been paid on the acquisition of the property by the custodian or the trustee of the fund or section 62A applied to that acquisition, and
(c)  the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the consideration for the acquisition of the dutiable property was or will be provided by the trustee of the self managed superannuation fund.
(2)  This section applies whether or not there has been a change in the legal description of the dutiable property between the acquisition of the property by the custodian or trustee and the declaration of trust.
Note—
For example, if the dutiable property is land, this section continues to apply if there is a change in the legal description of the dutiable property as a consequence of the subdivision of the land.
(3)  This section applies despite sections 55 and 65 (10).
s 62B: Ins 2014 No 56, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [6].
Division 3 Miscellaneous
63   Deceased estates
(1)  Duty of $50 is chargeable in respect of—
(a)  a transfer of dutiable property by the legal personal representative of a deceased person to a beneficiary, being—
(i)  a transfer made under and in conformity with the trusts contained in the will of the deceased person or arising on an intestacy, or
(ii)  a transfer of property the subject of a trust for sale contained in the will of the deceased person, or
(iii)  an appropriation of the property of the deceased person (as referred to in section 46 of the Trustee Act 1925) in or towards satisfaction of the beneficiary’s entitlement under the trusts contained in the will of the deceased person or arising on intestacy, and
(b)    (Repealed)
(c)  a transmission application by a devisee who is also the sole legal personal representative, and
(d)  a declaration by an executor of a will under section 11 of the Trustee Act 1925 if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the declaration is consistent with the entitlements of beneficiaries under the trusts contained in the will.
(2)  If a transfer of dutiable property is made by a legal personal representative of a deceased person to a beneficiary under an agreement (whether or not in writing) between the beneficiary and one or more other beneficiaries to vary the trusts contained in a will of the deceased person or arising on intestacy, the dutiable value of the dutiable property is to be reduced by the portion of the dutiable value that is referable to the dutiable property to which the beneficiary had an entitlement arising under the trusts contained in the will or arising on intestacy.
(2A)  A transmission application made by a beneficiary under a will, with the consent of the legal personal representative of a deceased person, is taken, for the purposes of this section, to be a transfer of dutiable property by the legal personal representative to the beneficiary.
(3)  Section 25 does not apply to a dutiable transaction to which subsection (2) applies.
(4)  If the duty chargeable in respect of a transfer or transmission application referred to in subsection (1) would, but for that subsection, be less than $50, the duty chargeable is that lesser amount.
(5)  This section is subject to section 273, which provides for a minimum duty of $10.
s 63: Am 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [6]–[9]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [10]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [12]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [10]; 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [6]–[9].
64   Conversion of land use entitlement to different form of title
The duty chargeable on the transfer of a lot in a freehold strata scheme within the meaning of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 or a lot in a deposited plan is $50 if—
(a)  the transferee, immediately before registration of the strata plan or deposited plan, held a land use entitlement in respect of the land or part of the land the subject of the strata plan or deposited plan, and
(b)  the transfer is part of an arrangement under which the transferee will take an interest in the lot similar in effect to and in substitution for the interest the transferee had under the land use entitlement immediately before registration of the strata plan or deposited plan, and
(c)  one of the following applies—
(i)  ad valorem duty under this Chapter or Chapter 3 was paid on the transaction by which the land use entitlement was acquired by the transferee,
(ii)  section 55, 57 or 63 applied to the acquisition of the land use entitlement by the transferee, and duty was paid as provided for by the section that applied,
(iii)  no duty was chargeable on the acquisition of the land use entitlement by the transferee because of section 68,
(iv)  no duty was chargeable on the acquisition of the land use entitlement by the transferee because of section 78A or 78AA (which relate to the First Home Buyers Assistance scheme).
s 64: Am 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [2]. Subst 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [6]. Am 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [10]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [10]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [1]; 2015 No 51, Sch 9.7 [1]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [13]; 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2020 No 19, Sch 1[1].
64AA   Enlargement of the term in land into fee simple
The duty chargeable on the enlargement of a term in land into a fee simple under section 134 of the Conveyancing Act 1919 is $50 if—
(a)  the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the grant of the term in the land, and subsequent enlargement, are not part of a scheme to avoid duty on a transfer of land, and
(b)  one of the following applies—
(i)  ad valorem duty under this Chapter was paid by the transferee on the transaction by which the term in the land was acquired,
(ii)  section 55, 57 or 63 applied to the acquisition of the term in the land, and duty was paid as provided for by the section that applied,
(iii)  no duty was chargeable on the acquisition of the term in the land by the transferee because of section 68.
s 64AA: Ins 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [11]. Am 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [10]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [6].
64A   Amalgamation of Western Lands leases
(1)  This section applies to the transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, a Western lands lease (within the meaning of Schedule 3 to the Crown Land Management Act 2016), being a lease for a purpose specified in an order of the Governor made for the purposes of this section and published in the Gazette.
Editorial note—
For orders published under this section see Gazette No 92 of 13.8.1999, p 5743. From April 2021, PCO is no longer updating notes in provisions of in force titles about related gazette notices. To search for related gazette notices, please use the Gazette Search functionality.
(2)  The duty chargeable on a dutiable transaction, being the transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, a lease to which this section applies is to be reduced if—
(a)  the transferee has transferred another Western lands lease within 3 years before the dutiable transaction, and
(b)  the land subject to the dutiable transaction adjoins land held by the transferee under a Western lands lease.
(3)  The duty chargeable on the dutiable transaction is to be reduced by the amount of duty paid on the transfer of, or the agreement to transfer, the other lease within 3 years before the dutiable transaction.
s 64A: Ins 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [7]. Am 2017 No 17, Sch 4.23 [1] [2].
64B   Reduction of duty on transfer of marketable securities—payment in non-Australian jurisdiction
(1)  The amount of duty chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer of marketable securities is to be reduced by the amount of duty of a similar kind paid in relation to the transfer in accordance with the law of a place outside Australia.
(2)  In this section, a reference to a transfer of marketable securities includes a reference to a dealing or arrangement affecting marketable securities by means of a dutiable transaction other than a transfer.
s 64B: Ins 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [17].
64C   Transfers made in partial conformity with agreements
(1)  The duty chargeable in respect of a transfer of dutiable property is to be calculated in accordance with this section if—
(a)  the transfer is made in partial conformity with an agreement for transfer or sale of the dutiable property, and
(b)  the duty chargeable in respect of the agreement has been paid.
(2)  A transfer is made in partial conformity with an agreement for transfer or sale if the transfer conforms with the agreement, apart from the fact that a share in the dutiable property transferred to one or more of the transferees under the transfer exceeds the share agreed to be transferred to the relevant transferee under the agreement.
(3)  Duty is to be charged only on the excess proportion of the dutiable value of the dutiable property transferred.
(4)  The excess proportion is the proportion, or the total of the proportions, by which the share or shares in the dutiable property transferred to each transferee exceed the share or shares in the dutiable property (if any) agreed to be transferred to each transferee.
(5)  If a share in dutiable property is transferred to a transferee who was not a transferee under the agreement for transfer or sale, this section applies as if the share agreed to be transferred to that transferee is nil.
(6)  This section does not apply if section 18 (3) applies in respect of the transfer.
Note—
Example 1: An agreement provides for the transfer of dutiable property to 3 purchasers as equal tenants in common. Accordingly, the share of the dutiable property agreed to be transferred to each purchaser is one-third each. When the property is transferred, it is transferred to only 2 of the purchasers so that each purchaser acquires a one-half share. The shares transferred exceed the shares agreed to be transferred. That is, each purchaser has acquired a one-half share in the property instead of a one-third share. The excess proportion is the total of the proportions by which the shares transferred to the transferees exceed the shares agreed to be transferred. The total of (one-half minus one-third) and (one-half minus one-third) is one-third. Duty is charged on one-third of the dutiable value of the property transferred.
Example 2: An agreement provides for the transfer of dutiable property to 2 purchasers as equal tenants in common. Accordingly, the share of the dutiable property agreed to be transferred to each purchaser is one-half each. When the property is transferred, it is transferred to 3 transferees so that each transferee acquires a one-third share. The 2 one-third shares transferred to the original purchasers under the agreement do not exceed the shares agreed to be transferred. The excess proportion is the proportion by which the share transferred to the new transferee (one-third) exceeds the share agreed to be transferred (nil). Duty is charged on one-third of the dutiable value of the property transferred.
s 64C: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [10].
64D   Transfers made on exercise of option to purchase land
The duty chargeable in respect of a transfer of land in New South Wales that occurs as a consequence of the exercise of an option to purchase land is to be reduced by the amount of duty (if any) paid by the transferee on the transfer of the option to the transferee.
s 64D: Ins 2014 No 56, Sch 1 [8].
Part 7 Exemptions
65   Exemptions from duty
(1) General A dutiable transaction is exempt from duty under this Chapter if it is, or occurs as a consequence of any of the following—
(a)  the appointment of a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy,
(b)  the appointment of a liquidator,
(c)  the transfer of dutiable property to, or vesting of dutiable property in, a former bankrupt for no consideration as a consequence of the discharge or annulment of bankruptcy,
(d)  a dutiable transaction over dutiable property arising from the discharge or transfer of a mortgage or declaration of trust over a mortgage (and a reference in this paragraph to a mortgage includes a reference to a charge and an interest in a mortgage),
(e)  a dutiable transaction comprising—
(i)  a transfer by way of discharge of mortgage, or
(ii)  a transfer by way of mortgage (not being a transfer by way of mortgage of land, or an estate or interest in land, under the Real Property Act 1900), if duty as on a mortgage has been paid in respect of an instrument evidencing the mortgage or the instrument is exempt from, or is not liable to, duty,
(f)    (Repealed)
(g)  the vesting of dutiable property in a statutory trust as a consequence of the making of an order under section 66G of the Conveyancing Act 1919.
(2) Employee and employer organisations No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer of dutiable property made pursuant to, or in accordance with the rules of—
(a)  an association of employees or employers registered as an organisation under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 of the Commonwealth, or
(b)  an industrial union of employers or employees registered under the Industrial Relations Act 1996, or
(c)  any body of a kind referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) that is approved for the time being by the Minister,
if the transfer is made to another such association, union or body as a consequence of the amalgamation of two or more such associations, unions or bodies.
(3) Registered clubs No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on any of the following—
(a)  a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of dutiable property to give effect to an amalgamation or de-amalgamation, or both, of registered clubs as referred to in Divisions 1A and 1B of Part 2 of the Registered Clubs Act 1976,
(b)  a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of all or part of any premises or an associated car park occupied by a club to another club for the purposes of any such amalgamation or de-amalgamation, or both,
if any information and documents that may be required by the Chief Commissioner are given to the Chief Commissioner.
(4) Workers compensation insurers and custodians No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property—
(a)  made in compliance with a requirement of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority between—
(i)  a licensed insurer, or a person who was a licensed insurer, under the Workers’ Compensation Act 1926 and an insurer licensed under the Workers Compensation Act 1987, or
(ii)  licensed insurers under the Workers Compensation Act 1987, or
(iii)  the Authority and a licensed insurer under the Workers Compensation Act 1987, or
(b)  made at the direction of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority—
(i)  from an insurer licensed under the Workers Compensation Act 1987 to a custodian nominated by the Authority, or
(ii)  from such a custodian to another such custodian.
(5) Incorporated legal practices No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property in the following cases—
(a)  dutiable property of a solicitor corporation formed under the Legal Profession Act 1987 that is transferred or agreed to be transferred to—
(i)  an incorporated legal practice under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) if the voting shareholders of the solicitor corporation immediately before the transfer or agreement is first executed are solicitor directors or employed solicitors of the incorporated legal practice, or
(ii)  a partnership of solicitors if the voting shareholders of the solicitor corporation immediately before the transfer or agreement is first executed are the same as the members of the partnership, or
(iii)  a solicitor practising as a sole practitioner if the only voting shareholder of the solicitor corporation immediately before the transfer or agreement is first executed is that solicitor,
(b)  dutiable property of a partnership of solicitors formed or originally formed before the commencement of Division 2A of Part 3 of the Legal Profession Act 1987 that is transferred or agreed to be transferred to an incorporated legal practice under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) if the members of the partnership immediately before the transfer or agreement is first executed are solicitor directors or employed solicitors of the incorporated legal practice,
(c)  dutiable property of a solicitor practising as a sole practitioner before the commencement of Division 2A of Part 3 of the Legal Profession Act 1987 that is transferred or agreed to be transferred to an incorporated legal practice under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) if the solicitor is the sole solicitor director of the incorporated legal practice.
(6) Transfer of liquor licence No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the transfer of a liquor licence approved under section 60 of the Liquor Act 2007 if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  there is no change of, or contemplated change in, the beneficial ownership of the liquor licence as a consequence of the transfer, or
(b)  the transfer is a consequence of an agreement for the sale or transfer of dutiable property on which the duty chargeable in respect of the agreement has been paid.
Note—
Duty on the transfer of statutory licences is abolished on 1 July 2016. This exemption is relevant only to a transfer that occurs before that date. See Part 4 of this Chapter.
(7) Poker machine permits and entitlements No duty is chargeable under this Chapter—
(a)  on the transfer of—
(i)  a permit under Division 3 of Part 3 of the Gaming Machines Act 2001, or
(ii)  a gaming machine entitlement (within the meaning of that Act),
that occurs as a consequence of the transfer of a hotel licence approved under section 60 of the Liquor Act 2007 that is not chargeable with duty under this Chapter, or
(b)  on the vesting or transfer of any such permit or entitlement, if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(i)  there is no change, or contemplated change, in the beneficial ownership of the permit or entitlement as a consequence of the vesting or transfer, or
(ii)  the vesting or transfer occurs as a consequence of an agreement for the sale or transfer of dutiable property on which the duty chargeable in respect of the agreement has been paid.
Note—
Duty on the transfer of statutory licences, permissions and gaming machine entitlements is abolished on 1 July 2016. This exemption is relevant only to a transfer or vesting that occurs before that date. See Part 4 of this Chapter.
(8) Manufactured homes No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, a manufactured home in a caravan park or manufactured home estate if the manufactured home, but not the land on which the manufactured home is located, is owned by the transferor.
In this subsection—
manufactured home means a manufactured home as defined in the Local Government Act 1993 where the home is designed to allow its transportation.
manufactured home estate has the same meaning as in the Local Government Act 1993.
(9) Administration agreements under first home owner grant scheme No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on an administration agreement under the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) Act 2000.
(10) Instruments relating to superannuation No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on—
(a)  an instrument referred to in section 60 (1) (a), (b) or (c) that is first executed on or after 1 July 2001, or
(b)  a dutiable transaction effected by such an instrument, if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the primary purpose for which the transaction was effected was to comply with legal requirements relating to complying superannuation funds, complying approved deposit funds, pooled superannuation trusts or eligible rollover funds.
(11) Financial agreements No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a financial agreement made under section 90B, 90C or 90D of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth.
(12) Vesting by statute law—deceased estates No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the vesting of dutiable property in a legal personal representative of a deceased person.
(12A) Consents to gifts by will to interested witnesses No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a consent referred to in section 10 (3) (b) of the Succession Act 2006.
(13) Vesting by statute law—common property under strata plans No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the vesting of common property in a body corporate on the registration of a strata plan or strata plan of subdivision under the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015.
(13A) Vesting by statute law—association property No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the vesting of association property in an association on the registration of a plan or dealing by which association property is created under the Community Land Development Act 2021.
(13B) Vesting by statute law—merger of credit unions or mutual ADIs No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the vesting of land in New South Wales in one or more credit unions or mutual ADIs by, or expressly authorised by, statute law of this or another jurisdiction in Australia if the vesting is a consequence of a merger of any of the following—
(a)  2 or more credit unions that on merger is a credit union,
(b)  2 or more authorised deposit-taking institutions that are mutual ADIs and on merger is a mutual ADI,
(c)  1 or more credit unions with 1 or more mutual ADIs that on merger is a credit union or mutual ADI.
(13C)  A reference in subsection (13B) to a mutual ADI is a reference to an authorised deposit-taking institution that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied has a mutual structure.
(13D)  In determining whether an authorised deposit-taking institution has a mutual structure, the Chief Commissioner may take into account any of the following—
(a)  the structure, circumstances and history of the institution,
(b)  whether each customer of the company (for example an account holder, mortgagor or policy holder) is required to be a member of the company or each member (or joint membership) has only 1 vote,
(c)  any other matter in relation to the institution or its members.
(14) Correction of error No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer of dutiable property made to correct an error in a previous transfer of the same dutiable property if—
(a)  no additional consideration is paid or payable, and
(b)  the beneficial interests in the property change only to the extent necessary to correct the error.
(15) Home equity release schemes No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, land, a land use entitlement, or an interest in land or a land use entitlement if—
(a)  the land concerned is used as the principal place of residence of the transferor, and
(b)  the transferor, or, if there is more than one transferor, at least one of them, is aged 60 years or older, and
(c)  the transfer or agreement is entered into in connection with an approved home equity release scheme.
In this subsection—
approved home equity release scheme means a home equity release scheme approved, or of a class approved, by the Chief Commissioner, in accordance with any guidelines approved by the Treasurer that are published in the Gazette.
home equity release scheme means a scheme that enables an owner of residential property to obtain money from a person (the lender) in exchange for an agreement that a proportion of the value of the residential property will be paid to the lender on the occurrence of a specified event (such as the sale of the residential property or the death of the owner).
(16) Leases—general No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the following leases—
(a)  a lease granted by or on behalf of a corporation, society or institution if—
(i)  the purpose of the lease is to grant a retired person or a disabled person the right to occupy residential accommodation, and
(ii)  the lease has not been granted for the purpose of profit by the lessor,
(b)    (Repealed)
(c)  a lease executed in accordance with Part V of the National Health Act 1953 of the Commonwealth,
(d)  a lease of premises in a retirement village within the meaning of section 5 of the Retirement Villages Act 1999.
(17) Pharmacists’ body corporate No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property in the following cases—
(a)  dutiable property of a partnership carrying on the business of a pharmacist before 25 February 2008 that is transferred or agreed to be transferred to a pharmacists’ body corporate (within the meaning of Schedule 5F to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW)), if the members of the partnership immediately before the transfer or agreement is first executed are all directors and shareholders of the pharmacists’ body corporate and there are no other directors or shareholders of that pharmacists’ body corporate,
(b)  dutiable property of a pharmacist carrying on the business of a pharmacist before 25 February 2008 that is transferred or agreed to be transferred to a pharmacists’ body corporate (within the meaning of Schedule 5F to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW)), if the pharmacist is the sole director and shareholder of that pharmacists’ body corporate.
(18) Termination of strata scheme No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the vesting of an estate or interest in land by or as a consequence of the termination of a strata scheme to the extent that the persons who were proprietors of the lots the subject of the strata scheme concerned acquire, on the termination, an interest in the land that was the subject of the strata scheme in proportion to their unit entitlements immediately before the termination.
(19)  In subsection (18), a reference to the termination of a strata scheme is a reference to an order under Part 9 of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 terminating a strata scheme under that Act.
(20) Termination of scheme under Community Land Development Act 2021 No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the vesting of an estate or interest in land by or as a consequence of the termination of a scheme to the extent that the persons who were the proprietors in the scheme concerned acquire, on the termination, an interest in the land that was the subject of the scheme in proportion to their unit entitlements immediately before the termination.
(21)  In subsection (20), a reference to the termination of a scheme is a reference to the termination of a scheme under Part 9 of the Community Land Development Act 2021.
(22) Special disability trusts No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on—
(a)  a declaration of trust over dutiable property that is to be held by the trustee in the trustee’s capacity as trustee for a special disability trust, or
(b)  a declaration of trust over property or an instrument that declares property, when vested in the person executing the instrument, is to be held in trust for a person or persons, if the instrument is executed for the purpose of establishing a special disability trust, or
(c)  a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property to the trustee of a special disability trust for the purpose of the trust, if there is no consideration for the transfer.
(23) Registered maintenance liabilities No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the following—
(a)  a transfer of dutiable property to, or a vesting of dutiable property in, a trustee as a consequence of enforcement action taken by the Commonwealth in respect of a registered maintenance liability (within the meaning of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 of the Commonwealth),
(b)  a transfer of dutiable property from a trustee to a person in respect of whom such enforcement action has been taken, as a consequence of the discharge of the person’s liability under the registered maintenance liability.
(24) Fraudulent or void transactions No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the following—
(a)  a transfer of dutiable property to a person if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the transfer is made to rectify the consequences of fraudulent conduct by another person or to reverse a transfer of dutiable property that has been registered under a law of the State or the Commonwealth and that has been declared by a court to be void or voidable,
(b)  a vesting of dutiable property in a person by court order if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the order was made to rectify the consequences of fraudulent conduct by another person or to reverse a transfer of dutiable property that has been registered under a law of the State or the Commonwealth and that has been declared by a court to be void or voidable.
(25) Shared equity schemes No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the transfer of land, a land use entitlement or an interest in land or in a land use entitlement if—
(a)  the transferor or, if there is more than one, each of them, is an approved equity partner under an approved shared equity scheme, and
(b)  the transferee or, if there is more than one, each of them, is a home buyer under an approved shared equity scheme, and
(c)  the transfer occurs as part of the approved shared equity scheme.
s 65: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [3]; 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [16]–[18]; 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [8]; 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [3] [4]; 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [4] [5]; 2001 No 39, Sch 2 [2]; 2001 No 96, Sch 1 [3]; 2001 No 127, Sch 5.1 [2]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [10]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [8]; 2005 No 111, Sch 1 [4]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [11]–[13]; 2006 No 80, Sch 3.6; 2006 No 87, Sch 1 [5]; 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [6]; 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [12] [13]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [10], 1.3 [1]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [13]–[17]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [11]–[14]; 2010 No 118, Sch 1 [8]; 2011 No 50, Sch 1 [2]; 2011 No 72, Sch 5.2 [1] [2]; 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [11]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [14]; 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [5]; 2015 No 7, Sch 2.15; 2015 No 19, Sch 15.4; 2015 No 51, Sch 9.7 [2] [3]; 2015 No 65, Sch 1 [1]; 2016 No 27, Sch 5.2; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [16]; 2017 No 22, Sch 2.7 [1]; 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [2]; 2021 No 6, Sch 5.5[1] [2].
66   Exemptions—marketable securities
(1)–(4)    (Repealed)
(5) Share buy-backs No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of shares comprising a buy-back of the shares in accordance with Division 2 of Part 2J.1 of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth, unless the buy-back is effected by the purchaser pursuant to one or more agreements, understandings or arrangements that the purchaser will issue marketable securities.
(6) Rights to shares No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the transfer to a person of rights to shares if an earlier transfer of the shares to the person included a right to shares and duty in respect of the rights was paid in connection with that earlier transfer or the earlier transfer was exempt from duty.
(7) Bonus or rights issue No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the transfer of shares to a person (the transferee) if—
(a)  as a consequence of the transfer of shares in a company—
(i)  in respect of which ad valorem duty under this Act or a corresponding Act has been paid or that is exempt from duty, and
(ii)  that is not registered in the share register of the company,
the transferee is, on a bonus issue or the issue of a right to shares subsequent to the transfer, entitled to other shares registered in the name of the transferor, and
(b)  the transferee pays the amount, if any, necessary to take up the other shares.
(8)    (Repealed)
(8A) ADRs No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of an ADR if—
(a)  the ADR relates to rights to shares that upon issue, on exercise of those rights, will be quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange or a recognised stock exchange, and
(b)  the transfer, or the sale or transfer to which the agreement relates, is to—
(i)  a foreign resident on the foreign resident’s own behalf, or
(ii)  a foreign resident acting on behalf of a trustee for another foreign resident, and
(c)  the ADR is to be registered on an overseas register of legal or beneficial title.
(9) Trust mergers No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of units in a qualifying unit trust scheme to the responsible entity or trustee of another qualifying unit trust scheme or a custodian or agent of the responsible entity or trustee if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Chief Commissioner that—
(a)  the purpose of the transfer is to give effect to a merger of 2 qualifying unit trust schemes or a takeover of a qualifying unit trust scheme by another qualifying unit trust scheme, and
(b)  the units are registered on a register kept in New South Wales, and
(c)  the transfer would qualify as a roll-over under Subdivision 124-M of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 of the Commonwealth.
(9A)  For the purposes of subsection (9), qualifying unit trust scheme means a unit trust scheme—
(a)  any of the units in which are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange or on a recognised stock exchange, or
(b)  in respect of which—
(i)  units in the scheme have been issued to the public and 50 or more persons are beneficially entitled to units in the scheme, or
(ii)  a majority of units in the scheme are acquired by, for or on account of, a complying superannuation fund, a pooled superannuation trust or a life company, or
(c)  that, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, will satisfy paragraph (b) within 12 months after the Chief Commissioner gives written notice of that opinion to a person who has requested the Chief Commissioner to express that opinion in relation to the unit trust scheme.
(10) Mining securities No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of marketable securities in a company (wherever incorporated) whose sole business is either or both of the following activities—
(a)  mining in New South Wales for minerals within the meaning of the Mining Act 1992 or the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, or
(b)  prospecting or mining in New South Wales for petroleum within the meaning of the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991,
if the consideration for the transfer or agreement is not less than the unencumbered value of the marketable securities.
(11)    (Repealed)
Note—
No duty is chargeable on transactions relating to shares or units that are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange or a recognised stock exchange or relating to interests in such shares or units (see section 11 (2)).
The duty on all marketable securities is to be abolished on 1 July 2016. See Part 4 of this Chapter.
s 66: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [11] [12]; 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [19]; 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [9]; 1999 No 42, Sch 3.5 [1]; 1999 No 60, Sch 2 [4] [5]; 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [18]–[20]; 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [5]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [7]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [14]; 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [7]; 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [14]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [11]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1] [3]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [3]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [15]; 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [6].
67   (Repealed)
s 67: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [20] [21]. Rep 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [12].
68   Exemptions—break-up of marriages and other relationships
(1) Break-up of marriage No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of matrimonial property if—
(a)  the property is transferred, or agreed to be sold or transferred, to—
(i)  the parties to a marriage that is dissolved or annulled, or that, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, has broken down irretrievably, or
(ii)  either of the parties to such a marriage, or
(iii)  a child or children of either of the parties to such a marriage, or
(iv)  a trustee of a child or children of either of the parties to such a marriage, or
(v)  a trustee under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 of the Commonwealth of the estate of either of the parties to such a marriage, and
(b)  the transfer or agreement is effected by or in accordance with—
(i)  a financial agreement made under section 90B, 90C or 90D of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth that, under that Act, is binding on the parties to the agreement, or
(ii)  an order of a court under that Act, or
(iia)  an agreement that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied has been made for the purpose of dividing matrimonial property as a consequence of the dissolution, annulment or breakdown of the marriage, or
(iii)  a purchase at public auction of property that, immediately before the auction, was matrimonial property where the public auction is held to comply with any such agreement or order.
(1A) Break-up of de facto relationship No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of relationship property if—
(a)  the property is transferred, or agreed to be sold or transferred, to—
(i)  the parties to a de facto relationship that, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, has broken down irretrievably, or
(ii)  either of the parties to such a de facto relationship, or
(iii)  a child or children of either of the parties to such a de facto relationship, or
(iv)  a trustee of a child or children of either of the parties to such a de facto relationship, or
(v)  a trustee under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 of the Commonwealth of the estate of either of the parties to such a de facto relationship, and
(b)  the transfer or agreement is effected by or in accordance with—
(i)  a financial agreement made under section 90UB, 90UC or 90UD of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth that, under that Act, is binding on the parties to the agreement, or
(ii)  an order of a court under that Act, or
(iii)  a purchase at public auction of property that, immediately before the auction, was relationship property where the public auction is held to comply with any such agreement or order.
(2) Break-up of domestic relationship No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of relationship property if—
(a)  the property is transferred, or agreed to be sold or transferred, to the parties to a domestic relationship that has, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, been terminated or to either of them, or to a child or children of either of them or a trustee of such a child or children, and
(b)  the transfer or agreement is effected by or in accordance with—
(i)  an order of a court made under the Property (Relationships) Act 1984, or
(ii)  a termination agreement within the meaning of section 44 of the Property (Relationships) Act 1984 that has been certified in accordance with section 47 of that Act, or
(iii)  a purchase at public auction of property that, immediately before the auction, was relationship property where the public auction is held to comply with any such order or agreement.
(3) Associated transactions No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a dutiable transaction to the extent that—
(a)  for purposes of or ancillary to a transfer referred to in subsection (1), (1A) or (2), it transfers a share that is matrimonial property or relationship property to a person not a party to the relevant marriage or relationship, in order to comply with a requirement of or prescribed under the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth, or
(b)  it is a declaration of trust, by the transferee of a share transferred as referred to in paragraph (a), for the benefit of a party to the marriage or relationship.
(3A) Superannuation interests No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a dutiable transaction that is a transfer of, or an agreement to transfer, dutiable property from the trustee or custodian of the trustee of a complying superannuation fund to the trustee or custodian of the trustee of another complying superannuation fund if—
(a)  the dutiable property is a superannuation interest (within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth) of a party to a marriage or de facto relationship that—
(i)  has been dissolved or annulled or has, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, broken down irretrievably (in the case of a marriage), or
(ii)  has, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, broken down (in the case of a de facto relationship), and
(b)  the dutiable property is to be held solely for the purpose of providing a retirement benefit to the other party to the marriage or relationship, and
(c)  the transfer or agreement is effected by or in accordance with a financial agreement that is binding on the parties to the agreement, or an order of a court, under the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth.
(4) Refunds—break-up of marriage If—
(a)  ad valorem duty under this Chapter was paid on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of matrimonial property to—
(i)  the parties to a marriage, or
(ii)  either of the parties to a marriage, or
(iii)  a child or children of either of the parties to a marriage, or
(iv)  a trustee of a child or children of either of the parties to a marriage, or
(v)  a trustee under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 of the Commonwealth of the estate of either of the parties to a marriage, and
(b)  the transfer or agreement was effected as referred to in section 68 (1) (b), and
(c)  the marriage has been dissolved or annulled or has broken down irretrievably,
the Chief Commissioner must reassess the transfer or agreement and refund the duty paid.
(4AA) Refunds—break-up of de facto relationship If—
(a)  ad valorem duty under this Chapter was paid on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of relationship property to—
(i)  the parties to a de facto relationship, or
(ii)  either of the parties to a de facto relationship, or
(iii)  a child or children of either of the parties to a de facto relationship, or
(iv)  a trustee of a child or children of either of the parties to a de facto relationship, or
(v)  a trustee under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 of the Commonwealth of the estate of either of the parties to a de facto relationship, and
(b)  the transfer or agreement was effected as referred to in section 68 (1A) (b), and
(c)  the de facto relationship has broken down,
the Chief Commissioner must reassess the transfer or agreement and refund the duty paid.
(4A) Refunds—break-up of domestic relationship If—
(a)  ad valorem duty under this Chapter was paid on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of relationship property to the parties to a domestic relationship or to either of them, or to a child or children of either of them or to a trustee of such a child or children, and
(b)  the transfer or agreement was effected as referred to in section 68 (2) (b), and
(c)  the domestic relationship has been terminated,
the Chief Commissioner must reassess the transfer or agreement and refund the duty paid.
(4B) Evidence of exemption A party to a marriage, de facto relationship or domestic relationship may provide a declaration, in an approved form, to the Chief Commissioner to the effect that—
(a)  in the case of a marriage—
(i)  the party intends to apply for a dissolution or annulment of the marriage, or
(ii)  the parties to the marriage have separated, and there is no reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed, or
(b)  in the case of a de facto relationship or domestic relationship, the relationship has broken down or been terminated.
The Chief Commissioner is required to have regard to any such declaration in exercising his or her functions under this section.
(4C) Power to require other evidence Subsection (4B) does not limit the functions of the Chief Commissioner under section 72 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(4D) Vested bankruptcy property This section applies in respect of vested bankruptcy property (within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth) of a party to a marriage or de facto relationship in the same way as it applies to matrimonial property or relationship property.
(5) Definitions In this section—
marriage includes a void marriage.
matrimonial property means property in relation to the parties to a marriage or of either of them (within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth), including any property treated as property in relation to the parties or of either of them as a result of an order made under that Act.
party to a marriage includes a person who was a party to a marriage that has been dissolved or annulled, in Australia or elsewhere.
relationship property
(a)  in relation to a de facto relationship, means property in relation to the parties to the de facto relationship or of either of them (within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth), including any property treated as property in relation to the parties or of either of them as a result of an order made under that Act, or
(b)  in relation to a domestic relationship, means property of the parties to the relationship or of either of them.
s 68: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [13]; 1999 No 4, Sch 2.9 [1]–[7]; 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [5]; 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [6]; 2001 No 96, Sch 1 [4]–[8]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [9]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [18]–[25]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [15]; 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [13]; 2014 No 19, Sch 1 [2]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [6]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [17]–[20]; 2017 No 25, Sch 2.4 [2]–[4].
Part 8 Other exemptions and concessions
ch 2, pt 8, hdg: Subst 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [2]; 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [14].
Division 1 First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme
ch 2, pt 8, div 1, hdg: Am 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [6]; 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [1]. Subst 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [3].
ch 2, pt 8, div 1, sdiv 1, hdg: Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [3].
69   The nature of the scheme
This scheme is intended to help people who are acquiring their first home. Under the scheme, the acquisition is subject to a concession or exemption from duty.
s 69: Am 1998 No 81, Sch 1 [1]. Subst 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [7]; 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [6]. Am 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [4] [5]; 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [4].
70   Commencement
The following transactions and instruments are eligible for consideration under the scheme—
(a)  agreements for sale or transfer entered into on or after 1 July 2017,
(b)  transfers that occur on or after 1 July 2017 (other than transfers made in conformity with an agreement for sale or transfer entered into before 1 July 2017).
(c)    (Repealed)
s 70: Subst 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [7]; 2004 No 33, Sch 1 [1]. Am 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [6] [7]; 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [5].
71   Restrictions on eligibility—previous ownership of residential property or first home concession
(1)  A purchaser or transferee under an agreement or transfer may apply under the scheme, but will be eligible only if the purchaser or transferee is a first home owner.
(2)  A first home owner is an individual—
(a)  who has not at any time owned residential property in Australia (either solely or with someone else) and has not previously been a party to an application under the scheme that was approved by the Chief Commissioner, and
(b)  whose spouse (if any) has not at any time owned residential property in Australia (either solely or with someone else) and has not previously been a party to an application under the scheme that was approved by the Chief Commissioner.
(3)    (Repealed)
(4)  For the purpose of this section, a person is the spouse of another person if—
(a)  they are legally married, or
(b)  they are living together as a couple in a de facto relationship.
(5)  If the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that, at the time of making an application under the scheme, a purchaser or transferee—
(a)  is legally married but not cohabiting with the person to whom the applicant is legally married, and
(b)  has no intention of resuming cohabitation,
the person to whom the purchaser or transferee is legally married is not to be regarded as the applicant’s spouse.
(6)  For the purpose of determining eligibility, the ownership at any time of residential property, or a previous application under the scheme, is to be disregarded if the residential property owned by the purchaser or transferee is or was vested in the purchaser or transferee on trust, or as an executor under a will, or the application was made by the purchaser or transferee in his or her capacity as trustee or executor.
(7)  The fact that a purchaser or transferee under an agreement or transfer is not a first home owner does not prevent the agreement or transfer from being eligible under the scheme if—
(a)  one or more of the purchasers or transferees under the agreement or transfer is a first home owner, and
(b)  the total ownership share in the property to which the application relates that is being acquired by purchasers or transferees who are not first home owners does not exceed 5%.
Note—
A purchaser or transferee is not considered to be a first home owner unless both the purchaser or transferee, and his or her spouse (if any), have not owned residential property before. See subsection (2).
(8)  For the purposes of this section, a person who is, or has at any time been, the holder of a leasehold interest granted by the Commonwealth in residential property in the Australian Capital Territory is taken to own or have owned that residential property.
s 71: Am 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [7]. Subst 2004 No 33, Sch 1 [2]. Am 2004 No 67, Sch 1 [2] [3]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [10]; 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [5]; 2007 No 24, Sch 1 [1]–[3]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [2]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [16].
72   (Repealed)
s 72: Am 1998 No 81, Sch 1 [2] [3]. Rep 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [8].
73   Ineligible persons
(1)  Companies, partnerships, and persons in their capacity as trustees, are not eligible.
(2)  However, a trustee is eligible if—
(a)  the trustee is the guardian of a person under a legal disability and the person under a legal disability is a first home owner who will be occupying the home to which the agreement or transfer relates as a principal place of residence in accordance with the residence requirement under section 76, or
(b)  the trustee is an apparent purchaser of a kind referred to in section 55 and the real purchaser is a first home owner.
(3)  A purchaser or transferee under an agreement or transfer who is under 18 years of age is not eligible.
(4)  Despite subsection (3), the Chief Commissioner may determine that a purchaser or transferee under 18 years of age is eligible if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the home to which the agreement or transfer relates will be occupied by the purchaser or transferee as his or her principal place of residence in accordance with the residence requirement under section 76, and
(b)  the application does not form part of a scheme to circumvent limitations on, or requirements affecting, eligibility under the scheme.
(5)  A purchaser or transferee under an agreement or transfer is not eligible unless the person is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, subject to subsection (6).
(6)  If there is more than one purchaser or transferee under an agreement or transfer and at least one of them is a first home owner who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the other purchasers or transferees are exempt from compliance with subsection (5).
(7)    (Repealed)
s 73: Am 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [8]; 2004 No 33, Sch 1 [3]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [11]; 2005 No 111, Sch 1 [5]; 2007 No 24, Sch 1 [4]–[6]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [3]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [1].
73A   Application of eligibility criteria to joint purchasers and transferees
(1)  If there is more than one purchaser or transferee under an agreement or transfer, they may apply under the scheme, but the agreement or transfer will be eligible under the scheme only if all of the purchasers or transferees are eligible under the scheme.
(2)  If the agreement or transfer is entered into, or occurs, under an approved shared equity scheme, it does not matter that the approved equity partners are not eligible under the scheme, as long as the other purchasers or transferees are eligible.
(3)  This section does not affect section 78B.
s 73A: Ins 2007 No 24, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [5]; 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [6].
74   Eligible agreements or transfers
(1)  The agreement or transfer must be for the acquisition of a first home or for the acquisition of a vacant block of residential land intended to be used as the site of a first home.
(2)  The agreement or transfer must be for the whole of the property.
(3)  The dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer must be less than—
(a)  $800,000 if the property has a private dwelling built on it, or
(b)  $450,000 if the property comprises a vacant block of residential land.
Note—
The dutiable value of dutiable property is the greater of—
(a)  the consideration (if any) for the dutiable transaction (being the amount of a monetary consideration or the value of a non-monetary consideration), and
(b)  the unencumbered value of the dutiable property.
(4)  Despite subsection (3), in relation to an agreement for sale or transfer or a transfer entered into during the period beginning on 1 August 2020 and ending on 31 July 2021 (other than a transfer made in conformity with an agreement for sale or transfer entered into before 1 August 2020), the dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer must be less than—
(a)  $1,000,000 if the property has a private dwelling that is a new home built on it, or
(b)  $800,000 if the property has a private dwelling that is not a new home built on it, or
(c)  $500,000 if the property comprises a vacant block of residential land.
(5)  In this section, new home has the same meaning as in section 4A of the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) Act 2000.
s 74: Am 1998 No 81, Sch 1 [4] [5]; 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [10] [11]; 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [9] [10]; 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [9]–[11]. Subst 2004 No 33, Sch 1 [4]. Am 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [15] [16]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [17] [18]; 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [8]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.2 [1]; 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [7] [8]; 2020 No 19, Sch 1[2].
74A   Application of scheme to multiple occupancy contracts
(1)  The provisions of this Part apply in respect of an agreement for the sale or transfer of a parcel of land on which 2 or more homes are built or being built (a multiple occupancy contract) as if—
(a)  the multiple occupancy contract were a separate agreement or transfer in relation to each home built or to be built on the land as an exclusive occupancy, and
(b)  the purchasers or transferees who will be entitled to occupy a home as an exclusive occupancy are the only purchasers or transferees under the separate agreement or transfer relating to the home.
(2)  Any such separate agreement or transfer is taken to be an agreement or transfer for the whole of the property if it is for all of the land to be used or occupied for the purposes of the exclusive occupancy.
(3)  In this Part, a reference to the dutiable property the subject of the agreement or transfer is a reference to that part of the land that is to be used or occupied for the purposes of the exclusive occupancy.
(4)  For the purposes of this section, a home that is being acquired or built under a multiple occupancy contract is an exclusive occupancy only if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that a person is or will be entitled to occupy the home as a place of residence to the exclusion of other persons who, under the contract, are to occupy the other home or homes built or being built on the relevant land.
s 74A: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [19].
75   Ineligible agreements and transfers
(1)  An agreement or transfer is not eligible if it involves the acquisition of a business or business premises. However, an agreement for the purchase, or a transfer, of a farming property on which there is a private dwelling is not excluded.
(2)  An agreement for the purchase, or a transfer, of a holiday home is not eligible.
(3)    (Repealed)
s 75: Am 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [12].
76   Residence requirement
(1)  The home must be occupied by the first home owner or one of the first home owners who is acquiring it as a principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months, with that occupation starting within 12 months (or such longer period as the Chief Commissioner may approve) after completion of the agreement or transfer. This requirement is referred to as the residence requirement.
(2)  The Chief Commissioner may, if satisfied there are good reasons to do so in a particular case—
(a)  modify the residence requirement by approving a shorter period of occupation by a first home owner, or
(b)  exempt a first home owner from the requirement to comply with the residence requirement.
(3)  In the case of an agreement or transfer for the acquisition of a vacant block of residential land, it is sufficient that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the vacant block is intended to be used as the site of a home to be occupied by the first home owner or one of the first home owners who is acquiring it as a principal place of residence.
(4)    (Repealed)
(5)  For the purpose of this section, an agreement or transfer is completed when a purchaser or transferee becomes entitled to possession of the home and, if the interest in the land acquired by the purchaser or transferee is registrable under a law of the State, the interest is so registered.
(6)  The residence requirement does not apply to an application under the scheme if, on the date of the agreement or transfer—
(a)  the applicant or, if there are 2 or more of them, at least one of the applicants is a member of the Permanent Forces of the Australian Defence Force (within the meaning of the Defence Act 1903 of the Commonwealth), and
(b)  the applicant or, if there are 2 or more of them, each of the applicants is enrolled to vote in State elections (under the Electoral Act 2017).
s 76: Am 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [11]. Subst 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [13]; 2004 No 33, Sch 1 [5]. Am 2004 No 67, Sch 1 [4] [5]; 2007 No 24, Sch 1 [8]–[11]; 2009 No 76, Sch 2 [1]; 2017 No 66, Sch 8.7.
76A   Approval of application in advance of satisfaction of residence requirement
(1)  The Chief Commissioner may approve an application in anticipation of compliance with the residence requirement under section 76 if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that each applicant required to comply with the residence requirement intends to occupy the home as his or her principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months, with that occupation starting within 12 months after completion of the agreement or transfer or within a longer period approved by the Chief Commissioner.
(2)  If an application is approved in anticipation of compliance with the residence requirement, the approval is given on condition that, if the residence requirement is not complied with, the applicant must within 14 days after the end of the period allowed for compliance—
(a)  give written notice of that fact to the Chief Commissioner, and
(b)  pay the relevant duty to the Chief Commissioner.
(3)  The relevant duty is the difference between the total amount of duty that would have been payable on the transactions and instruments the subject of the application, if they had not been eligible under the scheme, and the total amount of duty (if any) paid in respect of those transactions and instruments.
(4)  A person who fails to comply with the condition prescribed by this section is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty—50 penalty units.
(5)  A failure to comply with the condition prescribed by this section is a tax default for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
s 76A: Ins 2004 No 33, Sch 1 [5]. Am 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [4].
77   (Repealed)
s 77: Am 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [14] [15]; 2004 No 33, Sch 1 [6]; 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [1]; 2007 No 24, Sch 1 [12]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [9].
78   Making of applications
(1)  An application is made to the Chief Commissioner by completing a declaration in an approved form.
(2)    (Repealed)
(3)  The Chief Commissioner may at any time (whether before or after the approval of an application) require the applicant or applicants to provide such further information as the Chief Commissioner may consider necessary for the proper administration of the scheme.
s 78: Am 1998 No 81, Sch 1 [6]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [5]; 2017 No 25, Sch 2.4 [5].
78A   Duty payable if application approved
(1)  If an application concerning an eligible agreement or transfer is approved and the dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer is not more than the following amounts, no duty is chargeable on the agreement or transfer—
(a)  $650,000 if the property has a private dwelling built on it, or
(b)  $350,000 if the property comprises a vacant block of residential land.
(2)  If an application concerning an eligible agreement or transfer is approved in respect of property that has a private dwelling built on it and subsection (1) does not apply to the agreement or transfer, the rate of duty chargeable in respect of the agreement or transfer is to be calculated in accordance with the following formula—
 
where—
N is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of the agreement or transfer.
V is the dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer.
D is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of an agreement or transfer relating to property that has a private dwelling built on it and has a dutiable value of $650,000.
Note—
An agreement or transfer in respect of property that has a private dwelling built on it is not an eligible agreement or transfer if the dutiable value of the property is $800,000 or more. See section 74(3).
(2A)  If an application concerning an eligible agreement or transfer is approved in respect of property that comprises a vacant block of residential land and subsection (1) does not apply to the agreement or transfer, the rate of duty chargeable in respect of the agreement or transfer is to be calculated in accordance with the following formula—
 
where—
N is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of the agreement or transfer.
V is the dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer.
D is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of an agreement or transfer relating to property that comprises a vacant block of residential land and has a dutiable value of $350,000.
Note—
An agreement or transfer in respect of property that comprises a vacant block of residential land is not an eligible agreement or transfer if the dutiable value of the property is $450,000 or more. See section 74(3).
(3)  This section does not apply in respect of an agreement or transfer that is eligible under the scheme only for a shared equity concession.
s 78A (previously s 80): Am 1998 No 81, Sch 1 [7]. Subst 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [12]. Am 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [16] [17]. Subst 2004 No 33, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2007 No 24, Sch 1 [13]. Renumbered 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [5]. Am 2012 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]–[7]; 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [9] [10]; 2020 No 14, Sch 4.2.
78AA   Duty payable on certain agreements and transfers entered into during year commencing 1 August 2020
(1)  This section applies, and section 78A does not apply, to an agreement for sale or transfer or a transfer entered into during the period beginning on 1 August 2020 and ending on 31 July 2021 (other than a transfer made in conformity with an agreement for sale or transfer entered into before 1 August 2020).
(2)  If an application concerning an eligible agreement or transfer to which this section applies is approved and the dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer is not more than the following amounts, no duty is chargeable on the agreement or transfer—
(a)  $800,000 if the property has a private dwelling that is a new home built on it,
(b)  $650,000 if the property has a private dwelling that is not a new home built on it,
(c)  $400,000 if the property comprises a vacant block of residential land.
(3)  If an application concerning an eligible agreement or transfer to which this section applies is approved in respect of property that has a private dwelling that is a new home built on it and subsection (2)(a) does not apply to the agreement or transfer, the rate of duty chargeable in respect of the agreement or transfer is to be calculated in accordance with the following formula—
 
where—
N is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of the agreement or transfer.
V is the dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer.
D is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of an agreement or transfer relating to property that has a private dwelling built on it and has a dutiable value of $800,000.
Note—
An agreement or transfer in respect of property that has a private dwelling that is a new home built on it is not an eligible agreement or transfer if the dutiable value of the property is $1,000,000 or more. See section 74(4)(a).
(4)  If an application concerning an eligible agreement or transfer to which this section applies is approved in respect of property that has a private dwelling that is not a new home built on it and subsection (2)(b) does not apply to the agreement or transfer, the rate of duty chargeable in respect of the agreement or transfer is to be calculated in accordance with the following formula—
 
where—
N is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of the agreement or transfer.
V is the dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer.
D is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of an agreement or transfer relating to property that has a private dwelling built on it and has a dutiable value of $650,000.
Note—
An agreement or transfer in respect of property that has a private dwelling that is not a new home built on it is not an eligible agreement or transfer if the dutiable value of the property is $800,000 or more. See section 74(4)(b).
(5)  If an application concerning an eligible agreement or transfer to which this section applies is approved in respect of property that comprises a vacant block of residential land and subsection (2)(c) does not apply to the agreement or transfer, the rate of duty chargeable in respect of the agreement or transfer is to be calculated in accordance with the following formula—
 
where—
N is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of the agreement or transfer.
V is the dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer.
D is the amount of duty (calculated in accordance with section 32) that would otherwise be payable in respect of an agreement or transfer relating to property that comprises a vacant block of residential land and has a dutiable value of $400,000.
Note—
An agreement or transfer in respect of property that comprises a vacant block of residential land is not an eligible agreement or transfer if the dutiable value of the property is $500,000 or more. See section 74(4)(c).
(6)  This section does not apply in respect of an agreement or transfer that is eligible under the scheme only for a shared equity concession.
(7)  In this section, new home has the same meaning as in section 4A of the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) Act 2000.
s 78AA: Ins 2020 No 19, Sch 1[3].
78B   Special concession for shared equity arrangements
(1)  If there is more than one purchaser or transferee under an agreement or transfer, and one or more of them is a first home owner, but the agreement or transfer is not eligible under the scheme because one or more of the other purchasers or transferees is not eligible under the scheme, the agreement or transfer may still be eligible for a duty concession under the scheme (a shared equity concession).
(2)  In order to be eligible for a shared equity concession—
(a)  the purchasers or transferees who are first home owners must acquire not less than a 50% share in the ownership of the property, and
(b)  the agreement or transfer must be an agreement or transfer that would be eligible under the scheme if the first home owners were the sole purchasers or transferees under the agreement or transfer.
(3)  If an application concerning an agreement or transfer that is eligible under the scheme for a shared equity concession is approved, duty is chargeable as follows—
 
where—
D is the duty chargeable.
R is the duty that would be chargeable on the dutiable value of the property if this Division did not apply in respect of the agreement or transfer.
E is the ownership share in the property of the first home owner or owners, expressed as a percentage.
C is the duty (if any) that would be chargeable under section 78A or 78AA on the agreement or transfer if that section applied in respect of the agreement or transfer.
(4)  Despite anything to the contrary in this section, an agreement or transfer under which one or more of the purchasers or transferees is a company is not eligible under the scheme for a shared equity concession if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the application relating to that agreement or transfer should not be approved for any good reason.
(5)  To avoid doubt, a reference in this Division (except sections 78A and 78AA) to an application that has been approved under the scheme includes an application that has been approved under the scheme because of eligibility for a shared equity concession.
(6)  This section does not apply to an agreement or transfer that is entered into, or occurs, under an approved shared equity scheme.
Note—
An agreement or transfer that is entered into, or occurs, under an approved shared equity scheme is eligible under the scheme, even though not all the purchasers or transferees are eligible (see section 73A).
s 78B (previously s 80AA): Ins 2007 No 24, Sch 1 [14]. Renumbered 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [5]. Am 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [5]; 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [10]; 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [11]; 2020 No 19, Sch 1[4] [5].
79   Reassessment of duty payable where duty concession wrongly applied
(1)  The Chief Commissioner may reassess the duty chargeable in respect of an agreement or transfer that is initially approved under the scheme if the Chief Commissioner forms the opinion that the agreement or transfer is not eligible under the scheme (because of failure to comply with the residence requirement or otherwise).
(2)  The Chief Commissioner may issue a notice of assessment, based on the reassessment, for the duty chargeable in respect of the agreement or transfer.
s 79: Rep 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [6]. Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [6].
80   Charge on land for duty liability of applicant
(1)  Any duty liability that an applicant has under the scheme in respect of an agreement or transfer is a charge on the applicant’s interest in the land that is the subject of the agreement or transfer.
(2)  An applicant has a duty liability under the scheme in respect of an agreement or transfer if the applicant is required to pay an amount of duty to the Chief Commissioner, in respect of an agreement or transfer that is initially approved under the scheme—
(a)  under a condition of approval referred to in section 76A, or
(b)  under a notice of assessment referred to in section 79.
(3)  The charge created by this section gives the Chief Commissioner an interest in the land and, accordingly, the Chief Commissioner may lodge a caveat in respect of the land under the Real Property Act 1900 to protect that interest.
(4)  The caveat must be withdrawn when the amount of the duty liability has been paid.
(5)  The amount of the duty liability is the amount of duty that the applicant is required to pay to the Chief Commissioner in respect of the relevant agreement or transfer, together with any interest or penalty tax payable.
(6)  In this section—
applicant includes a former applicant.
s 80: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [6].
80AA   
(Renumbered as sec 78B)
s 80AA: Ins 2007 No 24, Sch 1 [14]. Renumbered as sec 78B, 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [5].
80A   Definitions
In this Division—
first home owner has the meaning given by section 71.
guardian of a person under a legal disability includes a trustee who holds property on trust for the person under an instrument of trust or by order or direction of a court or tribunal.
home means a building (affixed to land) that—
(a)  may lawfully be used as a place of residence, and
(b)  is, in the Chief Commissioner’s opinion, a suitable building for use as a place of residence.
notice of assessment means a notice of assessment under the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
residence requirement—see section 76.
residential property means—
(a)  land on which there is a building that is lawfully occupied as a place of residence or suitable for occupation as a place of residence, or
(b)  a company title dwelling.
shared equity concession has the meaning given by section 78B.
s 80A: Ins 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [13]. Am 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [18]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [12]; 2007 No 24, Sch 1 [15]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.1 [5] [7]; 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [10] [11]; 2016 No 14, Sch 1 [1]; 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [12].
ch 2, pt 8, div 1, sdiv 1A, hdg: Ins 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [14]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [12].
ch 2, pt 8, div 1, sdiv 1A: Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [12].
Division 1A New Home Grant Scheme
ch 2, pt 8, div 1A: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
81   Object of scheme
The scheme established by this Division is intended to provide assistance in the purchase or construction of a new home, if assistance is not available under the First Home—New Home scheme in Division 1 or the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) Act 2000.
s 81: Am 1998 No 81, Sch 1 [8]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [12]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3. Am 2017 No 22, Sch 2.7 [1].
82   Grant payable under scheme
(1)  A grant is payable, as provided for by this Division, in relation to an eligible agreement or transfer that is approved under the scheme.
(2)  The amount of the new home grant is $5,000.
s 82: Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [12]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
83   Types of agreements or transfers that are eligible
(1)  The following types of agreement or transfer are eligible under the scheme—
(a)  a new home purchase,
(b)  an off the plan purchase,
(c)  a vacant land purchase.
(2)  A new home purchase is an agreement for the sale or transfer, or a transfer, of land in New South Wales that is the site of a new home that is complete and ready for occupation.
(3)  An off the plan purchase is an agreement for the sale or transfer of land in New South Wales that is intended to be used as the site of a new home, which is to be built before completion of the agreement.
(4)  A vacant land purchase is an agreement for the sale or transfer, or a transfer, of vacant land in New South Wales that is intended to be used as the site of a new home and which is not an off the plan purchase.
(5)  The agreement or transfer must be for the whole of the land or, if the land is a parcel of land on which 2 or more homes are built, or are being built, for that part of the land that is an exclusive occupancy.
(6)  Land is an exclusive occupancy only if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the person acquiring the land will be entitled to occupy a home that is built, or being built, on the land as a place of residence to the exclusion of other persons who occupy or are to occupy the other home or homes built or being built on the parcel of land.
(7)  In relation to a new home purchase or an off the plan purchase only, a reference in this Division to a new home includes a reference to a substantially renovated home.
(8)  A substantially renovated home is a renovated home—
(a)  that is new residential premises within the meaning of section 40–75 (1) (b) of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 of the Commonwealth, and
(b)  that, as renovated, has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence.
s 83: Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [12]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
84   Relevant dates for eligibility
(1)  An agreement for the sale or transfer of land is eligible for consideration under the scheme only if it is entered into on or after 1 July 2012 and before 1 July 2017.
(2)  An agreement for the sale or transfer of dutiable property is not eligible if—
(a)  it replaces an agreement made before 1 July 2012, and
(b)  the replaced agreement was an agreement for the sale or transfer of substantially the same dutiable property.
(3)  A transfer of land is eligible for consideration under the scheme only if it occurs on or after 1 July 2012 and before 1 July 2017.
(4)  A transfer of land occurring on or after 1 July 2012 is not eligible if it is made pursuant to an agreement for sale or transfer entered into before 1 July 2012.
s 84: Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [12]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3. Am 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [13] [14].
85   Restrictions on eligibility
(1)  An agreement or transfer is not eligible if—
(a)  the agreement or transfer is eligible for a duty exemption or concession under Division 1, or
(b)  the purchaser or transferee, or any one of them, is eligible for, or is at any time paid, a grant under the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) Act 2000 in respect of the purchase of, or the construction of, a home on the land, or
(c)  the payment of a new home grant has previously been approved in respect of an agreement for the sale or transfer of, or a transfer of, the land (unless that approval is revoked by the Chief Commissioner).
(2)  An agreement or transfer is not eligible if the new home, or the land on which the new home is located or to be built, is intended to be used, or made available for use, for any purpose that is not ancillary to the use and occupation of the land for residential purposes (such as a commercial, industrial or professional purpose).
(3)  However, an agreement for the purchase, or a transfer, of a farming property on which there is a new home or on which a new home is to be constructed is not excluded.
(4)  For a vacant land purchase, the agreement or transfer is not eligible unless the laying of the foundations for the home commences—
(a)  within 26 weeks after the agreement for sale or transfer is completed or, in the case of a transfer executed otherwise than in conformity with an agreement for sale or transfer, the transfer occurs, or
(b)  within any longer period allowed by the Chief Commissioner.
s 85: Am 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [12]. Rep 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [15]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3. Am 2017 No 22, Sch 2.7 [1].
85A   Maximum of one eligible transaction per financial year
(1)  A transaction (a new transaction) is not eligible if—
(a)  a payment of a grant under this Division has been made to the transferee, or any one of them, in respect of another transaction, and
(b)  that other transaction occurred in the same financial year as the new transaction.
(2)  For the purposes of this section, the date on which a transaction occurs is—
(a)  in the case of an agreement for sale or transfer or a transfer executed in conformity with an agreement for sale or transfer—the date on which the agreement for sale or transfer is entered into, or
(b)  in the case of a transfer executed otherwise than in conformity with an agreement for sale or transfer, the date on which the transfer occurs.
(3)  In this section—
financial year means a year ending on 30 June.
transaction means an agreement for sale or transfer or a transfer.
s 85A: Ins 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [7].
85B   Grant not available to foreign nationals
(1)  An agreement or transfer is eligible only if the transferee or, if there is more than one transferee, each of the transferees is a declared Australian national.
(2)  A transferee is a declared Australian national if the applicant has provided to the Chief Commissioner, in an approved form—
(a)  such information as the Chief Commissioner requires to identify the transferee, and
(b)  a declaration to the effect that the transferee is an Australian citizen, Australian resident or Australian-owned body.
(3)  For the purposes of this section—
(a)  Australian citizen has the same meaning as in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 of the Commonwealth, and
(b)  Australian resident means—
(i)  the holder of a permanent visa within the meaning of section 30 of the Migration Act 1958 of the Commonwealth, or
(ii)  a New Zealand citizen who holds a special category visa within the meaning of section 32 of the Migration Act 1958 of the Commonwealth, and
(c)  Australian-owned body means a corporation or body corporate that is at least 50% owned or controlled by persons who are Australian citizens or Australian residents.
(4)  However, if a transferee is acquiring the land in a trustee capacity, the transferee is an Australian citizen, Australian resident or Australian-owned body only if at least 50% of the beneficial interest in the land is held by Australian citizens, Australian residents or Australian-owned bodies.
(5)  The Chief Commissioner may reject or revoke approval of an application if satisfied the applicant has made a false declaration under this section.
s 85B: Ins 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [7].
ch 2, pt 8, div 1, sdiv 2: Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [12].
86   Agreement or transfer must be completed
(1)  An agreement or transfer is eligible only if it is completed.
(2)  For the purposes of this Division, an agreement or transfer is completed when a purchaser or transferee becomes entitled to possession of the home or land and, if the interest in the land acquired by the purchaser or transferee is registrable under a law of the State, the interest is so registered.
s 86: Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [12]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
87   Cap on dutiable value of transaction
An agreement or transfer is not eligible if the dutiable value of the dutiable property that is the subject of the agreement or transfer exceeds—
(a)  $650,000 in the case of a new home purchase or an off the plan purchase, or
(b)  $450,000 in the case of a vacant land purchase.
s 87: Am 1999 No 60, Sch 2 [6]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [12]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
87A   Making of applications
(1)  An application for the new home grant is to be made to the Chief Commissioner in an approved form.
(2), (3)    (Repealed)
(4)  The Chief Commissioner may at any time (whether before or after the approval of an application) require the applicant or applicants to provide such further information as the Chief Commissioner may consider necessary for the proper administration of the scheme.
s 87A: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3. Am 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [8].
87B   Application may be approved in advance
The Chief Commissioner may approve an application in relation to any agreement or transfer in anticipation of compliance with any of the requirements of this Division.
s 87B: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [1]. Am 2010 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
87C   Method by which new home grant is to be paid
(1)  If the Chief Commissioner approves an application for the new home grant, the Chief Commissioner is to apply the amount of the new home grant as a credit against liability for duty on the agreement or transfer.
(2)  A refund of any tax overpaid is to be provided in accordance with section 18 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(3)  A new home grant is paid when it is applied as provided for by this section.
s 87C: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [1]. Am 2010 No 46, Sch 1.1 [2]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
87D   Recovery of grant amount wrongly paid
(1)  The Chief Commissioner may revoke his or her approval of an application under the scheme if the Chief Commissioner subsequently forms the opinion that the agreement or transfer is not eligible under the scheme.
(2)  If the Chief Commissioner revokes his or her approval of an application under the scheme, and the new home grant has already been paid, the amount of the new home grant is to be deducted from the amount paid as duty in respect of the agreement or transfer.
(3)  If approval of an application is revoked, and the agreement or transfer was chargeable with duty of less than $5,000, or not chargeable with duty, a person to whom the new home grant was paid under the approval is liable to repay the amount of the grant, as duty, to the Chief Commissioner.
(4)  Liability for any duty payable as a result of the revocation of the Chief Commissioner’s approval arises when notice of the revocation is served on the taxpayer.
ss 87D–87G: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
87E   Charge on land for duty liability of applicant
(1)  Any duty liability that an applicant has under the scheme in respect of an agreement or transfer is a charge on the applicant’s interest in the land that is the subject of the agreement or transfer.
(2)  An applicant has a duty liability under the scheme in respect of an agreement or transfer if the applicant is required to pay an amount of duty to the Chief Commissioner because the Chief Commissioner has revoked his or her approval of an application for the new home grant in respect of the agreement or transfer.
(3)  The charge created by this section gives the Chief Commissioner an interest in the land and, accordingly, the Chief Commissioner may lodge a caveat in respect of the land under the Real Property Act 1900 to protect that interest.
(4)  The caveat must be withdrawn when the amount of the duty liability has been paid.
(5)  The amount of the duty liability is the amount of duty that the applicant is required to pay to the Chief Commissioner in respect of the relevant agreement or transfer, together with any interest or penalty tax payable.
(6)  In this section—
applicant includes a former applicant.
ss 87D–87G: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
87F   Standing appropriation
The Consolidated Fund is appropriated to the extent necessary for the payment of amounts under this Division.
ss 87D–87G: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
87G   Definitions
In this Division—
home means a building (affixed to land) that—
(a)  may lawfully be used as a place of residence, and
(b)  is, in the Chief Commissioner’s opinion, a suitable building for use as a place of residence.
new home means a home that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence.
new home grant means the grant payable under this Division.
new home purchase—see section 83.
off the plan purchase—see section 83.
vacant land purchase—see section 83.
ss 87D–87G: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13]. Ins 2012 No 46, Sch 1.3.
87H–87J   (Repealed)
ss 87H–87J: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13].
Divisions 1B, 2
87K–92  (Repealed)
ch 2, pt 8, div 1B, hdg: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2011 No 6, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
ch 2, pt 8, div 1B: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
ss 87K–87M: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87N: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2010 No 49, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87O: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Rep 2010 No 49, Sch 1 [2].
s 87P: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87Q: Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87R: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2010 No 49, Sch 1 [3]–[5]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87S: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2011 No 6, Sch 1 [2] [3]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87T: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87U: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87V: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
ss 87W–87Z: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87ZAA: Ins 2010 No 49, Sch 1 [6]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
s 87ZA: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2010 No 49, Sch 1 [7]; 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2017 No 33, Sch 1.1 [15].
ch 2, pt 8, div 2: Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13].
ss 88–91: Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13].
s 92: Subst 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [16]. Am 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [7]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [13].
Division 3 Exemption from or reduction in duty for certain transfers
93   The nature of the scheme
The scheme is intended to provide an exemption from or reduction in duty in respect of—
(a)  the transfer of a principal place of residence from a corporation or special trust to certain persons, or
(b)  the transfer of any land owned as at 31 December 1986 by a special trust from the trust to certain persons.
s 93: Am 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [8].
94   Definitions
In this Division—
corporation has the same meaning as in the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
land includes any estate or interest in land.
land tax has the same meaning as in the Land Tax Management Act 1956.
principal shareholder in a corporation means—
(a)  any person (other than a corporation) whose voting entitlement (whether or not through the holding of shares) in the corporation is 50% or more, or
(b)  any person (other than a corporation) who has a voting entitlement (whether or not through the holding of shares) in the corporation where all the persons who have a voting entitlement in the corporation have an equal voting entitlement.
shareholder includes member.
special trust has the same meaning as in the Land Tax Management Act 1956.
voting entitlement has the meaning given by section 95.
s 94: Am 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [7].
95   Meaning of “voting entitlement”
(1)  A person’s voting entitlement in a corporation is that proportion of the total voting rights of all shareholders entitled to vote at general meetings of the corporation which the person is entitled to exercise, as a shareholder, at general meetings of the corporation.
(2)  A person is to be considered to have a voting entitlement in a corporation (corporation A) if the person has a voting entitlement in another corporation (corporation B) which itself has a voting entitlement in corporation A.
(3)  In a case to which subsection (2) applies, the person’s voting entitlement in corporation A is the proportion which results from multiplying the person’s voting entitlement in corporation B by corporation B’s voting entitlement in corporation A.
(4)  If a person has a voting entitlement in the same corporation under different provisions of this section, or under different applications of the same provision of this section, the person’s voting entitlement in the corporation is the aggregate of those entitlements.
(5)  In determining a person’s voting entitlement for the purposes of this section, proxies and other authorities to vote held by a shareholder are to be disregarded.
96   Transfer by corporation of principal place of residence to principal shareholder or spouse
(1)  A transfer of land by a corporation is eligible for exemption under this Division if—
(a)  the corporation owned the land on 11 September 1990, and
(b)  the transferee or each of the transferees is a principal shareholder in the corporation or the spouse of such a principal shareholder (whether or not the principal shareholder is one of the transferees), and
(c)  had the transferee or each of the transferees been an owner of the land within the meaning of the Land Tax Management Act 1956 on 31 December that last preceded the date of the transfer, the land would, by the operation of section 10 (1) (r) of the Land Tax Management Act 1956, be exempt from land tax in respect of the year in which the transfer took effect.
(2)  If land is transferred by a corporation to two or more persons jointly, each of those persons is, for the purposes of this section (but without affecting any entitlement to be considered to be a principal shareholder apart from this subsection), to be considered to be a principal shareholder in the corporation if—
(a)  each of the persons has a voting entitlement in the corporation, and
(b)  the aggregate of the voting entitlements in the corporation of each of those persons would be sufficient to qualify any one person as a principal shareholder in the corporation.
s 96: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [14]; 1998 No 79, Sch 2.1 [1]; 2004 No 33, Sch 3.1 [2].
97   Transfer of principal place of residence by special trust to beneficiary etc
A transfer of land subject to a special trust is eligible for exemption under this Division if—
(a)  the land was subject to the special trust on 11 September 1990, and
(b)  the transferee or each of the transferees was—
(i)  the settler of the land or the person who actually paid the purchase money for the land when the land was acquired by the trustee under the trust, or
(ii)  a beneficiary of the special trust immediately before the transfer took effect and a beneficiary of the trust when the land was acquired by the trustee under the trust, or
(iii)  the spouse of a person referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii), and
(c)  the transferee or each of the transferees will hold the land beneficially, and
(d)  had the transferee or each of the transferees been an owner of the land within the meaning of the Land Tax Management Act 1956 on 31 December that last preceded the date of the transfer, the land transferred would, by the operation of section 10 (1) (r) of the Land Tax Management Act 1956, be exempt from land tax in respect of the year in which the transfer took effect.
s 97: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [15]; 1998 No 79, Sch 2.1 [2]; 2004 No 33, Sch 3.1 [2].
98   Transfer of principal place of residence by corporation to beneficiary of special trust
A transfer of land by a corporation (not acting in the capacity of a trustee) is eligible for exemption under this Division if—
(a)  the corporation owned the land on 11 September 1990, and
(b)  the transferee or each of the transferees is a person, or the spouse of a person, who is a beneficiary under a special trust and was a beneficiary under the trust when the land was acquired by the corporation, and
(c)  the trustee under the special trust is a principal shareholder in the corporation (or would, if the trustee were not a corporation, be a principal shareholder in the corporation) at the time of the transfer, and
(d)  had the transferee or each of the transferees been the owner within the meaning of the Land Tax Management Act 1956 on 31 December that last preceded the date of the transfer, the land transferred would, by the operation of section 10 (1) (r) of the Land Tax Management Act 1956, be exempt from land tax in respect of the year in which the transfer took effect.
s 98: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [16]; 1998 No 79, Sch 2.1 [3]; 2004 No 33, Sch 3.1 [2].
99   Transfer by special trust to corporation
(1)  A transfer of land to a corporation by a person in the person’s capacity as trustee of a special trust is eligible for exemption under this Division if—
(a)  the land was subject to the special trust on, and at all times between, 31 December 1986 and 11 September 1990, and
(b)  Division 122 of Part 3-3 of the Commonwealth Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 applies to the disposal of land effected by the transfer, and
(c)  pursuant to that section, Part IIIA (Capital Gains and Capital Losses) of that Act (except that section) does not apply to that disposal.
(2)  Chapter 3 (Certain transactions treated as transfers) and Chapter 4 (Acquisition of interests in landholders) do not apply to the issue or allotment of shares in a corporation pursuant to a transfer for which an exemption from the payment of duty is granted under this Division.
s 99: Am 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [11]; 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [1]; 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [17]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [1].
100   Transfer of land not used and occupied solely as a principal place of residence
If—
(a)  a transfer of land would be eligible for exemption under section 96, 97 or 98 but for the fact that the land is not land to which section 96 (1) (c), 97 (d) or 98 (d) applies because it was not used and occupied solely as a principal place of residence at the relevant time, and
(b)  the land value of the land was entitled to be reduced under section 9C or 9D of the Land Tax Management Act 1956 at the relevant time,
the amount on which the transfer is to be charged with ad valorem duty is to be reduced in the same proportion as the land value was entitled to be reduced under section 9C or 9D of the Land Tax Management Act 1956.
s 100: Am 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [13].
101   Making of applications
(1)  An application under this Division is to be made to the Chief Commissioner in an approved form.
(2)  If the land to which the transfer relates is or includes land under the Real Property Act 1900, the application must be accompanied by an undertaking from the transferee in an approved form that—
(a)  the duty that would be payable on the transfer but for the granting of an exemption under this Division will be paid if the transferee does not become the registered proprietor of the land within 3 months (or such longer period as the Chief Commissioner may at any time determine and notify in writing to the transferee) after the transfer is stamped as exempt from the payment of duty, and
(b)  the transferee will, within 1 month after becoming the registered proprietor of the land (or such longer period as the Chief Commissioner may at any time determine and notify in writing to the transferee), provide evidence of that fact to the satisfaction of the Chief Commissioner.
s 101: Am 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [5]; 2004 No 55, Sch 2.9 [1].
102   Determination of applications
(1)    (Repealed)
(2)  An application is not to be granted unless the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that all land tax payable in respect of the land (including any additional land tax payable by way of penalty or otherwise) has been paid.
(3)  If the application is granted, the Chief Commissioner is to stamp the transfer as exempt from the payment of duty.
s 102: Am 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [9].
103   Reassessment of duty if undertaking not met
If a requirement of an undertaking from a transferee is not met, the Chief Commissioner may reassess the duty payable on the transfer as if this Division does not apply.
104   Application of scheme to land use entitlements
This Division applies to the transfer of a land use entitlement in the same way as it applies to a transfer of land, with such modifications as may be necessary.
s 104: Subst 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [7].
Division 4 Transfers between married couples and de facto partners
ch 2, pt 8, div 4: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [15].
104A   Meaning of “residential land”
(1)  In this Division, residential land means—
(a)  a parcel of land on which there is—
(i)  one single dwelling or one flat, or
(ii)  one single dwelling, or one flat, and a shop, or
(iii)  a building under construction that, when completed, will constitute one single dwelling or one flat (or one single dwelling, or one flat, and a shop), or
(b)  a strata lot, if it is lawfully occupied as a separate dwelling, or suitable for lawful occupation as a separate dwelling, or
(c)  a land use entitlement, if it entitles the holder of the land use entitlement to occupy a building, or part of a building, as a separate dwelling, or
(d)  a parcel of vacant land that is zoned or otherwise designated for use under an environmental planning instrument (within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) for residential or principally residential purposes.
(2)  Land does not cease to be regarded as land on which there is one single dwelling, or one flat, merely because the land is also used or is capable of being used for the purpose of one other residential occupancy, if that residential occupancy is an excluded residential occupancy.
(3)  In this section—
excluded residential occupancy means—
(a)  one room or one flat, or
(b)  one room and one flat, or
(c)  one suite of rooms (not being a flat), each room of which all occupants of the suite are entitled to occupy, or
(d)  one suite of rooms (not being a flat), each room of which all occupants of the suite are entitled to occupy, and one room, or
(e)  2 rooms, each of which is separately occupied.
flat means a room or suite of rooms (whether or not forming part of a building or a detached building)—
(a)  occupied or used as a separate dwelling, or
(b)  so constructed, designed or adapted as to be capable of being occupied or used as a separate dwelling,
but does not include a single dwelling, a strata lot or a dwelling, or portion of a building, that is occupied under a land use entitlement.
single dwelling means a house—
(a)  occupied or used as a separate dwelling, or
(b)  so constructed, designed or adapted as to be capable of being occupied or used as a separate dwelling,
but does not include a strata lot or a property commonly known as a shop and dwelling.
s 104A: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [15]. Am 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [9].
104B   Exemption—transfer of residential land
(1)  No duty is chargeable under this Chapter on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of residential land if—
(a)  as a result of the transfer or agreement, the property is or will be held by a married couple or de facto partners as joint tenants or as tenants in common in equal shares, and
(b)  the residential land—
(i)  is land on which there is a dwelling that, when the transfer of dutiable property occurs, is used as the principal place of residence of the married couple or de facto partners, or
(ii)  is a parcel of vacant land, or land on which there is a building under construction, and the married couple or de facto partners intend to use the residential land as the site of a dwelling to be used as their principal place of residence, and
(c)  the residential land is used solely for residential purposes and not for any other purpose (such as a commercial, industrial or professional purpose), and
(d)  both the transferor and the transferee are the married couple or one of them or the de facto partners or one of them and no other person is a party to the transfer, and
(e)  in the case of de facto partners, the parties to the relationship have lived in the relationship for at least 2 years before the date of the transfer.
(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1) (c), the use of not more than one room on the land for a non-residential purpose is to be disregarded, if the use relates to a business or undertaking that is primarily conducted elsewhere.
(3)  Land may be the subject of an exemption under this section even if it is partly held by another person who is not a part of the married couple or one of the de facto partners.
s 104B: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [15].
104C   Concession—transfer of land used as principal place of residence and for other purposes
(1)  If a transfer or agreement for transfer of residential land would be exempt from duty under section 104B, but for the fact that the land has been used or is intended to be used for a purpose other than a residential purpose, the duty chargeable on the transfer or agreement is to be calculated after reducing the dutiable value of the land by the residential apportionment factor.
(2)  The residential apportionment factor is calculated by subtracting the non-residential apportionment factor from 1.
(3)  The non-residential apportionment factor is—
(a)  if the land is mixed development land or mixed use land and there is an apportionment factor entered in the Register of Land Values in respect of the land value of the land under Division 5 or 5A of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916—that apportionment factor, or
(b)  if paragraph (a) is not applicable—such other apportionment factor as the Chief Commissioner considers fair and reasonable to reflect the use of the land for non-residential purposes, subject to subsections (4) and (5).
(4)  If there is no apportionment factor entered in the Register of Land Values in respect of the land value of the land, and the land is mixed development land or mixed use land, the Chief Commissioner may request the Valuer-General to determine the apportionment factor in respect of the land concerned.
(5)  If a request is made under subsection (4)—
(a)  the Valuer-General must determine the apportionment factor concerned and enter it in the Register of Land Values under the Valuation of Land Act 1916, and
(b)  that apportionment factor is to be applied as the non-residential apportionment factor in respect of the residential land.
Note—
Divisions 5 and 5A of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916 allow objections to be made against the amount of the apportionment factor.
(6)  Duty on the transfer or agreement is to be charged at the general rate provided for by section 32. Sections 32A–32C do not apply.
(7)  In this section—
mixed development land has the same meaning as in Division 5 of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916.
mixed use land has the same meaning as in Division 5A of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916.
s 104C: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [15].
Division 5 Concession for persons who have transferred property affected by loose-fill asbestos insulation to State
ch 2, pt 8, div 5 (ss 104D–104F): Ins 2015 No 47, Sch 2 [1].
104D   Definitions
(1)  In this Division—
authority of the State has the same meaning as in the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.
owner, in relation to residential property, means—
(a)  a registered proprietor of the property, or
(b)  in the case of a land use entitlement—a person having ownership of shares or units through which the entitlement is conferred.
residential property means—
(a)  a parcel of land (including a strata lot) on which a dwelling is erected, or on which there is a building under construction that, when completed, will constitute a dwelling, or
(b)  a land use entitlement—if it entitles the holder of the land use entitlement to occupy a building, or part of a building, as a separate dwelling.
vacant residential land means a parcel of vacant land that is zoned or otherwise designated for use under an environmental planning instrument (within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) for residential or principally for residential purposes.
(2)  For the purposes of this Division, residential property is LFAI-affected if the dwelling erected on the land comprised in the residential property (or to which the residential property relates) contains, or is part of a building containing, loose-fill asbestos insulation (within the meaning of Division 1A of Part 8 of the Home Building Act 1989).
ch 2, pt 8, div 5 (ss 104D–104F): Ins 2015 No 47, Sch 2 [1].
104E   Concession
(1)  The purchaser or transferee under an agreement for the sale or transfer, or the transfer, of residential property or vacant residential land is entitled to be granted a duty concession under this Division in respect of the agreement or transfer if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the purchaser or transferee (or at least one of the purchasers or transferees if there is more than one purchaser or transferee) is the owner of residential property that will be acquired by an authority of the State (or was the owner from whom the authority of the State acquired the property), and
(b)  the authority of the State has entered into a binding agreement to acquire (or has acquired) that residential property because it is or was LFAI-affected.
(2)  Despite subsection (1) (a), the Chief Commissioner may grant a duty concession under this Division to a purchaser or transferee who is not or was not (at any time or at the applicable time) the owner (or the only owner) of the LFAI-affected property concerned if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that it would be fair and reasonable for the duty concession to be granted to the purchaser or transferee.
(3)  Without limiting subsection (2), the Chief Commissioner may be satisfied that it would be fair and reasonable for a duty concession to be granted to a purchaser or transferee who is or was an owner, but not the only owner, of the LFAI-affected property concerned if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that each other owner has consented to the making of the application for the duty concession.
(4)  If a duty concession is granted under this Division in respect of an agreement or transfer, any ad valorem duty chargeable under this Chapter on the agreement or transfer is to be reduced by the amount of ad valorem duty that (but for section 308) would be (or would have been) chargeable to the authority of the State on—
(a)  the transfer to the authority of the State of the LFAI-affected property concerned, or
(b)  any other dutiable transaction effected to acquire the LFAI-affected property.
(5)  Duty cannot be reduced under this Division to less than $0.
(6)  Only one duty concession may be granted under this Division for each acquisition of LFAI-affected property by an authority of the State.
ch 2, pt 8, div 5 (ss 104D–104F): Ins 2015 No 47, Sch 2 [1].
104F   Application
(1)  An application for a duty concession under this Division is to be made to the Chief Commissioner in the approved form and contain, or be accompanied by, such particulars and other information as the Chief Commissioner may require.
(2)  The Chief Commissioner may at any time (whether before or after the approval of an application) require the applicant or applicants to provide such further information as the Chief Commissioner may consider necessary for the proper administration of the concession scheme established by this Division.
ch 2, pt 8, div 5 (ss 104D–104F): Ins 2015 No 47, Sch 2 [1].
Chapter 2A Duty charged on certain residential land transactions involving foreign persons
ch 2A: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
Part 1 Preliminary
ch 2A, pt 1: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104G   Introduction and overview
(1)  This Chapter charges duty on certain dutiable transactions in respect of residential land that are, or are taken to be, transfers to foreign persons.
(2)  The duty charged by this Chapter is additional to any duty charged by Chapter 2.
(3)  The duty charged by this Chapter is referred to as surcharge purchaser duty.
s 104G: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104H   Application of Chapter 2
Except as provided by this Chapter or Chapter 2, Chapter 2 does not apply in relation to duty charged by this Chapter.
Note—
See, for example, sections 15, 16 and 16A.
s 104H: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104I   Definitions
(1)  In this Chapter—
dwelling means a house, or a room or a suite of rooms (whether or not forming part of a building or a detached building), that is—
(a)  occupied or used as a separate dwelling, or
(b)  so constructed, designed or adapted as to be capable of being occupied or used as a separate dwelling.
partnership interest—see section 104K.
residential land means any of the following and does not include any land used for primary production—
(a)  a parcel of land on which there are one or more dwellings, or a parcel of land on which there is a building or buildings under construction that, when completed, will constitute one or more dwellings,
(b)  a strata lot, if it is lawfully occupied as a separate dwelling, or suitable for lawful occupation as a separate dwelling,
(c)  a utility lot (within the meaning of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015), if its use is restricted to the owner or occupier of a strata lot referred to in paragraph (b),
(d)  a land use entitlement, if it entitles the holder of the land use entitlement to occupy a building, or part of a building, as a separate dwelling,
(e)  a parcel of vacant land (including any land that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied is substantially vacant) that is zoned or otherwise designated for use under an environmental planning instrument (within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) for residential purposes or principally for residential purposes.
Note—
Land used for primary production is defined in the Dictionary.
residential-related property—see section 104K.
retirement visa holder means a person who holds—
(a)  a visa of a subclass specified by regulations (as in force at any time) made under the Migration Act 1958 of the Commonwealth as a Subclass 405 (Investor Retirement) visa or a Subclass 410 (Retirement) visa, or
(b)  a visa under that Act of a class (or a subclass) determined by the Chief Commissioner to be equivalent to a subclass referred to in paragraph (a).
(2)  A reference in this Chapter to a dwelling does not include a reference to a room or a suite of rooms determined by the Chief Commissioner not to be a dwelling for the purposes of this Chapter.
s 104I: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2017 No 33, Sch 2.1 [1]; 2019 No 8, Sch 2.1 [1].
104J   Meanings of “foreign person” and “foreign trustee”
(1)  In this Chapter—
foreign person means a person who is a foreign person within the meaning of the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 of the Commonwealth, as modified by this section.
foreign trustee means a person who is a foreign person because of the person’s capacity as the trustee of a trust.
(2)  The definition of foreign person in the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 of the Commonwealth is modified as follows—
(a)  an Australian citizen is taken to be ordinarily resident in Australia, whether or not the person is ordinarily resident in Australia under that definition,
(b)  a New Zealand citizen who holds a special category visa, within the meaning of section 32 of the Migration Act 1958 of the Commonwealth, at any particular time is taken at that time to be an individual whose continued presence in Australia is not subject to any limitation as to time imposed by law.
Note—
Section 5 of the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 of the Commonwealth provides that an individual who is not an Australian citizen is ordinarily resident in Australia at a particular time (and is therefore not a foreign person) if and only if—
(a)  the individual has actually been in Australia during 200 or more days in the period of 12 months immediately preceding that time, and
(b)  at that time—
(i)  the individual is in Australia and the individual’s continued presence in Australia is not subject to any limitation as to time imposed by law, or
(ii)  the individual is not in Australia but, immediately before the individual’s most recent departure from Australia, the individual’s continued presence in Australia was not subject to any limitation as to time imposed by law.
(3)  For the purposes of charging surcharge purchaser duty on a surcharge duty transaction, a person is taken to be a foreign person if the person is a foreign person when a liability for duty charged by Chapter 2 on the transaction arises (or would arise but for section 53A or a concession or exemption from duty under that Chapter).
Note—
See section 12.
s 104J: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104JA   Special provisions for discretionary trusts
(1)  The trustee of a discretionary trust is taken to be a foreign trustee for the purposes of this Chapter unless the trust prevents a foreign person from being a beneficiary of the trust.
(2)  If a discretionary trust prevents a foreign person from being a beneficiary of the trust, the trustee of the trust is not in that capacity a foreign trustee for the purposes of this Chapter.
(3)  A discretionary trust is considered to prevent a foreign person from being a beneficiary of the trust if (and only if) both of the following requirements are satisfied—
(a)  no potential beneficiary of the trust is a foreign person (the no foreign beneficiary requirement),
(b)  the terms of the trust are not capable of amendment in a manner that would result in there being a potential beneficiary of the trust who is a foreign person (the no amendment requirement).
Note—
Under the transitional arrangements for this section in Schedule 1, the no amendment requirement does not apply to a trust that satisfies the no foreign beneficiary requirement immediately before the commencement of this section.
(4)  A person is a potential beneficiary of a discretionary trust if the exercise or failure to exercise a discretion under the terms of the trust can result in any property of the trust being distributed to or applied for the benefit of the person.
Note—
A potential beneficiary is not limited to persons named in the trust instrument and extends to the members of any class of persons to whom or for whose benefit trust property can be distributed or applied pursuant to the discretions of the trust.
(5)  For the removal of doubt, a person is not a potential beneficiary of a discretionary trust if the terms of the trust prevent any property of the trust from being distributed to or applied for the benefit of the person.
(6)  In this section, property includes money, and a reference to the distribution or application of property includes a reference to the payment of money.
s 104JA: Ins 2020 No 14, Sch 1[1].
104K   Meaning of “residential-related property”
(cf section 11)
Residential-related property is any of the following dutiable property—
(a)  residential land in New South Wales,
(b)  an option to purchase residential land in New South Wales,
(c)  an interest in any residential-related property referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), except to the extent that—
(i)  it arises as a consequence of the ownership of a unit in a unit trust scheme and is not a land use entitlement, or
(ii)  it is, or is attributable to, an option over residential-related property, or
(iii)  it is a marketable security,
(d)  a partnership interest (being an interest in a partnership that has partnership property that is residential-related property elsewhere referred to in this section).
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104L   Transactions on which surcharge purchaser duty is charged
(cf section 8)
(1)  Surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable on the following dutiable transactions—
(a)  a transfer of residential-related property to a foreign person,
(b)  the following transactions—
(i)  an agreement for the sale or transfer of residential-related property to a foreign person,
(ii)  a declaration of trust over residential-related property by a person who, because of the declaration, is a foreign trustee in respect of the trust,
(iii)  a surrender of an interest in residential land in New South Wales to a foreign person,
(iv)  a foreclosure of a mortgage over residential-related property by a mortgagee who is a foreign person,
(v)  a vesting of residential-related property in a foreign person by or as a consequence of an order of a court of this or another jurisdiction, whether inside or outside Australia,
(vi)  the enlargement of a term in residential land into a fee simple under section 134 of the Conveyancing Act 1919 where the person who acquires the estate in fee simple (or, if there is more than one such person, at least one of those persons) is a foreign person,
(vii)  a vesting of residential land in New South Wales in a foreign person by, or expressly authorised by, statute law of this or another jurisdiction, whether inside or outside Australia,
(viii)  a lease of residential land to a foreign person, being a lease in respect of which a premium is paid or agreed to be paid.
(2)  Such a transfer or transaction is a surcharge duty transaction for the purposes of this Act.
Note—
The above listed transfers and transactions are all also dutiable transactions under Chapter 2. Generally speaking, a transferee (including a person taken to be a transferee under sections 9 and 104N) who is a foreign person is liable to pay duty on those transactions under Chapter 2 and under this Chapter.
(3)  A reference in subsection (1) (b) (ii) to a person who, because of a declaration of trust, is a foreign trustee in respect of the trust includes a reference to a person who would be a foreign trustee in respect of the trust if any identified property to be vested in the person were actually vested in the person when the declaration is made.
(4)  In this Chapter—
declaration of trust and premium have the same meanings as in Chapter 2.
Note—
See section 8 for definitions of the above expressions.
lease or lease of residential land means a lease of residential land in New South Wales or an agreement for a lease of residential land in New South Wales.
transfer includes an assignment and an exchange.
Note—
See also sections 104N and 104O in relation to transactions treated as transfers.
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104M   Vesting of land in New South Wales by statute law
(1)  Section 8A is to be applied, for the purposes of this Chapter, in determining whether or not residential land is vested in New South Wales under statute law and in identifying a person in whom residential land is so vested.
(2)  For those purposes, a reference in section 8A to section 8 (1) (b) (vii) is taken to include a reference to section 104L (1) (b) (vii).
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104N   Imposition of surcharge purchaser duty on transactions that are not transfers
(cf section 9)
(1)  The duty charged by this Chapter on a surcharge duty transaction referred to in section 104L (1) (b) is to be charged as if each such surcharge duty transaction were a transfer of residential-related property.
(2)  Accordingly, for the purpose of charging duty under this Chapter, in relation to a surcharge duty transaction specified in Column 1 of the following Table—
(a)  the property specified opposite the surcharge duty transaction in Column 2 is taken to be the property transferred (and a reference in this Act to property transferred includes a reference to such property), and
(b)  the person specified opposite the surcharge duty transaction in Column 3 is taken to be the transferee of the residential-related property (and a reference in this Act to a transferee includes a reference to such a person), and
(c)  the transfer of the residential-related property is taken to have occurred at the time specified opposite the surcharge duty transaction in Column 4 (and a reference in this Act to the time at which a transfer occurs includes a reference to such a time).
Table
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Column 4
Surcharge duty transaction
Property transferred
Transferee
When transfer occurs
agreement for sale or transfer
the property agreed to be sold or transferred
any foreign person who is a purchaser or transferee
when the agreement is entered into
declaration of trust
the property vested or to be vested in the declarant
any person declaring the trust who, because of the declaration, is a foreign trustee in respect of the trust
when the declaration is made
surrender
the surrendered property
any foreign person to whom the property is surrendered
when the surrender takes place
foreclosure
the mortgaged property
any foreign person who is a mortgagee
when the foreclosure order is made
vesting by court order
the vested property
any foreign person in whom the property is vested
when the order is made
enlargement of a term in land into a fee simple
the estate in fee simple
any foreign person who acquires the estate in fee simple
when the term is enlarged
vesting by statute law
the vested land in New South Wales
any foreign person in whom the land is vested
when the vesting by statute law occurs
lease
the leased property
any foreign person who is the lessee
when the lease is entered into
Note—
See also section 104O and Part 2 of Chapter 3 for other transactions that are deemed to be transfers of residential-related property under this Chapter.
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104O   Other transactions taken to be transfers
(1)  Sections 9A–9C apply, subject to this section and to any other necessary modifications, for the purpose of charging surcharge purchaser duty under this Chapter.
(2)  For that purpose—
(a)  a change in partnership arrangements that is of a kind referred to in section 9A is taken to be a transfer of a partnership interest (within the meaning of this Chapter) if the partnership has partnership property that is residential-related property, and
(b)  a transaction of a kind referred to in section 9B in respect of an option to purchase residential land in New South Wales is taken to be a transfer of an option to purchase residential land, and
(c)  a transaction of a kind referred to in section 9C that is a novation of an agreement for the lease of residential land in New South Wales is taken to be a transfer of residential-related property as if—
(i)  the lessee’s interest in the agreement were residential-related property, and
(ii)  the novation of the agreement were a transfer of that residential-related property.
(3)  Surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable on any such transfer if any of the persons taken to be transferees by section 9A, 9B or 9C (as the case may be) are foreign persons.
(4)  To avoid doubt—
(a)  this section does not affect liability for surcharge purchaser duty on a transfer of a partnership interest that occurs otherwise than because of a change in partnership arrangements, and
(b)  a reference in this Act to a transfer of residential-related property includes a reference to a transaction taken to be a transfer by this section, and
(c)  a reference in this Act to a surcharge duty transaction includes a reference to a transaction chargeable with surcharge purchaser duty under this section, and
(d)  a reference in this Act to residential-related property includes, in relation to a transfer that is taken to occur under subsection (2) (c), a reference to a lessee’s interest in an agreement for the lease of residential land in New South Wales.
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104P   What form must a surcharge duty transaction take?
To avoid doubt, section 10 extends to dutiable transactions that are surcharge duty transactions.
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104Q   When does a liability for duty arise?
(1)  Section 12 applies in respect of surcharge purchaser duty in the same way as it applies in respect of duty charged by Chapter 2.
(2)  For that purpose, references in section 12 are to be read as follows—
(a)  a reference to duty charged by Chapter 2 is to be read as a reference to surcharge purchaser duty,
(b)  a reference to dutiable property is to be read as a reference to residential-related property,
(c)  a reference to a dutiable transaction is to be read as a reference to a surcharge duty transaction.
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104R   Who is liable to pay surcharge purchaser duty?
(cf section 13)
(1)  The person liable to pay surcharge purchaser duty is the transferee.
(2)  Only transferees who are foreign persons are liable to pay surcharge purchaser duty.
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104S   Liability for surcharge purchaser duty on certain trust-related transactions
(1)  This section applies to a surcharge duty transaction that is—
(a)  a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of residential-related property where the transferee is acquiring the residential-related property in a trustee capacity, or
(b)  a declaration of trust over residential-related property by a person who, because of the declaration, is a foreign trustee in respect of the trust.
(2)  The transferee is only liable to pay surcharge purchaser duty on any such surcharge duty transaction if the transferee is a foreign trustee in respect of the trust.
(3)  In applying the provisions of this Chapter to a surcharge duty transaction referred to in subsection (1) (a), the transferee is not to be treated as a foreign person unless the transferee is a foreign trustee.
Note—
For example, a trustee who is not a foreign trustee will not be liable for surcharge purchaser duty, even if the trustee is otherwise a foreign person.
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104T   Property purchased by apparent purchaser
(1)  This section applies to a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of residential-related property if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the transferee is an apparent purchaser and that the money for the purchase has been or will be provided by the real purchaser.
(2)  In applying the provisions of this Chapter in relation to a transfer or agreement to which this section applies—
(a)  the apparent purchaser is taken to be acquiring the residential-related property in a trustee capacity, and
(b)  if any of the real purchasers are foreign persons, the apparent purchaser is taken to be a foreign trustee in respect of the trust.
(3)  Accordingly, section 104S (3) applies in relation to the apparent purchaser.
(4)  For the purposes of this section, money provided by a person other than the real purchaser is taken to have been provided by the real purchaser if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the money was provided as a loan and has been or will be repaid by the real purchaser.
(5)  This section applies whether or not there has been a change in the legal description of the residential-related property between the purchase of the property by the apparent purchaser and the transfer to the real purchaser.
Note—
For example, if the residential-related property is land, this section continues to apply if there is a change in the legal description of the residential-related property as a consequence of the subdivision of the land.
ss 104K–104T: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104U   Charging of duty at relevant rate
(cf section 19 and Part 3 of Chapter 2)
(1)  Except as otherwise provided by this section, surcharge purchaser duty is to be charged on the dutiable value of the residential-related property subject to the surcharge duty transaction at a rate of 8% of the dutiable value of the residential-related property.
(2)  If any of the transferees are not foreign persons, surcharge purchaser duty is to be charged only on the proportion of the dutiable value of the residential-related property that is the same as the proportion of the share or shares in that property transferred to foreign persons.
(3)  If the surcharge duty transaction consists of a partition and any of the transferees are not foreign persons, surcharge purchaser duty is to be charged only on the proportion of the dutiable value of the partition that is the same as the proportion of the share or shares in the residential land transferred, or agreed to be transferred, to foreign persons.
(4)  In this section—
partition has the same meaning as in section 30.
s 104U: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2017 No 33, Sch 2.1 [2].
104V   The liability of joint tenants
(1)  Section 14 applies in respect of surcharge purchaser duty in the same way as it applies in respect of duty charged by Chapter 2.
(2)  For that purpose, a reference in section 14 to duty charged by Chapter 2 is to be read as a reference to surcharge purchaser duty.
ss 104V–104Y: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104W   When must surcharge purchaser duty be paid?
(cf section 17)
A tax default does not occur for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 if surcharge purchaser duty is paid within 3 months after the liability to pay the duty arises.
ss 104V–104Y: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104X   No double surcharge purchaser duty
(cf section 18)
(1)  If a surcharge duty transaction is effected by more than one instrument, one instrument is to be stamped with the surcharge purchaser duty payable on the surcharge duty transaction and each other instrument is not chargeable with surcharge purchaser duty.
(2)  Surcharge purchaser duty is not chargeable on a transfer of residential-related property made in conformity with an agreement for the sale or transfer of the residential-related property if—
(a)  surcharge purchaser duty has been paid on the agreement, and
(b)  no surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable under section 104Y on the transfer.
(3)  Surcharge purchaser duty is not chargeable on a transfer of residential-related property that is not made in conformity with an agreement for the sale or transfer of the residential-related property if—
(a)  surcharge purchaser duty has been paid on the agreement, and
(b)  no surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable under section 104Y on the transfer, and
(c)  the transfer would be in conformity with the agreement if the transferee was the purchaser under the agreement, and
(d)  the transfer occurs at the same time as, or proximately with, the completion or settlement of the agreement, and
(e)  at the time the agreement was entered into, and at the completion or settlement of the agreement—
(i)  the purchaser under the agreement and the transferee under the transfer are related persons, except as provided by subparagraph (ii), or
(ii)  if the purchaser purchased as a trustee, the transferee and the beneficiary are related persons.
(4)  Surcharge purchaser duty is not chargeable on a transfer to a trustee of residential-related property subject to a declaration of trust if surcharge purchaser duty has been paid on the declaration of trust in respect of the same residential-related property.
(5)  Surcharge purchaser duty is not chargeable on a transfer of residential-related property as a consequence of a foreclosure order if surcharge purchaser duty has been paid on the foreclosure.
(6)  Surcharge purchaser duty is not chargeable on a declaration of trust that declares the same trusts as those upon and subject to which the same residential-related property was transferred to the person declaring the trust if surcharge purchaser duty has been paid on the transfer.
(7)  Surcharge purchaser duty is not chargeable on a declaration of trust if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the declaration of trust supersedes another declaration of trust in respect of which surcharge purchaser duty has been paid and declares the same trusts as were declared under the superseded declaration of trust, and
(b)  the beneficiary under the declaration of trust is the same as under the superseded declaration of trust, and
(c)  the residential-related property subject to the declaration of trust—
(i)  is wholly or substantially the same as the property that was the subject of the superseded declaration of trust at the time of the declaration of the superseded declaration of trust, or
(ii)  represents the proceeds of re-investment of property that was the subject of the superseded declaration of trust at the time of the declaration of the superseded declaration of trust, or
(iii)  is property to which both subparagraphs (i) and (ii) apply.
(8)  Despite subsection (1), if a single surcharge duty transaction is effected by more than one electronic registry instrument, it is sufficient that one of those instruments is duly stamped with the duty chargeable on the surcharge duty transaction.
Note—
See section 290.
ss 104V–104Y: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104Y   Change in proportion of share transferred to foreign persons
(1)  If the share or shares in the residential-related property agreed to be sold or transferred to foreign persons are less than the share or shares actually transferred to foreign persons, surcharge purchaser duty is to be charged on the additional proportion of the share or shares transferred to foreign persons.
(2)  If the share or shares in the residential-related property agreed to be sold or transferred to foreign persons exceed the share or shares actually transferred to foreign persons under the transfer and surcharge purchaser duty was paid on the agreement—
(a)  surcharge purchaser duty is not chargeable on the transfer, and
(b)  the Chief Commissioner is to reassess the agreement, by calculating the surcharge purchaser duty chargeable in proportion to the share or shares in the residential-related property actually transferred to foreign persons, and refund any excess surcharge purchaser duty paid.
Note—
Section 104ZF provides for a full refund in cases where no surcharge purchaser duty is payable on the actual transfer because the transferees are no longer foreign persons.
ss 104V–104Y: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
Part 2 Dutiable value
ch 2A, pt 2 (ss 104Z–104ZD): Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104Z   What is the “dutiable value” of residential-related property?
(cf section 21)
(1)  Part 2 of Chapter 2 applies, subject to this Part and to any other necessary modifications, in respect of surcharge duty transactions and surcharge purchaser duty in the same way as it applies in respect of dutiable transactions and the duty chargeable under Chapter 2.
(2)  For the purposes of this Chapter, references in Part 2 of Chapter 2 are to be read as follows—
(a)  a reference to a dutiable transaction is to be read as a reference to a surcharge duty transaction,
(b)  a reference to dutiable property is to be read as a reference to residential-related property,
(c)  a reference to duty chargeable under Chapter 2 or to ad valorem duty is to be read as a reference to surcharge purchaser duty.
(3)  Sections 21 (3) and (4), 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30 (5) do not apply in respect of surcharge duty transactions.
ch 2A, pt 2 (ss 104Z–104ZD): Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZA   What is the “dutiable value” of a partnership interest?
(cf section 29)
The dutiable value of a partnership interest (DV) is to be determined in accordance with the following formula—
 

where—
A is the value of the partnership interest, or so much of the consideration for the surcharge duty transaction as relates to the partnership interest, whichever is the greater, and
X is the unencumbered value of all residential-related property of the partnership, and
Y is the unencumbered value of all assets of the partnership.
ch 2A, pt 2 (ss 104Z–104ZD): Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZB   Reduction of dutiable value of land used for non-residential purposes
(1)  If the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the residential land to which the residential-related property relates is used for purposes other than residential purposes, the duty chargeable under this Chapter is to be calculated after reducing the dutiable value of the residential-related property by the apportionment factor.
(2)  The apportionment factor is—
(a)  if the land is mixed development land or mixed use land and there is an apportionment factor entered in the Register of Land Values in respect of the land value of the land under Division 5 or 5A of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916—that apportionment factor, or
(b)  if paragraph (a) is not applicable—such other apportionment factor as the Chief Commissioner considers fair and reasonable to reflect the use of the land for non-residential purposes, subject to subsections (3) and (4).
(3)  If there is no apportionment factor entered in the Register of Land Values in respect of the land value of the land, and the land is mixed development land or mixed use land, the Chief Commissioner may request the Valuer-General to determine the apportionment factor in respect of the land concerned.
(4)  If a request is made under subsection (3)—
(a)  the Valuer-General must determine the apportionment factor concerned and enter it in the Register of Land Values under the Valuation of Land Act 1916, and
(b)  that apportionment factor is to be applied in respect of the residential land.
Note—
Divisions 5 and 5A of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916 allow objections to be made against the amount of an apportionment factor.
(5)  In this section—
mixed development land has the same meaning as in Division 5 of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916.
mixed use land has the same meaning as in Division 5A of Part 1B of the Valuation of Land Act 1916.
ch 2A, pt 2 (ss 104Z–104ZD): Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZC   Transfer of property subject to a statutory trust to a beneficial owner
(cf section 56A)
(1)  This section applies if residential-related property that is vested in a person as trustee of a statutory trust as a consequence of the making of an order under section 66G of the Conveyancing Act 1919 is transferred or agreed to be transferred by the trustee to one or more of the beneficial owners of the residential-related property who are foreign persons.
(2)  For the purposes of calculating surcharge purchaser duty on the vesting of the residential-related property, the dutiable value of the residential-related property is to be calculated by deducting from the unencumbered value of the residential-related property or the consideration for the transfer or agreement, whichever is the greater, the proportion of that amount that is the same as the proportion of any foreign transferee’s beneficial interest in the residential-related property immediately before the transfer or agreement.
(3)  A reference in this section to a foreign transferee is a reference to a transferee who is a foreign person.
ch 2A, pt 2 (ss 104Z–104ZD): Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZD   Deceased estates where trusts under will are varied
(cf section 63 (2) and (2A))
(1)  This section applies if a transfer of residential-related property is made by a legal personal representative of a deceased person to a foreign beneficiary under an agreement (whether or not in writing) between the foreign beneficiary and one or more other beneficiaries to vary the trusts contained in a will of the deceased person or arising on intestacy.
(2)  For the purposes of calculating surcharge purchaser duty on the transfer, the dutiable value of the residential-related property is to be reduced by the portion of the dutiable value that is referable to the residential-related property to which the foreign beneficiary had an entitlement arising under the trusts contained in the will or arising on intestacy.
(3)  A transmission application made in respect of residential-related property by a beneficiary under a will, with the consent of the legal personal representative of a deceased person, is taken, for the purposes of this section, to be a transfer of residential-related property by the legal personal representative to the beneficiary.
(4)  In this section—
foreign beneficiary means a beneficiary who is a foreign person.
ch 2A, pt 2 (ss 104Z–104ZD): Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
Part 3 Refunds and special provisions
ch 2A, pt 3: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZE   Cancelled agreements and transfers
(1)  The following transactions are not liable to surcharge purchaser duty if they are not liable to duty under Chapter 2 because of section 50 or 50A—
(a)  an agreement for the sale or transfer of residential-related property that is cancelled (within the meaning of section 50),
(b)  a transfer of residential-related property that is effected by an instrument.
(2)  Section 50 (2) extends to surcharge purchaser duty that has been paid on an agreement that is not liable to surcharge purchaser duty because of this section.
(3)  Section 50A (2) and (3) extend to surcharge purchaser duty that has been paid on a transfer that is not liable to surcharge purchaser duty because of this section and to any transfer instrument in respect of which the application for a refund is made.
s 104ZE: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [21].
104ZF   Refund if property transferred to persons who are no longer foreign on transfer
If surcharge purchaser duty has been paid on an agreement for the sale or transfer of residential-related property and the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that none of the transferees in respect of a transfer made in conformity or partial conformity with the agreement are foreign persons, the Chief Commissioner must reassess and refund that duty if an application is made within 5 years of the initial assessment.
ss 104ZF–104ZJ: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZG   Transfers back from a nominee
The Chief Commissioner must reassess, and refund any surcharge purchaser duty paid on, an initial transfer to a trustee referred to in section 56 (2) if the Chief Commissioner is required by that subsection to reassess, and refund any duty under Chapter 2 paid on, the initial transfer.
ss 104ZF–104ZJ: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZH   Break-up of marriages, de facto relationships or domestic relationships
The Chief Commissioner must reassess, and refund any surcharge purchaser duty paid on, a transfer or agreement referred to in section 68 (4), (4AA) or (4A) if the Chief Commissioner is required by that subsection to reassess, and refund any duty under Chapter 2 paid on, the transfer or agreement.
ss 104ZF–104ZJ: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZI   Possessory applications
(1)  A possessory application under the Real Property Act 1900 in respect of residential land that is chargeable with ad valorem duty under Chapter 2 because of section 52 is chargeable with surcharge purchaser duty, as a transfer of the land, if any of the applicants are foreign persons.
(2)  For that purpose—
(a)  the dutiable value of the land is the land value of the land within the meaning of the Valuation of Land Act 1916, and
(b)  applicants who are foreign persons are liable to pay the surcharge purchaser duty.
ss 104ZF–104ZJ: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZJ   Applications to bring land under Real Property Act 1900
(1)  An application to bring residential land under the Real Property Act 1900 that is chargeable with ad valorem duty under Chapter 2 because of section 53 is chargeable with surcharge purchaser duty if any of the persons liable to pay duty under Chapter 2 on the application are foreign persons.
(2)  The surcharge purchaser duty chargeable is to be determined by applying section 53 as if a reference in that section to duty or ad valorem duty were a reference to surcharge purchaser duty.
(3)  Any foreign persons liable to pay duty under Chapter 2 on the application are liable to pay the surcharge purchaser duty.
ss 104ZF–104ZJ: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZJA   New home development by Australian-based developers that are foreign persons
(1)  An Australian corporation that is the transferee under a transfer of residential-related property is entitled to a refund of surcharge purchaser duty paid by the transferee that is chargeable on the transfer if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  a new home has been constructed on the land concerned by the transferee or a related body corporate after completion of the transfer to the transferee and then sold by the transferee to a person who is not an associated person of the transferee without the home having been used or occupied for any purpose (other than as a display home) before the completion of that sale, or
(b)  the land concerned has been subdivided by the transferee for the purpose of its use for new home construction and then sold by the transferee after the issue of a subdivision certificate (as referred to in section 109C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) for the subdivision.
(2)  The amount of the refund to which a transferee is entitled under this section is the amount that is determined in accordance with an order made by the Treasurer for the purposes of this section and published in the Gazette. The amount of the refund may be the full amount of duty paid or a lesser amount (as determined in accordance with the order).
(3)  The Chief Commissioner may approve a person as an exempt transferee for a particular transfer or class of transfers if the Chief Commissioner is of the opinion that the person is likely to become entitled under this section to a refund of the full amount of surcharge purchaser duty chargeable on a transfer to which the approval applies.
(4)  No surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable on a transfer of residential-related property if the transferee under the transfer is approved as an exempt transferee for the transfer at the time liability for duty would otherwise have arisen.
(5)  The approval of a person as an exempt transferee is subject to the following provisions—
(a)  an approval may be given subject to conditions and the approval operates subject to any such conditions,
(b)  the conditions of an approval may be varied by the Chief Commissioner at any time by notice to the person,
(c)  an approval remains in force until it is revoked and can be revoked by the Chief Commissioner at any time by notice to the person,
(d)  the revocation of an approval can be backdated to extend to a transfer in respect of which liability for surcharge purchaser duty would (but for the approval) have arisen before the revocation is notified (an exempted transfer),
(e)  if the revocation of an approval is backdated to extend to an exempted transfer, surcharge purchaser duty is payable and is to be assessed or reassessed as if the approval had never applied to the transfer and as if liability for duty arose when revocation of the approval was notified.
(6)  Surcharge purchaser duty may be refunded under this section only if an application for the refund is made within 12 months after the completion of the sale of the new home or the issue of the subdivision certificate to which the application relates and no later than 10 years after completion of the transfer of the residential-related property to the Australian corporation.
(7)  This section does not apply to a transfer of residential-related property that is a surcharge duty transaction referred to in section 104L (1) (b) except an agreement for the sale or transfer of residential-related property.
(8)  In this section—
Australian corporation means a corporation that is incorporated or taken to be incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
new home has the same meaning as in the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) Act 2000.
s 104ZJA: Ins 2017 No 67, Sch 1 [1].
104ZJB   Exemption for certain build-to-rent properties transferred to foreign persons
(1)  An Australian corporation that is the transferee under a transfer of residential-related property is entitled to a refund of surcharge purchaser duty paid by the transferee that is chargeable on the transfer if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the transfer was entered into on or after 1 July 2020 (other than a transfer made in conformity with an agreement for sale or transfer entered into before 1 July 2020), and
(b)  a building that is taken to be build-to-rent property under section 9E of the Land Tax Management Act 1956 has been constructed on the land concerned by the transferee or a related body corporate after completion of the transfer to the transferee, and
(c)  the corporation has become entitled under that section to a reduction in the value of land.
(2)  The amount of the refund to which a transferee is entitled under this section is the amount that is determined in accordance with an order made by the Treasurer for the purposes of this section and published in the Gazette.
(3)  The amount of the refund may be the full amount of duty paid or a lesser amount (as determined in accordance with the order).
(4)  The Chief Commissioner may approve a person as an exempt transferee for a particular transfer or class of transfers if the Chief Commissioner is of the opinion that the person is likely to become entitled under this section to a refund of the full amount of surcharge purchaser duty chargeable on a transfer to which the approval applies.
(5)  No surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable on a transfer of residential-related property if the transferee under the transfer is approved as an exempt transferee for the transfer at the time liability for duty would otherwise have arisen.
(6)  The approval of a person as an exempt transferee is subject to the following provisions—
(a)  an approval may be given subject to conditions and the approval operates subject to any such conditions,
(b)  the conditions of an approval may be varied by the Chief Commissioner at any time by notice to the person,
(c)  an approval remains in force until it is revoked and can be revoked by the Chief Commissioner at any time by notice to the person,
(d)  the revocation of an approval can be backdated to extend to a transfer in respect of which liability for surcharge purchaser duty would (but for the approval) have arisen before the revocation is notified (an exempted transfer),
(e)  if the revocation of an approval is backdated to extend to an exempted transfer, surcharge purchaser duty is payable and is to be assessed or reassessed as if the approval had never applied to the transfer and as if liability for duty arose when revocation of the approval was notified.
(7)  Without limiting subsection (6), if, after an exemption under this section has been applied in relation to a transfer, the land concerned is subdivided or the ownership of the land is otherwise divided within 15 years of that application—
(a)  the approval of the relevant person as an exempt transferee is revoked, and
(b)  that revocation of an approval is backdated to extend to the transfer in respect of which liability for surcharge purchaser duty would (but for the approval) have arisen, and
(c)  surcharge purchaser duty is payable and is to be assessed or reassessed as if the approval had never applied to the transfer and as if liability for duty arose when the land was subdivided or the ownership of the land was otherwise divided.
(8)  Surcharge purchaser duty may be refunded under this section only if an application for the refund is made within 12 months after the owner of the land concerned first became entitled under section 9E of the Land Tax Management Act 1956 to a reduction in the value of the land and no later than 10 years after completion of the transfer of the residential-related property to the Australian corporation.
(9)  If, after a refund under this section has been paid in relation to a transfer and the land concerned is subdivided or the ownership of the land is otherwise divided within 15 years of that payment—
(a)  the entitlement to the refund is terminated, and
(b)  that termination is backdated to extend to the transfer in respect of which liability for surcharge purchaser duty would (but for this section) have arisen, and
(c)  surcharge purchaser duty is payable and is to be assessed or reassessed as if the refund had never been paid to the transferee and as if liability for duty arose when the land was subdivided or the ownership of the land was otherwise divided.
(10)  For the purposes of section 9(3)(c) of the Taxation Administration Act 1996, any reassessment under this section is authorised to be made more than 5 years after the initial assessment.
(11)  This section does not apply to a transfer of residential-related property that is a surcharge duty transaction referred to in section 104L(1)(b) except an agreement for the sale or transfer of residential-related property.
(12)  In this section—
Australian corporation means a corporation that is incorporated or taken to be incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
s 104ZJB: Ins 2020 No 19, Sch 1[6].
Part 4 Exemptions and concessions
ch 2A, pt 4: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZK   Transactions exempt from ad valorem duty under Chapter 2
(1)  Subject to this Part, no surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable on a surcharge duty transaction if—
(a)  ad valorem duty is not chargeable on the transaction as a dutiable transaction under Chapter 2 because of any of the provisions of Parts 6 and 7 of that Chapter (other than sections 55, 57, 62, 62A and 62B), or
(b)  the transaction is a relevant transfer to which section 61 applies, or
(c)  the transaction is a dutiable transaction to which section 62 applies, or
(d)  the transaction is a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of residential-related property and a duty concession is granted under Division 5 of Part 8 of Chapter 2 in respect of the transaction.
(2)  To avoid doubt, the exemptions and concessions provided for in Part 8 of Chapter 2 do not (except as provided by subsection (1) (d)) apply in respect of surcharge purchaser duty.
s 104ZK: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2016 No 55, Sch 3.8; 2017 No 33, Sch 2.1 [4].
104ZKA   Exemption for certain permanent residents in respect of principal place of residence
(1)  No surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable on a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of residential-related property if each transferee under the transfer or agreement who would otherwise be liable to pay that duty is an exempt permanent resident.
(2)  A transferee under a transfer or agreement is an exempt permanent resident if—
(a)  the transferee is a permanent resident when a liability for duty charged by Chapter 2 on the transfer or agreement arises (or would arise but for a concession or exemption from duty under that Chapter), and
(b)  the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the transferee intends to use and occupy the residential land to which the residential-related property relates as a principal place of residence in accordance with the residence requirement.
(3)  If there is more than one transferee under the transfer or agreement who is a foreign person (a foreign transferee) and the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that at least one, but not all, of those transferees is an exempt permanent resident—
(a)  surcharge purchaser duty is to be reduced in proportion to the share or shares in the residential-related property transferred to foreign transferees who are exempt permanent residents, and
(b)  none of those exempt permanent residents is liable to pay surcharge purchaser duty on the transfer or agreement.
(4)  The residential land must be used and occupied by the exempt permanent resident as his or her principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 200 days within the first 12 months after the liability date. This requirement is referred to as the residence requirement.
(5)  The liability date is the date on which liability to surcharge purchaser duty first arose in respect of the share in the residential-related property transferred, or agreed to be transferred, to the exempt permanent resident.
(6)  If the residence requirement is not complied with in relation to the residential land, the Chief Commissioner must assess or reassess the surcharge purchaser duty chargeable on the transfer or agreement as if the exemption under this section had never applied.
(7)  A reference in this section to the use and occupation of residential land as a principal place of residence in accordance with the residence requirement includes—
(a)  in the case of a land use entitlement, a reference to the use and occupation of the building or part of the building to which the entitlement relates, as a principal place of residence in accordance with the residence requirement, and
(b)  in the case of a utility lot (within the meaning of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015), a reference to the use of the utility lot in conjunction with a strata lot used and occupied as a principal place of residence in accordance with the residence requirement.
s 104ZKA: Ins 2017 No 33, Sch 2.1 [5].
104ZKB   Exemption for retirement visa holders in respect of principal place of residence
Section 104ZKA applies to a retirement visa holder in the same way as it applies to a permanent resident, subject to any modifications prescribed by the regulations.
s 104ZKB: Ins 2019 No 8, Sch 2.1 [2].
104ZL   Change in trustees
(1)  This section applies to a surcharge duty transaction if—
(a)  the transaction is a transfer of residential-related property to a person as a consequence of the retirement of a trustee or the appointment of a new trustee, and
(b)  as a consequence of section 54 (3), the transfer is chargeable with the same duty under Chapter 2 as a transfer to a beneficiary under and in conformity with the trusts subject to which the property is held.
(2)  Surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable on the surcharge duty transaction if ad valorem duty is chargeable on the transaction as a dutiable transaction.
ss 104ZL–104ZO: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZM   Reduction of duty on transactions involving apparent purchasers
(1)  Any surcharge purchaser duty chargeable on a declaration of trust to which section 55 (1) (a) applies is to be reduced by the amount of surcharge purchaser duty (if any) paid on the transfer, or agreement for the sale or transfer, of the identified residential-related property to the apparent purchaser.
(2)  Any surcharge purchaser duty chargeable on a transfer to which section 55 (1) (b) applies from an apparent purchaser to the real purchaser is to be reduced by the amount of surcharge purchaser duty (if any) paid on—
(a)  any declaration of trust to which section 55 (1) (a) applies made by the apparent purchaser in respect of the residential-related property, and
(b)  the transfer, or agreement for the sale or transfer, to the apparent purchaser.
ss 104ZL–104ZO: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZN   Exemption for property passing to beneficiaries
(cf section 57)
(1)  No surcharge purchaser duty is chargeable on a transfer for no consideration of residential-related property to a beneficiary made under and in conformity with the trusts contained in a declaration of trust, subject to subsections (2) and (3).
(2)  Subsection (1) applies only to the extent that the property being transferred is property that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied is—
(a)  wholly or substantially the same as the property the subject of the declaration of trust and that—
(i)  any surcharge purchaser duty has been paid on the declaration of trust over that property, or
(ii)  the declaration of trust is exempt from surcharge purchaser duty, or
(b)  dutiable property representing the proceeds of re-investment of property referred to in paragraph (a), or
(c)  property to which both paragraphs (a) and (b) apply.
(3)  Subsection (1) applies only if the transferee was a beneficiary at the time at which duty became chargeable on the declaration of trust.
ss 104ZL–104ZO: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZO   Reduction of duty on transfers made on exercise of option to purchase land
(cf section 64D)
The surcharge purchaser duty chargeable on a transfer of residential land in New South Wales that occurs as a consequence of the exercise of an option to purchase the land is to be reduced by the amount of surcharge purchaser duty (if any) paid on the transfer of the option to the transferee.
ss 104ZL–104ZO: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
Part 5 Stamping and enforcement
ch 2A, pt 5: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZP   Definition of “purchaser duty”
For the purposes of this Part, purchaser duty is the duty (if any) payable in respect of a dutiable transaction under Chapter 2.
s 104ZP: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZQ   Stamping and endorsement of surcharge duty transactions
(1)  If an instrument that effects or evidences a dutiable transaction that is also a surcharge duty transaction is stamped under this Act to indicate payment of duty, it must be stamped in a manner approved by the Chief Commissioner to indicate that surcharge purchaser duty has been paid.
(2)  If an instrument that effects or evidences a dutiable transaction that is also a surcharge duty transaction is endorsed under this Act to indicate payment of duty, it must be endorsed in a manner approved by the Chief Commissioner to indicate that surcharge purchaser duty has been paid.
Note—
See section 289A, which allows stamping to occur by means of an endorsement.
(3)  An instrument that effects or evidences a dutiable transaction that is also a surcharge duty transaction is not duly stamped unless it is stamped or endorsed in accordance with this section.
(4)  The Chief Commissioner may approve a manner of stamping or endorsement that does not require separate stamping or endorsement of an instrument for purchaser duty and surcharge purchaser duty so that stamping or endorsement by means of a single unique transaction identifier or reference number or a single endorsement is sufficient to indicate payment of both purchaser duty and surcharge purchaser duty.
s 104ZQ: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2020 No 14, Sch 1[2].
104ZR   Stamping of surcharge duty transactions not chargeable with duty
(1)  If a surcharge duty transaction is not chargeable with surcharge purchaser duty, an instrument that effects or evidences the surcharge duty transaction must be stamped in a manner approved by the Chief Commissioner to indicate that the transaction is not chargeable with surcharge purchaser duty.
(2)  If a surcharge duty transaction is not chargeable with purchaser duty, an instrument that effects or evidences the transaction must be stamped in a manner approved by the Chief Commissioner to indicate that the transaction is not chargeable with purchaser duty.
Note—
See section 301 in relation to the registration of an instrument that effects or evidences a surcharge duty transaction.
ss 104ZR–104ZT: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZS   Interim payment of duty
(1)  In this section—
relevant dutiable transaction means an agreement for sale or transfer that is a dutiable transaction.
relevant surcharge duty transaction means an agreement for sale or transfer that is a surcharge duty transaction.
(2)  Section 49 applies in respect of residential-related property subject to a relevant surcharge duty transaction in the same way as it applies in respect of dutiable property subject to a relevant dutiable transaction.
(3)  For that purpose, references in section 49 are to be read as follows—
(a)  a reference to the dutiable value of dutiable property is to be read as a reference to the dutiable value of residential-related property, determined in accordance with this Chapter,
(b)  a reference to duty is to be read as a reference to surcharge purchaser duty.
ss 104ZR–104ZT: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
104ZT   Duplicates or counterparts
The duty chargeable under section 271 in respect of a duplicate or counterpart of an instrument is not payable in respect of any duplicate or counterpart of an instrument that effects or evidences a surcharge duty transaction.
ss 104ZR–104ZT: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [14].
Chapter 3 Certain transactions treated as transfers
Part 1 Preliminary
ch 3, pt 1: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1].
105   Introduction and overview
(1)  This Chapter charges duty at the same rate as for a transfer of dutiable property under Chapter 2 on certain transactions which are not “dutiable transactions” under Chapter 2.
(2)  This Chapter also charges duty on certain transactions involving foreign persons that are not “surcharge duty transactions” under Chapter 2A, at the same rate under that Chapter as for a transfer of residential-related property to a foreign person.
s 105: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Am 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [2]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [15].
Part 2 Transactions involving put and call options
ch 3, pt 2: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3]. Ins 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [14].
ch 3, pt 2, div 1: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
106   Definitions
In this Part—
assign or assignment includes transfer, and a reference to the assignment of a right under a call option includes a reference to a transfer of the call option.
call option means a right to require a person to sell dutiable property that is conferred by an agreement or arrangement (being an agreement or arrangement that is not a dutiable transaction).
put option means a right to require a person to purchase dutiable property that is conferred by an agreement or arrangement (being an agreement or arrangement that is not a dutiable transaction).
residential land has the same meaning as in Chapter 2A.
s 106: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3]. Ins 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2006 No 87, Sch 1 [6] [7]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [16].
107   Assignment of rights under call option dutiable as transfer
(1)  If a person (A) who has a right under a call option to require another person (B) to sell dutiable property assigns that right, so that the option is exerciseable by a third person (C), duty under Chapter 2 is chargeable on that assignment as if the assignment were a transfer of the dutiable property concerned. The duty chargeable on that assignment is referred to in this Part as call option assignment duty.
(1A)  Duty under Chapter 2A is also chargeable on the assignment if A is a foreign person and the dutiable property concerned is residential-related property. The duty chargeable on that assignment is additional to call option assignment duty and is referred to in this Part as surcharge call option assignment duty.
(2)  For the purposes of this section—
(a)  if A enters into an agreement or arrangement under which A, for valuable consideration, relinquishes the right under a call option to require B to sell dutiable property and a call option to require B to sell the dutiable property is granted to a third person (C), A is to be treated as having assigned that right under the call option so that the option is exerciseable by C, and
(b)  if, on or in connection with the exercise of a call option, A, for valuable consideration, enters into an agreement or arrangement under which A nominates a third person (C) as the purchaser or transferee of dutiable property the subject of a call option, A is to be treated as having assigned the right under the call option to require B to sell the dutiable property so that the option is exerciseable by C, and
(c)  if A enters into an agreement or arrangement under which A, for valuable consideration, relinquishes the right under a call option to require B to sell dutiable property and B agrees to sell the dutiable property to a third person (C), A is to be treated as having assigned that right under the call option so that the option is exerciseable by C.
(3)  An assignment is chargeable with duty as a consequence of this Part only if the person who may be required under the call option to sell the dutiable property (that is, B) has a right under a put option to require A, an associated person of A or an assignee of A to purchase the dutiable property.
(4)  If the assignment is chargeable with call option assignment duty, Chapter 2 applies in respect of the assignment in the same way as it applies to other transfers of dutiable property, and a reference in this Act to a dutiable transaction includes such an assignment, subject to this Part.
(4A)  If the assignment is chargeable with surcharge call option assignment duty, Chapter 2A applies in respect of the assignment in the same way as it applies to other transfers of residential-related property, and a reference in this Act to a surcharge duty transaction includes such an assignment, subject to this Part.
(5)  For the purposes of Chapters 2 and 2A, the transfer of dutiable property (including dutiable property that is residential-related property) is taken to occur when the assignment is made.
(6)  This section applies regardless of when the call option or put option is exercisable.
(7)  An assignment of a right under a call option to purchase dutiable property, as referred to in subsection (1) or (2), is referred to in this Part as a call option assignment.
s 107: Am 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [8]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3]. Ins 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2006 No 87, Sch 1 [8] [9]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [20] [21]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [17]–[21]; 2020 No 14, Sch 1[3].
108   Person liable to pay call option assignment duty
(1)  The call option assignment duty chargeable on a call option assignment is payable by the person who assigns the right under the call option to require another person to sell dutiable property (the option holder).
(2)  Accordingly, the option holder is taken, for the purpose of charging duty under Chapter 2, to be the transferee of the dutiable property.
(3)  The call option assignment duty payable by the option holder is additional to the duty (if any) payable under Chapter 2 by a transferee on the transfer of an option to purchase land in New South Wales.
(4)  However, the call option assignment duty payable by the option holder as a consequence of this Part is to be reduced by the amount of duty (if any) paid by the option holder under Chapter 2 on the transfer of the call option to the option holder.
(5)    (Repealed)
Note—
The following is an example of how this Part operates—
B grants A a call option that confers a right on A (or any assignee of A) to require B to sell land. A also grants B a put option that confers on B a right to require A (or any assignee of A) to purchase the land from B. No duty is payable at this point.
A then transfers the call option to C. Duty is payable as follows—
(a)  A (as the option holder) must pay call option assignment duty, as a consequence of this Part, as if the transfer of the option were a transfer of the land. Duty is payable on the dutiable value of the land (determined as provided for by this Part),
(b)  C (as the transferee of the option) must pay duty under Chapter 2 on the transfer of the option. Duty is payable on the dutiable value of the option (determined as provided for by Chapter 2).
C then transfers the option to D. C (as the option holder) is required to pay call option assignment duty as if the option were a transfer of the land. However, in this case C will receive a credit for the duty paid by C on the transfer of the option to C. D (as the transferee of the option) is required to pay duty under Chapter 2 on the transfer.
s 108: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [17]; 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [4]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Am 2004 No 33, Sch 5.1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3]. Ins 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2006 No 87, Sch 1 [10] [11]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [22]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [22]–[24].
108A   Person liable to pay surcharge call option assignment duty
(1)  Surcharge call option assignment duty on a call option assignment is payable by any foreign person who assigns the right under the call option to require another person to sell residential-related property (the foreign option holder).
(2)  Accordingly, the foreign option holder is taken, for the purposes of charging duty under Chapter 2A, to be the transferee of the residential-related property.
(3)  The duty payable by the foreign option holder is additional to the duty (if any) payable under Chapter 2A by a transferee on the transfer of an option to purchase residential land in New South Wales.
(4)  However, the duty payable by the foreign option holder as a consequence of this Part is to be reduced by the amount of duty (if any) paid by the foreign option holder under Chapter 2A on the transfer of the call option to the foreign option holder.
s 108A: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [25].
109   Determination of dutiable value of transfer
For the purposes of Chapters 2 and 2A, the dutiable value of dutiable property (including residential-related property that is dutiable property) that is subject to a call option assignment is taken to be the greater of—
(a)  the sum of the consideration for the assignment of the right under the call option and the consideration payable in the event that the call option is exercised (being in either case the amount of monetary consideration or the value of non-monetary consideration), and
(b)  the unencumbered value of the dutiable property.
s 109: Am 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [8]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Am 2004 No 33, Sch 5.1 [2]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3]. Ins 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [26].
110   Stamping or endorsement of transactions
(1)  If an instrument that effects or evidences a transfer of an option to purchase land in New South Wales also effects or evidences a call option assignment, and it is stamped under this Act to indicate payment of duty, it must be stamped in a manner approved by the Chief Commissioner to indicate the type of duty (that is, purchaser duty, surcharge purchaser duty, call option assignment duty or surcharge call option assignment duty) that has been paid.
(2)  If an instrument that effects or evidences a transfer of an option to purchase land in New South Wales also effects or evidences a call option assignment, and it is endorsed under this Act to indicate payment of duty, it must be endorsed in a manner approved by the Chief Commissioner to indicate the type of duty (that is, purchaser duty, surcharge purchaser duty, call option assignment duty or surcharge call option assignment duty) that has been paid.
(3)  An instrument that effects or evidences a transfer of an option to purchase land in New South Wales and a call option assignment is not duly stamped unless it is stamped or endorsed in accordance with this section.
(4)  In this section—
purchaser duty means the duty (if any) payable under Chapter 2 by a transferee on the transfer of an option to purchase land in New South Wales.
s 110: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3]. Ins 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [27].
ch 3, pt 2, div 2: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
111   Exemptions
(1)  No duty is chargeable as a consequence of this Part on a call option assignment if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the call option and put option were granted by the parties concerned for the sole purpose of obtaining finance, or
(aa)  the call option is assigned to a body established solely for the purpose of raising funds in relation to an investment scheme promoted by the person who assigns the call option, or
(b)  the call option and the put option form part of a scheme of call options and put options granted by proprietors of a business that—
(i)  were granted for the sole purpose of facilitating the continuation of the business by one or more of the proprietors (the continuing proprietors), and
(ii)  are not exercisable except on the occurrence of a specified event that would cause the continuing proprietors to seek to acquire the interest of one or more of the other proprietors of the business, or
(c)  the dutiable property the subject of the call option is land and the call option is assigned by a person authorised to contract to do residential building work under the Home Building Act 1989 who—
(i)  has built or is building residential premises on the land for the purposes of sale, or
(ii)  has an agreement with the person to whom the call option is assigned to build residential premises on the land, or
(d)  the call option is assigned by a corporation that is a member of a group of corporations to another corporation that is a member of the same group.
(2)  This section does not affect the duty payable under Chapter 2 or 2A (if any) by the transferee on a transfer of an option to purchase land in New South Wales.
(2A)  For the purposes of this section, corporations are members of the same group of corporations if—
(a)  one corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the other corporation (that is, the other corporation holds, otherwise than as trustee, not less than 90% of the issued share capital of the first corporation and is in a position to control not less than 50% of the maximum number of votes that might be cast at a general meeting of the first corporation), or
(b)  the corporations are wholly owned subsidiaries (within the meaning of paragraph (a)) of the same corporation.
(2B)  If a corporation that is a wholly owned subsidiary (within the meaning of subsection (2A) (a)) of another corporation (the parent corporation) holds shares, otherwise than as trustee, in a third corporation, then, for the purposes of determining whether the parent corporation and the third corporation are members of the same group of corporations, the shares held by the wholly owned subsidiary in the third corporation are taken also to be shares held by the parent corporation in the third corporation.
Note—
The effect of subsection (2B) is that the third corporation will be considered to be a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent corporation if the shareholdings of the parent corporation in the third corporation (if any) together with the shareholdings of any wholly owned subsidiary in the third corporation are sufficient to satisfy subsection (2A) (a).
(3)  In this section—
proprietor of a business means—
(a)  in the case of a business carried on by a partnership, a partner, or
(b)  in the case of a business carried on by a company, a shareholder, or
(c)  in the case of a business carried on by a unit trust scheme, a unit holder, or
(d)  in any other case, a person the Chief Commissioner determines to be a proprietor of the business.
s 111: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Am 2004 No 33, Sch 5.1 [3]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3]. Ins 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [14]. Am 2005 No 111, Sch 1 [6]; 2006 No 87, Sch 1 [12] [13]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [28].
112–123   (Repealed)
s 112: Am 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [13] [14]; 2000 No 105, Sch 1 [4] [5]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
ch 3, pt 2, div 3: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 113: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 114: Am 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [9] [10]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Am 2004 No 33, Sch 5.1 [4]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 115: Am 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [11]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 116: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 117: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 118: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [18]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [12]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
ch 3, pt 2, div 4: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 119: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [19]; 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [5] [6]; 1999 No 4, Sch 2.9 [8]–[14]; 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [9] [10]; 2001 No 96, Sch 1 [9]–[13]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Am 2004 No 33, Sch 5.1 [5]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 120: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 121: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 122: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [20]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 122A: Ins 2004 No 33, Sch 5.1 [6]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
s 123: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [21]. Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3].
Part 3 Entitlements arising from capital reductions or rights alterations
124   Abolition of duty charged by this Part
(1)  The duty charged by this Part is abolished on 1 July 2016.
(2)  The duty charged by this Part remains chargeable on a dutiable entitlement that is acquired before 1 July 2016.
s 124: Subst 2003 No 79, Sch 1 [1]. Rep 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [3]. Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [15]. Am 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [12]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]. Subst 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [16]; 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [9].
125   Definitions
(1)  In this Part—
capital reduction means—
(a)  the redemption, surrender or cancellation of a share (including cancellation as part of a buy-back of shares in accordance with Division 2 of Part 2J.1 of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth), or
(b)  a reduction in the paid up value of a share.
company means a NSW company that is—
(a)  a public company within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth, and
(b)  not listed on the Australian Securities Exchange or a recognised stock exchange.
dutiable entitlement means a voting share entitlement in respect of whose acquisition a statement is required, under section 129, to be lodged.
person includes persons who are associated persons.
Note—
Associated person is defined in the Dictionary.
rights alteration, in relation to voting shares, means a variation, abrogation or alteration of rights relating to the shares.
voting shares has the same meaning as in section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
(2)  For the purposes of this Part, if voting shares acquired by associated persons severally do not, but taken in the aggregate would, confer an entitlement to which this Part applies, the voting shares acquired by the associated persons are taken to be aggregated and are taken to confer the entitlement on the associated person who last acquired any of those voting shares.
(3)  If, by subsection (2), an entitlement to voting shares is taken to exist as the aggregate of voting shares of associated persons, the associated persons are jointly and severally liable for payment of the duty chargeable on the statement required to be lodged under this Part.
(4)  Voting shares are not to be aggregated in accordance with subsection (2) if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the associated persons concerned acquired their several shares independently and for no common purpose.
s 125: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [22]; 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [21] (am 2001 No 34, Sch 4.25); 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [11]–[13]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [3].
126   When does a liability for duty arise?
A liability for duty charged by this Part arises when a dutiable entitlement is acquired.
127   When must duty be paid?
A tax default does not occur for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 if duty is paid within 3 months after the liability to pay the duty arises.
128   Who is liable to pay the duty?
(1)  Duty chargeable under this Part is payable by the person who acquires a dutiable entitlement.
(2)  If the dutiable entitlement results from an aggregation of the voting share entitlements of associated persons, the associated persons are jointly and severally liable for payment of the duty.
129   Entitlement to voting shares arising from capital reduction or rights alteration
(1)  If—
(a)  a person becomes entitled to at least 50% of the voting shares of a company by means of capital reduction or rights alteration, or both, or
(b)  a person who is entitled to at least 50% of the voting shares of a company becomes entitled to at least 10% more of the voting shares over a period of not more than 12 months by means of capital reduction or rights alteration, or both,
the person must lodge a statement with the Chief Commissioner in respect of the entitlement.
(2)  The statement must be lodged within 3 months after the entitlement arises.
130   Form of statement
The statement required to be lodged under this Part by a person is to be in an approved form and is to contain the following information—
(a)  the name and address of the person,
(b)  the name of the company,
(c)  the date on which each relevant capital reduction or rights alteration, or both, occurred,
(d)  if the person’s entitlement has arisen—
(i)  from capital reduction—the total of the unencumbered value, immediately prior to each relevant capital reduction, of the shares the subject of the capital reduction, or
(ii)  from rights alteration—the total of the unencumbered value, immediately prior to each relevant rights alteration, of the shares the subject of the rights alteration, or
(iii)  from capital reduction and rights alteration—the aggregate of the totals under subparagraphs (i) and (ii),
(e)  the total consideration paid to the person in relation to all relevant capital reductions or rights alterations, or both,
(f)  such other information as may be required by the Chief Commissioner.
s 130: Am 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [5].
131   Assessment of duty
A statement required to be lodged under this Part by a person is chargeable with duty of 60 cents for every $100, or part, of the higher of—
(a)  the total or aggregate obtained under section 130 (d), and
(b)  the total obtained under section 130 (e).
s 131: Subst 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [22].
Part 4 Acquisition of land use entitlements by allotment of shares or issue of units
132   When does a liability for duty arise?
A liability for duty charged by this Part arises when a land use entitlement is acquired by an allotment of shares or an issue of units to any person otherwise than in circumstances to which Part 5 applies.
s 132: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [22].
133   When must duty be paid?
A tax default does not occur for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 if duty is paid within 3 months after the liability to pay the duty arises.
134   Who is liable to pay the duty?
Duty chargeable under this Part is payable by the person who acquires the land use entitlement.
135   Acquisition of land use entitlement
(1)  A person who acquires a land use entitlement by an allotment of shares or an issue of units must lodge a statement (an acquisition statement) with the Chief Commissioner in respect of the entitlement.
(2)  The statement must be lodged within 3 months after the entitlement is so acquired.
136   Form of statement
An acquisition statement required to be lodged by a person is to be in an approved form and is to contain the following information—
(a)  the name and address of the person,
(b)  the name of the relevant company or unit trust,
(c)  the date on which the land use entitlement was acquired,
(d)  the consideration paid by the person for the relevant shares or units,
(e)  such other information as may be required by the Chief Commissioner.
s 136: Am 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [5].
137   Assessment of duty
The share allotment or unit issue by which a person acquires a land use entitlement is chargeable with duty at the general rate of duty set out in section 32 on the dutiable value of the land use entitlement.
Part 4A Acquisition by foreign person of land use entitlement to which Part 4 applies
ch 3, pt 4A: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [29].
137AA   Meaning of “residential land use entitlement”
In this Part—
residential land use entitlement means a land use entitlement that entitles a person to occupy residential land (within the meaning of Chapter 2A) in New South Wales.
ss 137AA–137AC: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [29].
137AB   When does a liability for duty arise?
A liability for duty charged by this Part arises when a residential land use entitlement is acquired by an allotment of shares or an issue of units to a foreign person otherwise than in circumstances to which Part 5 applies.
ss 137AA–137AC: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [29].
137AC   Who is liable to pay the duty?
(1)  Duty under this Part is payable by the person who acquires the residential land use entitlement.
(2)  Only acquirers who are foreign persons are liable to pay duty under this Part.
ss 137AA–137AC: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [29].
137AD   Assessment of duty
(1)  The share allotment or unit issue by which a foreign person acquires a residential land use entitlement is chargeable with duty at 8% of the dutiable value of the residential land use entitlement.
(2)  If any of the acquirers are not foreign persons, duty under subsection (1) is to be charged only on the proportion of the dutiable value of the residential land use entitlement that is the same as the proportion of the total shares or units allotted or issued in respect of the land use entitlement to acquirers who are foreign persons.
(3)  The dutiable value of the residential land use entitlement is to be determined, for the purposes of this section, in accordance with Part 2 of Chapter 2A, with any necessary modifications.
s 137AD: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [29]. Am 2017 No 33, Sch 2.1 [2].
137AE   Application of Part 4
(1)  The duty chargeable under this Part in respect of a share allotment or unit issue by which a person acquires a land use entitlement is in addition to any duty chargeable under Part 4 in respect of the share allotment or unit issue.
(2)  Sections 133, 135 and 136 apply, with any necessary modifications, in respect of duty chargeable under this Part and a person liable to pay duty chargeable under this Part in the same way as those sections apply in respect of duty chargeable under Part 4 and a person liable to pay duty chargeable under that Part.
s 137AE: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [29].
Part 5 Allotment of shares by direction
137A   Abolition of duty charged by this Part
(1)  The duty charged by this Part is abolished on 1 July 2016.
(2)  The duty charged by this Part remains chargeable on an allotment of shares referred to in section 138 that occurs before 1 July 2016.
s 137A: Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [16]. Am 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [13]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]. Subst 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [17]; 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [10].
138   Application of Part 5
This Part applies to an allotment of shares to any person by a NSW company that is not listed on the Australian Securities Exchange or a recognised stock exchange at another person’s direction, in discharge of an obligation to that other person, whether that obligation arises as consideration for the purchase of property by the company or otherwise.
s 138: Am 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [23]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [3].
139   When does a liability for duty arise?
A liability for duty charged by this Part arises when the relevant shares are allotted.
140   When must duty be paid?
A tax default does not occur for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 if duty is paid within 3 months after the liability to pay the duty arises.
141   Who is liable to pay the duty?
Duty chargeable under this Part is payable by the person to whom the relevant shares are allotted.
142   Acquisition of shares by allotment
(1)  A person to whom any shares are allotted in an allotment to which this Part applies must lodge a statement (an allotment statement) with the Chief Commissioner in respect of the allotment.
(2)  The statement must be lodged within 3 months after the shares are allotted.
s 142: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [7].
143   Allotment statement
An allotment statement required to be lodged by a person is to be in an approved form and is to contain the following information—
(a)  the name and address of the person,
(b)  the name of the relevant company,
(c)  the date on which the shares were allotted to the person,
(d)  such other information as may be required by the Chief Commissioner.
s 143: Am 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [5].
144   Assessment of duty
An allotment to which this Part applies is chargeable with duty at the rate of duty set out in section 33 in respect of a transfer of marketable securities on the dutiable value of the shares.
Chapter 4 Acquisition of interests in landholders
ch 4: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. For information concerning Chapter 4 before the commencement of 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2] see the Historical table of amendments in the Legislative history.
Part 1 Preliminary
ch 4, pt 1: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
145   Overview
This Chapter charges duty on certain transactions that are not “dutiable transactions” under Chapter 2 or “surcharge duty transactions” under Chapter 2A.
Note—
Duty is chargeable under this Chapter on the acquisition by a person of a significant interest in a landholder at the same rate as the transfer duty chargeable under Chapter 2. Part 2B of this Chapter charges additional duty, at the same rate as the surcharge purchaser duty chargeable under Chapter 2A, if the person acquiring the significant interest is a foreign person and the landholder concerned is a private landholder.
s 145: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [30] [31].
146   Meaning of “landholder”
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, a landholder is a unit trust scheme, a private company or a listed company that has land holdings in New South Wales with an unencumbered value of $2,000,000 or more.
(2)  A landholder is a private landholder if the landholder is a private unit trust scheme or private company.
(3)  A landholder is a public landholder if the landholder is a public unit trust scheme or a listed company.
s 146: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [2]; 2020 No 14, Sch 1[4].
146A   (Repealed)
s 146A: Ins 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [3]. Am 2015 No 51, Sch 9.7 [4]. Rep 2020 No 14, Sch 1[5].
147   What are the “land holdings” of a landholder?
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, a land holding is an interest in land other than the estate or interest of a mortgagee, chargee or other secured creditor, subject to this section.
(2)  An interest in land is a land holding of a unit trust scheme only to the extent that the interest is held by the trustee of the unit trust scheme in its capacity as trustee of the scheme, by a custodian of the trustee of the unit trust scheme in its capacity as custodian or by a sub-custodian of the custodian of the trustee of the unit trust scheme in its capacity as sub-custodian.
(3)  An interest in land is not a land holding of a company if the company holds the land on trust, but only if the company is not a beneficiary of the trust.
(4)  This section is in aid of, but does not limit, the operation of any provision of this Chapter providing for constructive ownership of interests.
Note—
In relation to interests in land, see also clause 4 of the Dictionary.
s 147: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [4] [5]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [23].
147A   What does “land” include?
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, land includes anything fixed to the land, whether or not the thing—
(a)  constitutes a fixture at law, or
(b)  is owned separately from the land, or
(c)  is notionally severed or considered to be legally separate from the land as a result of the operation of any other Act or law.
(2)  Land does not include anything excluded under section 163K from the definition of goods in this Chapter.
(3)  The Chief Commissioner may determine that land does not include a thing fixed to land if—
(a)  the thing is owned by a person who is not the person who owns the land or an associated person of the person who owns the land, and
(b)  the thing is not used in connection with the use of the land.
(4)  For the removal of doubt, anything that is land because of this section is not goods for the purposes of section 163G (Significant holdings in goods).
s 147A: Ins 2020 No 14, Sch 1[6].
Part 2 Charging of duty on acquisitions of interests in landholders
ch 4, pt 2: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
148   When does a liability for duty arise?
A liability for duty charged by this Part arises when a relevant acquisition is made.
s 148: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
149   What is a “relevant acquisition”?
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, a person makes a relevant acquisition if the person—
(a)  acquires an interest in a landholder that is of itself a significant interest in the landholder, or
(b)  acquires an interest in a landholder that (when aggregated with other interests in the landholder held by the person or an associated person) results in an aggregation that amounts to a significant interest in the landholder, or
(c)  already having a significant interest, or an interest described in paragraph (b), in a landholder, acquires a further interest in the landholder.
(1A)  For the purposes of this Chapter, a person also makes a relevant acquisition if the person acquires an interest in a landholder that (when aggregated with other interests in the landholder acquired by the person or other persons under acquisitions that form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is substantially one arrangement between the acquirers) results in an aggregation that amounts to a significant interest in the landholder.
(1B)  In determining whether acquisitions form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is substantially one arrangement between the acquirers, the following circumstances are to be taken into account—
(a)  whether any of the acquisitions are conditional on entry into, or completion of, any of the other acquisitions,
(b)  whether the parties to any of the acquisitions are the same,
(c)  whether any party to an acquisition is an associated person of another party to any of the other acquisitions,
(d)  the period of time over which the acquisitions take place,
(e)  whether, before or after the acquisitions take place, the interests were, are or will be used together or dependently with one another,
(f)  any other relevant circumstances.
(2)  An acquisition of an interest in a private landholder under an arrangement that results in the private landholder ceasing to be a private landholder is not a relevant acquisition because of subsection (1A).
(3)  If a person who acquires or holds an interest in a landholder is a trustee for 2 or more trusts, any interests in the landholder acquired or held by the person for different trusts are to be treated as if they were acquired or held independently by separate persons.
(4)  If a person who acquires or holds an interest in a landholder is a life company, any interests in the landholder acquired or held by the life company for different statutory funds are to be treated as if they were acquired or held independently by separate persons.
(5)  If a life company acquires or holds an interest in a landholder otherwise than for a statutory fund, that interest is to be treated as if it were acquired or held independently of, and by a separate person to, any interest acquired or held by the life company for a statutory fund.
(6)  In this section—
statutory fund has the meaning given by the Life Insurance Act 1995 of the Commonwealth.
s 149: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [6] [7]; 2014 No 19, Sch 1 [3]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [22].
150   What are “interests” and “significant interests” in landholders?
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, a person has an interest in a landholder if the person, in the event of a distribution of all the property of the landholder, would be entitled (without regard to any liabilities of the landholder) to any of the property distributed.
(1A)  However, an entitlement that arises merely because a person has a debt interest in a landholder, is not an interest in a landholder.
(2)  A person who has an interest in a landholder has a significant interest in the landholder if the person, in the event of a distribution of all the property of the landholder immediately after the interest was acquired, would be entitled (without regard to any liabilities of the landholder) to—
(a)  in the case of a private landholder—50% or more of the property distributed, or
(b)  in the case of a public landholder—90% or more of the property distributed.
(3)  An interest in a landholder that was acquired at a time when the landholder did not hold land in New South Wales is not counted during the period of 12 months after the landholder first holds land in New South Wales.
(4)  In determining whether a person has a significant interest in a landholder, a distribution of property to any person in the person’s capacity as the holder of a debt interest is to be disregarded.
(5)  In this section—
debt interest has the same meaning as it has in Division 974 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 of the Commonwealth.
person includes a landholder.
s 150: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [8]; 2010 No 118, Sch 1 [9] [10]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [23] [24].
151   How may an interest be “acquired”?
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, a person acquires an interest in a landholder if the person obtains an interest, or the person’s interest increases, in the landholder regardless of how it is obtained or increased.
(2)  Without limiting subsection (1), a person may acquire an interest in a landholder in the following ways—
(a)  the purchase, gift or issue of a unit or share,
(b)  the cancellation, redemption or surrender of a unit or share,
(c)  the abrogation or alteration of a right for a unit or share,
(d)  the payment of an amount owing for a unit or share,
(e)  if the person holds an interest in the landholder (whether or not as trustee for another person) and the capacity in which the person holds the interest changes (including if there is a change in the beneficial ownership of an interest held by a person as trustee).
Note—
For example, the capacity in which a person holds a unit or share in a landholder changes if the person declares a trust in respect of the unit or share.
(3)  To remove any doubt, it is declared that a person may acquire an interest in a landholder without acquiring units or shares in the landholder.
s 151: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
152   Acquisition statements
(1)  A person who has made a relevant acquisition must prepare a statement (an acquisition statement) and lodge it with the Chief Commissioner within 3 months after the relevant acquisition is made.
(2)  The acquisition statement is to be prepared in an approved form and must contain the following information—
(a)  the name and address of the person who has acquired the interest,
(b)  in relation to each interest acquired, the date on which it was acquired,
(c)  if the relevant acquisition results from the aggregation of the interests of associated persons, particulars of the interests acquired by the person and any associated persons on the date of the relevant acquisition,
(d)  particulars of the total interest of the person and any associated person in the landholder at that date.
(3)  The acquisition statement must also contain the following additional information—
(a)  the unencumbered value of all land holdings and goods in New South Wales of the landholder as at the date of the relevant acquisition and, if the landholder is a private landholder, as at the date of acquisition of each interest acquired in the landholder during the statement period,
(b)  such other information as the Chief Commissioner may require.
(4)  The additional information referred to in subsection (3) is not required in relation to any exempt acquisition.
(5)  The statement period is the period commencing 3 years before the date of the relevant acquisition and ending on the date of the relevant acquisition.
(6)  However, if the relevant acquisition is related to an acquisition of an interest in the landholder that was made before the start of that 3-year period (an earlier acquisition), the statement period is the period commencing on the date that earlier acquisition was made (or, if there is more than one, the first of them) and ending on the date of the relevant acquisition.
(7)  For the purposes of this section, a relevant acquisition is related to an earlier acquisition if it is made as a result of an arrangement entered into at the time of, or in connection with, the earlier acquisition.
Note—
In ascertaining whether or not a liability to lodge a statement under this section exists, it is necessary to have regard to provisions of Part 3 that deal with how a person may be taken to have acquired an interest in a landholder because of the interests in a linked entity.
s 152: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2014 No 19, Sch 1 [4].
153   When must duty be paid?
(1)  A tax default does not occur for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 if duty is paid within 3 months after the liability to pay the duty arises.
(2)  However, in the case of a relevant acquisition resulting from the application of section 161 (1) and (2AA) to an agreement to purchase or issue a share in a landholder, a tax default does not occur for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 if duty is paid within 3 months after the agreement is completed.
s 153: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [25].
154   Who is liable to pay the duty?
(1)  The following persons are jointly and severally liable to pay duty chargeable under this Part—
(a)  the person who makes the relevant acquisition,
(b)  the landholder or, if the landholder is a unit trust scheme, the trustee of the landholder,
(c)  if the relevant acquisition results from an aggregation of the interests of the person referred to in paragraph (a) and other persons—each of those other persons.
(2)  A person who pays an amount of duty chargeable under this Part is entitled to recover as a debt the amount paid (together with any penalty or interest paid by the person in respect of that duty) from another person who is jointly and severally liable to pay the duty, as follows—
(a)  the landholder or trustee of the landholder is entitled to recover from a person referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (c),
(b)  the person who makes the relevant acquisition is entitled to recover from the other persons referred to in subsection (1)(c) (but not from the landholder or trustee of the landholder) with recovery from each of those other persons limited to an amount that is proportionate to the interest of the other person,
(c)  a person referred to in subsection (1)(c) is not entitled to recover.
(3)  Any liability of a landholder, or the trustee of a landholder, to pay duty chargeable under this Part (together with any interest or penalty tax payable) is a charge on the land holdings of the landholder or trustee.
(4)  A charge created by this section gives the Chief Commissioner an interest in the land and, accordingly, the Chief Commissioner may lodge a caveat in respect of the land under the Real Property Act 1900 to protect that interest.
(5)  A caveat must be withdrawn when the amount of the duty for which the landholder or trustee is liable (together with any interest or penalty tax payable) has been paid.
(6)  Section 45(3) of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 (which relates to rights of contribution or indemnity between persons who are jointly and severally liable for duty) does not apply to joint and several liability under this section.
s 154: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Subst 2020 No 14, Sch 1[7].
155   How duty is charged on relevant acquisitions—private landholders
(1)  If an acquisition statement that discloses a relevant acquisition in a private landholder does not disclose any other acquisitions during the statement period, duty is chargeable, at the general rate, on the amount calculated by multiplying the unencumbered value of all land holdings and goods of the landholder in New South Wales (calculated at the date of acquisition of the interest acquired) by the proportion of that value represented by the interest acquired in the relevant acquisition.
(2)  If a relevant acquisition results from the aggregation of the interests of associated persons, the reference in subsection (1) to the interest acquired includes a reference to any interests acquired by associated persons on the same date.
(3)  If an acquisition statement disclosing a relevant acquisition in a private landholder also discloses one or more other acquisitions during the statement period, duty is chargeable, at the general rate, on the aggregate of amounts severally calculated, in the manner provided by subsection (1), in respect of each interest required to be disclosed in the statement.
(4)  Duty payable under this section is to be reduced by the sum of the duty paid or payable under this Act in respect of an acquisition, during the statement period, by the person or any associated person of an interest in the same landholder, but only in proportion to the extent to which the duty paid or payable is attributable to the amount of the duty payable under this section.
(5)  Duty payable under this section is to be reduced by the sum of the amounts severally calculated, in accordance with the following formula, in respect of each acquisition of an interest in the landholder made by the person, or an associated person, during the statement period—
 
where—
A is the unencumbered value of the land holdings and goods in New South Wales of the landholder at the time the acquisition was made, and
B is the unencumbered value of all property of the landholder at that time, and
C is the sum of—
(a)  the duty under this Act paid or payable in respect of—
(i)  a dutiable transaction in relation to the units or shares acquired, or
(ii)  a capital reduction or a rights alteration under Part 3 of Chapter 3 by which an interest in the landholder was acquired, or
(iii)  an allotment of shares under Part 5 of Chapter 3 by which an interest in the landholder was acquired, and
(b)  any duty of a like nature so paid or payable under a law of another Australian jurisdiction.
(6)  If a relevant acquisition is made owing to the aggregation of the interests of associated persons, but the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the associated persons acquired their respective interests independently, the Chief Commissioner may assess and charge duty on each separate acquisition without aggregating the interests of the person who made it with the interests of associated persons.
(7)  Duty is not chargeable under this section on the acquisition of an interest in a landholder that is required to be disclosed in an acquisition statement if the acquisition is an exempt acquisition.
(8)  This section is subject to Part 3.
s 155: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
156   How duty is charged on relevant acquisitions—public landholders
(1)  If an acquisition statement discloses a relevant acquisition in a public landholder, the duty chargeable on the relevant acquisition is 10% of the duty that would be chargeable, at the general rate, on a transfer of all the land holdings and goods of the landholder in New South Wales (calculated as if the transfer had occurred at the date of relevant acquisition).
(2)  For that purpose, the dutiable value of the land holdings and goods is the unencumbered value of land holdings and goods at the date of the relevant acquisition.
(3)  If an acquisition disclosed in an acquisition statement is an exempt acquisition, the duty chargeable under this section is to be calculated after deducting from the dutiable value of the land holdings and goods the proportion of that value represented by the value of the interest acquired in the exempt acquisition.
(4)  If the public landholder is a widely held trust, the duty payable under this section is also to be reduced by the following amounts (if applicable)—
(a)  the amount of duty under this Act paid or payable in respect of a dutiable transaction in relation to the units concerned,
(b)  the amount of any duty of a like nature so paid or payable under a law of another Australian jurisdiction.
(5)  If duty is chargeable in respect of a relevant acquisition made by a person in a public landholder, no duty is chargeable in respect of any further acquisition made by that person in that landholder.
(6)  This section is subject to Part 3.
s 156: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [9].
157   What is the “general rate” of duty?
For the purposes of this Chapter, the general rate is the rate of duty specified in section 32 for a transfer of dutiable property.
s 157: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
Part 2A Charging of duty on acquisitions made by trustees
ch 4, pt 2A (ss 157A–157C): Ins 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [10].
157A   Application of Part
(1)  This Part applies for the purposes of determining liability for duty under this Chapter where a person acquires or holds an interest in a landholder as bare trustee for another person.
(2)  In this Part, a bare trustee includes a custodian.
ch 4, pt 2A (ss 157A–157C): Ins 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [10].
157B   Beneficial owner—meaning
(1)  If a person who acquires or holds an interest in a landholder acquires or holds that interest as bare trustee for another person, the other person is a beneficial owner of that interest in the landholder.
(2)  If a person who is a beneficial owner of an interest in a landholder (whether as a result of subsection (1) or as a result of one or more applications of this subsection) holds that interest as bare trustee for another person, that other person is also a beneficial owner of that interest in the landholder.
(3)  For the purposes of this Part, the ultimate beneficial owner of an interest in a landholder is any beneficial owner of the interest in the landholder who does not hold that interest as bare trustee for another person.
ch 4, pt 2A (ss 157A–157C): Ins 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [10].
157C   Beneficial owners liable for duty on acquisitions in landholders
(1)  Any interest in a landholder that is acquired or held by a person (the legal owner) as bare trustee for another person is taken, for the purposes of this Chapter, to have been acquired by, or to be held by, the ultimate beneficial owner of the interest in the landholder, rather than the legal owner.
(2)  Accordingly, the ultimate beneficial owner of an interest acquired by the legal owner will be liable to lodge an acquisition statement, and to pay any duty chargeable under this Chapter, in respect of any relevant acquisition made as a result of that acquisition by the legal owner.
Note—
For example, A acquires an interest in a landholder as bare trustee for B. A is the legal owner and B is a beneficial owner of the interest in the landholder. B holds that interest as bare trustee for C. As a result, C is also a beneficial owner of the interest in the landholder acquired by A. If C does not hold the interest as bare trustee for another person, C is the ultimate beneficial owner of the interest and will be liable for any duty chargeable on the acquisition.
(3)  For the purpose of determining whether an acquisition is a relevant acquisition, section 149 applies as if a reference to a person who acquires or holds an interest in a landholder were a reference to the ultimate beneficial owner of the interest, rather than the legal owner.
(4)  That is, the acquisition is to be aggregated with other interests held by the ultimate beneficial owner of the interest or an associated person of the ultimate beneficial owner of the interest, rather than with other interests held by the legal owner or associated persons of the legal owner.
ch 4, pt 2A (ss 157A–157C): Ins 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [10].
Part 2B Charging of surcharge duty on acquisitions made by foreign persons
ch 4, pt 2B: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [32].
157D   Meaning of “residential land holding”
(1)  In this Part—
residential land holding means any land holding that is an interest in residential land (within the meaning of Chapter 2A).
(2)  For the purposes of charging duty under this Part in respect of a relevant acquisition in a landholder, a person is taken to be a foreign person if the person is a foreign person when the relevant acquisition is made.
ss 157D–157G: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [32].
157E   Circumstances in which surcharge duty is chargeable
Duty is chargeable under this Part on a relevant acquisition in a private landholder if—
(a)  the private landholder has any residential land holding in New South Wales, and
(b)  any person who makes the relevant acquisition (or, if a relevant acquisition results from the aggregation of interests of associated persons, any of the associated persons) is a foreign person on the date of the relevant acquisition.
ss 157D–157G: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [32].
157F   Relationship with Part 2
(1)  This Part charges duty in addition to any other duty chargeable under Part 2 on a relevant acquisition.
(2)  Part 2 applies in respect of duty charged by this Part, subject to this Part and any necessary modifications, in the same way as it applies in respect of duty charged by Part 2.
(3)  Sections 154–157 do not apply in respect of duty charged by this Part.
ss 157D–157G: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [32].
157G   Who is liable to pay the duty?
(1)  Duty chargeable under this Part is payable by any foreign person who makes the relevant acquisition, except as provided by subsection (2).
(2)  If a relevant acquisition results from an aggregation of the interests of associated persons, any foreign person who made the relevant acquisition and any associated person who is a foreign person is jointly and severally liable for payment of the duty.
ss 157D–157G: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [32].
157H   How duty is charged on relevant acquisitions by foreign persons
(1)  If an acquisition statement that discloses a relevant acquisition in a private landholder does not disclose any other acquisitions by a foreign person during the statement period, duty is chargeable, at 8% (the general surcharge rate), on the amount calculated by multiplying the unencumbered value of all residential land holdings of the landholder in New South Wales (calculated at the date of acquisition of the interest acquired) by the proportion of that value represented by the interest acquired in the relevant acquisition.
(2)  If a relevant acquisition results from the aggregation of the interests of associated persons who are foreign persons, the reference in subsection (1) to the interest acquired includes a reference to any interests acquired by any such associated persons on the same date.
(3)  If an acquisition statement disclosing a relevant acquisition in a private landholder also discloses one or more other acquisitions by a foreign person during the statement period, duty is chargeable, at the general surcharge rate, on the aggregate of amounts severally calculated, in the manner provided by subsection (1), in respect of each interest required to be disclosed in the statement that is an interest of a foreign person.
(4)  Duty payable under this Part is to be reduced by the sum of the duty paid or payable under this Part in respect of an acquisition, during the statement period, by the foreign person or any associated person who is a foreign person of an interest in the same landholder, but only in proportion to the extent to which the duty paid or payable is attributable to the amount of the duty payable under this Part.
(5)  Duty is not chargeable under this Part on the acquisition of an interest in a landholder that is required to be disclosed in an acquisition statement if the acquisition is an exempt acquisition.
s 157H: Ins 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [32]. Am 2017 No 33, Sch 2.1 [2].
Part 3 General principles to be applied under this Chapter
ch 4, pt 3: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
158   Meaning of “linked entity”
(1)  A linked entity of a private unit trust scheme or private company (a principal entity) means an entity (other than a public unit trust scheme or a listed company) that is part of a chain of entities—
(a)  that starts with the principal entity and is comprised of one or more links, and
(b)  in which one or both of the following apply—
(i)  at each link between 2 entities in the chain—one of the entities would be entitled, in the event of a distribution of all the property of the other entity (and without regard to any liabilities of any entity in the chain), to receive not less than 50% of the value of the property of the other entity,
(ii)  in the event of the distribution of all of the property of entities in the chain (except for the principal entity)—the principal entity would be entitled (without regard to any liabilities of any entity in the chain) to receive not less than 50% of the value of that property.
(2)  A linked entity of a public unit trust scheme or listed company (a principal entity) means an entity that is part of a chain of entities—
(a)  that starts with the principal entity and is comprised of one or more links, and
(b)  in which, at each link between 2 entities in the chain—one of the entities would be entitled, in the event of a distribution of all the property of the other entity (and without regard to any liabilities of any entity in the chain), to receive not less than 50% of the value of the property of the other entity.
(3)  For the purposes of this section—
(a)  a trust is to be regarded as entitled to receive property (whether as a principal entity or as a linked entity of a principal entity) if a trustee of the trust is entitled to receive the property in its capacity as a trustee, and
(b)  a partnership or other unincorporated body is to be regarded as entitled to receive property, as a linked entity of a principal entity, if a member of the partnership or other unincorporated body is entitled to receive the property as a member of the partnership or the other unincorporated body.
(4)  In this section and in section 158A—
entity means any of the following—
(a)  a corporation,
(b)  a unit trust scheme,
(c)  a trust,
(d)  a partnership or other unincorporated body.
(5)  In this section and in section 158A—
(a)  a reference to a trust includes a reference to a unit trust scheme, and
(b)  a reference to a trustee of a trust includes a reference to a custodian of the trustee of the trust in its capacity as custodian or a sub-custodian of the custodian of the trustee of the trust in its capacity as sub-custodian.
s 158: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [11] [12]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [24]. Subst 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [26].
158A   Constructive ownership of land holdings and other property through linked entities
(1)  In addition to any interest in land or other property that it may hold in its own right, a unit trust scheme, private company or listed company is taken, for the purposes of this Chapter, to hold an interest in land or other property held by a linked entity of the unit trust scheme or company.
(2)  The value, for duty purposes, of the interest in property that the unit trust scheme or company is taken, by this section, to hold because of a holding by a linked entity of the unit trust scheme or company is that portion of the interest’s unencumbered value to which the unit trust scheme or company would be entitled (without regard to any liabilities of the linked entity or any other entity in the chain) in the event of a distribution of all the property of each entity in the chain.
(3)  For the purposes of this section—
(a)  a trust is taken to hold an interest in property, as a linked entity of a principal entity, if a trustee of the trust holds the property in its capacity as a trustee, and
(b)  a partnership or other unincorporated body is taken to hold property, as a linked entity of a principal entity, if a member of the partnership or other unincorporated body holds the property as a member of the partnership or the other unincorporated body.
(4)  If a person holds property as a trustee, custodian or sub-custodian in relation to 2 or more trusts the person is to be treated as a separate person in relation to each of those trusts and the property held under each trust is to be treated as a separate property holding.
s 158A: Ins 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [26].
159   Constructive ownership of land holdings and other property: discretionary trusts
(1)  A person or a member of a class of persons in whose favour, by the terms of a discretionary trust, capital the subject of the trust may be applied—
(a)  in the event of the exercise of a power or discretion in favour of the person or class, or
(b)  in the event that a discretion conferred under the trust is not exercised,
is, for the purposes of this section, a beneficiary of the trust.
(2)  A beneficiary of a discretionary trust is taken to own or to be otherwise entitled to the property the subject of the trust.
(3)  For the purposes of this Chapter, any property that is the subject of a discretionary trust is taken to be the subject of any other discretionary trust—
(a)  that is, or
(b)  any trustee of which (in the capacity of trustee) is,
a beneficiary of it.
(4)  Subsection (3) extends to apply to property that is the subject of a discretionary trust only by the operation of that subsection.
(5)  In this section, person includes a landholder.
Note—
Discretionary trust is defined in the Dictionary.
s 159: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
159A   Inclusion of land holdings recently transferred or agreed to be transferred
(1)  For the purposes of determining whether a person who acquires an interest in a private unit trust scheme or private company makes a relevant acquisition, the land holdings of the unit trust scheme or company are taken to include any land holdings of the unit trust scheme or company, or of a linked entity of the unit trust scheme or company, that were recently transferred (or agreed to be transferred)—
(a)  to the person, or
(b)  to a person who is an associated person when the acquisition occurs and was an associated person when the transfer of the land holding occurred.
(2)  A land holding is recently transferred (or agreed to be transferred) if, within 12 months before the acquisition is made—
(a)  the land holding is transferred to the person, or
(b)  an agreement for the sale or transfer of the land holding to the person is entered into and the agreement is or is to be completed after the acquisition is made.
(3)  The duty payable under this Chapter in respect of the acquisition is to be reduced by the amount of ad valorem duty (if any) paid in respect of the transfer, or agreement for sale or transfer, under Chapter 2.
s 159A: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [16]. Am 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [27]–[29].
160   Agreements for sale or transfer of land
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, the transferor and the transferee under an uncompleted agreement for the sale or transfer of land are taken to be separately entitled to the whole of the land.
Note—
If duty is charged on an acquisition that relates to a land holding to which subsection (1) applies, the Chief Commissioner may defer payment of duty under section 47 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(2)  If—
(a)  at the time of acquisition of an interest by any person in a landholder that necessitates the lodgment of an acquisition statement under this Chapter, the landholder was the vendor under an uncompleted agreement for the sale or transfer of land, and
(b)  the agreement is subsequently completed,
the Chief Commissioner is to assess or reassess the statement as though the land the subject of the agreement was not, at the time of the acquisition concerned, a land holding of the landholder.
(2A)  Subsection (2) does not apply if section 159A applies in respect of the acquisition.
(3)  If—
(a)  at the time of acquisition of an interest by any person in a landholder that necessitates the lodgment of an acquisition statement under this Chapter, the landholder was the purchaser under an uncompleted agreement for the sale or transfer of land, and
(b)  the agreement is subsequently rescinded, annulled or otherwise terminated without completion,
the Chief Commissioner is to assess or reassess the statement as though the land the subject of the agreement was not, at the time of the acquisition concerned, a land holding of the landholder.
(3A)  In this section—
call option and put option have the same meanings as in Part 2 of Chapter 3.
transferee includes a person who, at the time of a relevant acquisition, was the grantor of a put option or grantee of a call option.
transferor includes a person who, at the time of a relevant acquisition, was the grantee of a put option or grantor of a call option.
uncompleted agreement includes an arrangement that includes both a put option and a call option.
(4)  In this section—
(a)  a reference to a landholder includes a reference to a linked entity of the landholder, and
(b)  a reference to a landholder, or linked entity of a landholder, that is a vendor or a purchaser is, in the case of a landholder or linked entity that is a unit trust scheme, a reference to a vendor or purchaser, as the case may be, acting in the capacity of a trustee of the unit trust scheme, and
(c)  a reference to a linked entity of a landholder that is a vendor or a purchaser is—
(i)  in the case of a linked entity that is a trust—a reference to a vendor or purchaser, as the case may be, acting in the capacity of a trustee of the trust, or
(ii)  in the case of a linked entity that is a partnership or other unincorporated body—a reference to a vendor or purchaser, as the case may be, acting as a member of the partnership or the other unincorporated body.
s 160: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [30]–[32].
161   Agreements for sale or issue of shares or units in landholder
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, if an agreement is made to purchase or issue a share or unit in a landholder, then, on and from the agreement liability date—
(a)  the purchaser or person to whom the unit or share is to be issued is taken to have an entitlement to a distribution of property of the landholder in the event of a distribution of all the property of the landholder (as if the purchase or interest acquired by the person were registered on the agreement liability date), and
(b)  in the case of an agreement to purchase a share or unit, the registered interest of the vendor in the unit or share is to be disregarded.
Note—
Accordingly, the purchaser or person to whom a share or unit is issued under an agreement for the sale or issue of a share or unit in a landholder acquires an interest in the landholder on the agreement liability date.
(2)  The agreement liability date is the date on which the following occurs (whichever occurs first)—
(a)  the agreement is completed,
(b)  the necessary transfer or title documents are delivered to the person acquiring the share or unit,
(c)  the consideration for the purchase or issue is paid,
(d)  the period of 12 months beginning on the date of first execution of the agreement, or such longer period as the Chief Commissioner may approve, expires.
(2AA)  Despite subsection (2), the agreement liability date is the date on which the agreement is made if the company or unit trust scheme concerned is a landholder on that date and is not a landholder on the agreement liability date as determined under that subsection.
(2A)  If—
(a)  at the time of acquisition of an interest by any person in a landholder that necessitates the lodgment of an acquisition statement under this Chapter, the person was the purchaser or person to whom a unit or share was to be issued under an uncompleted agreement for the purchase or issue of a share or unit in a landholder, and
(b)  the agreement is subsequently rescinded, annulled or otherwise terminated without completion,
the Chief Commissioner is to assess or reassess the statement on the basis that the purchaser or person to whom the unit or share was to be issued did not have an interest in the landholder as a result of the agreement.
(3)  This section does not apply in respect of shares or units in a landholder which is a listed company or a listed trust.
s 161: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [13]–[16]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [33].
162   Valuation of property
(1)  Subject to this Chapter, the provisions of this Act for ascertaining the value of transfers chargeable with ad valorem duty extend to an acquisition statement under this Chapter and the unencumbered value of land holdings and goods mentioned in it.
(2)  In determining the unencumbered value of land holdings or goods under this Chapter, any arrangement made in respect of the land holdings or goods that has the effect of reducing the unencumbered value is to be disregarded, subject to subsection (3).
(3)  An arrangement is not to be disregarded if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the arrangement was not made as part of an arrangement or scheme with a collateral purpose of reducing the duty otherwise payable in relation to the relevant acquisition.
(4)  In considering whether or not he or she is satisfied for the purposes of subsection (3), the Chief Commissioner may have regard to—
(a)  the duration of the arrangement before the relevant acquisition, and
(b)  whether the arrangement has been made with an associated person, and
(c)  whether there is any commercial efficacy to the making of the arrangement other than to reduce duty, and
(d)  any other matters the Chief Commissioner considers relevant.
s 162: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [17] [18].
163   Maximisation of entitlements on distribution of property
(1)  This section applies to any calculation, for the purposes of this Chapter, of the entitlement of a person (the interested person) to participate in a distribution of the property of a landholder.
(2)  A calculation is to be made based, firstly, on a distribution carried out in accordance with the constitution of the landholder, and with any law relevant to the distribution, as in force at the time of distribution, and the entitlement of the interested person is to be evaluated accordingly.
(3)  Next, a calculation is to be made based on a distribution carried out after the interested person, and any other person whom the interested person has power to direct with respect to such a distribution or who is, in relation to the interested person, an associated person, had exercised all powers and discretions exercisable by them by reason of having acquired an interest in the landholder concerned—
(a)  to effect or compel an alteration to the constitution of the landholder, and
(b)  to vary the rights conferred by units or shares in the landholder, and
(c)  to effect or compel the substitution or replacement of units or shares in the landholder with other units or shares in it,
in such a manner as would maximise the value of the entitlement, and the entitlement of the interested person is to be evaluated accordingly.
(4)  The results obtained by an evaluation of the interested person’s entitlement in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) are then to be compared, and whichever evaluation results in a greater entitlement is the correct evaluation, for the purposes of this Chapter, of the entitlement, unless the Chief Commissioner, being satisfied that the application of this subsection in the particular case would be inequitable, determines otherwise.
s 163: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [19].
Part 4 Exemptions and concessions
ch 4, pt 4: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
163A   General exemptions
(1)  An acquisition by a person of an interest in a landholder is an exempt acquisition—
(a)  if the interest was acquired in the person’s capacity as—
(i)  a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, or
(ii)  a liquidator, or
(iii)  an executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased person, or
(b)  if the interest was acquired solely as the result of the making of a compromise or arrangement with creditors under Part 5.1 of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth that has been approved by a court, or
(c)  if the interest concerned is acquired solely from a pro rata increase or decrease in the interests of all unit holders or shareholders, or
(d)  if the interest was acquired solely as the result of the distribution of the estate of a deceased person, whether effected in the ordinary course of execution of a will or codicil or administration of an intestate estate or as the result of the order of a court, made under Chapter 3 of the Succession Act 2006 or otherwise, varying the application of the provisions of a will or codicil or varying the application of the rules governing the distribution of the property of an intestate estate, or
(e)  if the land holding of the landholder comprises land used for primary production and the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that, had the landholder transferred the land to the person acquiring an interest as a result of the acquisition immediately before that acquisition, the transfer of the land would not be chargeable with duty under this Act because of the application of section 274, or
(f)  if the acquisition of an interest in a landholder would be chargeable with duty of $50 under section 54 or 54A if the property being acquired were land in New South Wales and the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the acquisition is not part of a scheme to avoid duty under this Chapter, or
(g)  if the interest concerned was acquired before the landholder held land in New South Wales, or
(h)  if the interest concerned is an interest in a private unit trust scheme acquired before 10 June 1987, or
(i)  if the interest concerned is an interest in a private company acquired before 21 November 1986, or
(j)  if the interest concerned is an interest in a private landholder acquired before 1 July 2009 and, at the time of its acquisition, the private landholder was not a land rich landholder within the meaning of Chapter 4A (as in force before its repeal by the State Revenue Legislation Further Amendment Act 2009), or
(k)  if the interest concerned is an interest in a public landholder acquired before 1 July 2009.
(2)  Without limiting subsection (1), an acquisition by a foreign person of an interest in a landholder is an exempt acquisition for the purposes of duty chargeable under Part 2B if the interest concerned is an interest in a private landholder acquired before 21 June 2016.
s 163A: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [20]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [33].
163B   Exemption—break-up of marriages and other relationships
(1)  An acquisition by a person of an interest in a landholder is an exempt acquisition—
(a)  if the interest was acquired by the parties to a marriage that is dissolved or annulled, or in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner has broken down irretrievably, or by either of them, or by a child or children of either of them or a trustee of such a child or children, as a result of a transfer made in accordance with—
(i)  a financial agreement made under section 90B, 90C or 90D of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth that, under that Act, is binding on the parties to the agreement, or
(ii)  an order of a court made under that Act, or
(iii)  an agreement that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied has been made for the purpose of dividing matrimonial property as a consequence of the dissolution, annulment or breakdown of the marriage, or
(b)  if the interest was acquired by the parties to a de facto relationship that has, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, broken down irretrievably, or by either of them, or by a child or children of either of them or a trustee of such a child or children, as a result of a transfer made in accordance with—
(i)  a financial agreement made under section 90UB, 90UC or 90UD of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth that, under that Act, is binding on the parties to the agreement, or
(ii)  an order of a court made under that Act, or
(c)  if the interest was acquired by the parties to a domestic relationship that has, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, been terminated, or by either of them, or by a child or children of either of them or a trustee of such a child or children, as a result of a transfer made in accordance with—
(i)  an order of a court made under the Property (Relationships) Act 1984, or
(ii)  a termination agreement within the meaning of section 44 of the Property (Relationships) Act 1984 that has been certified in accordance with section 47 of that Act, or
Note—
Domestic relationship (defined in the Dictionary) has the same meaning as in the Property (Relationships) Act 1984.
(d)  to the extent that—
(i)  for purposes of or ancillary to the acquisition of an interest referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c), the acquisition consists of the transfer of a share that is matrimonial property or relationship property to a person not a party to the relevant marriage or relationship, in order to comply with a requirement of or prescribed under the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth, or
(ii)  the acquisition consists of a declaration of trust by the transferee of a share transferred as referred to in subparagraph (i) for the benefit of a party to the marriage or relationship.
(2)  If—
(a)  duty was paid on the acquisition of matrimonial property by the parties to a marriage or by either of them, or by a child or children of either of them or a trustee of such a child or children, and
(b)  the interest acquired was acquired as a result of a transfer made in accordance with an agreement or order referred to in subsection (1) (a), and
(c)  the marriage has been dissolved or annulled or has broken down irretrievably,
the person who paid the duty is entitled to a refund of it.
(3)  If—
(a)  duty was paid on the acquisition of relationship property by the parties to a de facto relationship or by either of them, or by a child or children of either of them or a trustee of such a child or children, and
(b)  the interest acquired was acquired as a result of a transfer made in accordance with an agreement or order referred to in subsection (1) (b), and
(c)  the de facto relationship has broken down,
the person who paid the duty is entitled to a refund of it.
(4)  If—
(a)  duty was paid on the acquisition of relationship property by the parties to a domestic relationship or by either of them, or by a child or children of either of them or a trustee of such a child or children, and
(b)  the interest acquired was acquired as a result of a transfer made in accordance with an order or agreement referred to in subsection (1) (c), and
(c)  the domestic relationship has been terminated,
the person who paid the duty is entitled to a refund of it.
(5)  A party to a marriage, de facto relationship or domestic relationship may provide a declaration, in an approved form, to the Chief Commissioner to the effect that—
(a)  in the case of a marriage—
(i)  the party intends to apply for a dissolution or an annulment of the marriage, or
(ii)  the parties to the marriage have separated, and there is no reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed, or
(b)  in the case of a de facto relationship or domestic relationship, the relationship has broken down or been terminated.
(6)  The Chief Commissioner is required to have regard to any such declaration in exercising his or her functions under this section.
(7)  Subsection (6) does not limit the functions of the Chief Commissioner under section 72 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(7A)  This section applies in respect of vested bankruptcy property (within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth) of a party to a marriage or de facto relationship in the same way as it applies to matrimonial property or relationship property.
(8)  In this section—
marriage includes a void marriage.
matrimonial property means property in relation to the parties to a marriage or of either of them (within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth), including any property treated as property in relation to the parties or of either of them as a result of an order made under that Act.
party to a marriage includes a person who was a party to a marriage that has been dissolved or annulled, in Australia or elsewhere.
relationship property
(a)  in relation to a de facto relationship, means property in relation to the parties to the de facto relationship or of either of them (within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth), including any property treated as property in relation to the parties or of either of them as a result of an order made under that Act, or
(b)  in relation to a domestic relationship, means property of the parties to the relationship or of either of them.
s 163B: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [25]; 2014 No 19, Sch 1 [5]; 2017 No 25, Sch 2.4 [6]–[8].
163C   (Repealed)
s 163C: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Rep 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [17].
163D   Concession for primary producers—continuation of land rich requirement
(1)  Duty is chargeable under this Chapter in respect of an acquisition of an interest in a primary producer only if, when the acquisition is made, the primary producer is land rich.
(2)  For the purposes of this section, a primary producer is a landholder whose land holdings in all places, whether within or outside Australia, wholly or predominantly comprise land used for primary production or land that would be considered to be land used for primary production if it were land in New South Wales.
(3)  A primary producer is land rich if—
(a)  it has land holdings in New South Wales with an unencumbered value of $2,000,000 or more, and
(b)  its land holdings in all places, whether within or outside Australia, comprise 80% or more of the unencumbered value of all its property.
(4)  If at any time within the period of 5 years after an acquisition of an interest in a primary producer is made, the landholder in whom the acquisition is made ceases for any length of time to be a primary producer—
(a)  the person who made the acquisition must immediately notify the Chief Commissioner—
(i)  that the landholder has ceased to be a primary producer, and
(ii)  of the date on which the landholder ceased to be a primary producer, and
(b)  duty is chargeable under this Chapter in respect of the acquisition on the date on which the landholder ceased to be a primary producer, and
(c)  the Chief Commissioner must make an assessment of the duty so chargeable.
(5)  Property is not to be counted in calculating the unencumbered value of the property of a primary producer for the purposes of this section if the primary producer is unable to satisfy the Chief Commissioner that the property was obtained otherwise than to reduce, for the purposes of this Chapter, the ratio of its land holdings in all places, whether within or outside Australia, to the unencumbered value of all its property.
ss 163D–163F: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
163E   Concession for acquisitions securing financial accommodation
(1)  If the person lodging an acquisition statement under this Chapter in relation to the acquisition of an interest in a landholder—
(a)  informs the Chief Commissioner at the time the statement is lodged that the acquisition is effected for the purpose of securing financial accommodation, and
(b)  the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the acquisition is effected for that purpose,
the statement, in so far as it relates to that acquisition, is not chargeable with duty, except as provided by subsection (2).
(2)  The statement is chargeable with duty at the expiration of the period of 5 years after the date of the acquisition (or such longer period as may be determined by the Chief Commissioner in the particular case) if the interest concerned is not—
(a)  re-acquired by the person from whom it was acquired, or
(b)  in the case of an acquisition by way of mortgage, conveyed by the mortgagee to a third person in exercise of the mortgagee’s power of sale,
within that period (or that longer period).
(3)  A person is not required to lodge an acquisition statement with the Chief Commissioner in respect of a re-acquisition by the person of the interest concerned.
ss 163D–163F: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
163F   Concession for redemption and re-issue arrangements
(1)  This section applies if—
(a)  the trustee of a unit trust scheme that is a widely held trust redeems any units in the trust, and
(b)  the redemption is done for the purpose of re-issuing or re-offering the units for sale, and
(c)  as a result of the redemption, the scheme would, but for this section, cease to be a widely held trust because a unit holder, individually or together with any associated person, is entitled to more than 20% of the units in the trust.
(2)  For a period of 30 days beginning on and including the day on which the redemption occurs, the trust is taken to continue to be a widely held trust, but only if the trust continues to have not less than 300 unit holders none of whom, individually or together with any associated person, is entitled to more than 25% of the units of the trust.
(3)  If, at the end of that 30-day period, a unit holder, individually or together with any associated person, is entitled to more than 20% of the units in the unit trust scheme—
(a)  the trust is taken to have ceased to be a widely held trust from the beginning of that 30-day period (as if subsection (2) had never applied), and
(b)  the Chief Commissioner must make an assessment of the duty chargeable under this Act as if the unit trust scheme had ceased to be a widely held trust scheme at the beginning on that 30-day period, and
(c)  a tax default occurs for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 if the whole of any duty assessed under paragraph (b) is not paid to the Chief Commissioner within 3 months after the assessment.
ss 163D–163F: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
163FA   Concession for acquisitions in connection with persons changing superannuation funds
(1)  This section applies to a relevant acquisition that results wholly from a relevant transfer and occurs in connection with a person—
(a)  ceasing to be a member of, or otherwise ceasing to be entitled to benefits in respect of, a superannuation fund that is a complying superannuation fund or was a complying superannuation fund within the period of 12 months before the acquisition was made, and
(b)  becoming a member of, or otherwise becoming entitled to benefits in respect of, another superannuation fund that is also a complying superannuation fund or will, in the opinion of the trustees of both funds concerned, be a complying superannuation fund within 12 months after the acquisition is made.
(2)  For the purposes of this section, each of the following is a relevant transfer
(a)  a transfer of property from a trustee of a superannuation fund, or a custodian of the trustee, to the trustee of another superannuation fund, or to a custodian of the trustee of another superannuation fund,
(b)  a transfer of property from a trustee of a superannuation fund to a custodian of the trustee, or from a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund to the trustee,
(c)  a transfer of a share or a unit in a unit trust scheme from the trustee of a pooled superannuation trust, made in exchange for a redemption of units in the trust, to the trustee of a superannuation fund, or a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund,
(d)  a transfer of a share or a unit in a unit trust scheme from the trustee of a superannuation fund, or a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund, made in exchange for the issue of units in a pooled superannuation trust, to a trustee of the pooled superannuation trust,
(e)  a transfer of a share or a unit in a unit trust scheme from a life company or custodian for a life company to the trustee of a superannuation fund or a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund if the transfer is made in consideration of the surrender or termination, by the trustee of the superannuation fund of which the person has ceased to be a member, of a policy of life insurance issued by the life company,
(f)  a transfer of a share or a unit in a unit trust scheme from the trustee of a superannuation fund or a custodian of the trustee of a superannuation fund to a life company or custodian for a life company if the transfer is made in consideration of the issue, by the life company, of a policy of life insurance to the trustee of the superannuation fund of which the person has become a member.
(3)  The duty chargeable under this Chapter on a relevant acquisition to which this section applies is $500.
(4)  In this section, complying superannuation fund includes a complying approved deposit fund and an eligible rollover fund.
s 163FA: Ins 2011 No 50, Sch 1 [3].
163G   Significant holdings in goods
If the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the unencumbered value of all goods in New South Wales of a landholder comprises not less than 90% of the total unencumbered value of all land holdings and goods in New South Wales of a landholder, the Chief Commissioner may disregard the value of the goods in determining the duty chargeable under this Chapter.
s 163G: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
163H   Discretion to grant exemption or concession
(1)  The Chief Commissioner may, if satisfied that the application of this Chapter to an acquisition in a particular case would not be just and reasonable—
(a)  grant a full exemption in respect of the acquisition, or
(b)  grant a partial exemption in respect of the acquisition.
(2)  If the Chief Commissioner grants a full exemption in respect of the acquisition, the acquisition is an exempt acquisition.
(3)  If the Chief Commissioner grants a partial exemption in respect of the acquisition, the Chief Commissioner may make any reduction in the duty chargeable in respect of the acquisition that the Chief Commissioner considers just and reasonable in the circumstances.
s 163H: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
Part 5 Interpretation
ch 4, pt 5: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
163I   Meaning of expressions used in this Chapter
(1)  In this Chapter—
acquisition statement—see section 152.
exempt acquisition means—
(a)  an exempt acquisition under Part 4, or
(b)  an acquisition of an interest in a landholder that is not chargeable with duty because of Chapter 11.
landholder has the meaning given by section 146.
private landholder—see section 146.
public landholder—see section 146.
statement period—see section 152.
Note—
Other expressions are defined in the Dictionary.
(2)  To avoid doubt, in this Chapter, property includes money, and a reference to a distribution of property includes a reference to the payment of money.
s 163I: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [21].
163J   (Repealed)
s 163J: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [26].
163K   Goods of a landholder
(1)  In this Chapter—
goods does not include the following—
(a)  goods that are stock-in-trade,
(b)  materials held for use in manufacture,
(c)  goods under manufacture,
(d)  goods held or used in connection with land used for primary production,
(e)  livestock,
(f)  a registered motor vehicle,
(g)  a ship or vessel.
(2)  For the purposes of this Chapter, goods are goods of a landholder if the landholder has any interest in the goods, other than an interest as mortgagee, chargee or other secured creditor.
(3)  Goods are goods of a unit trust scheme only to the extent that the interest in the goods is held by the trustee of the unit trust scheme in its capacity as trustee of the scheme, by a custodian of the trustee of the unit trust scheme in its capacity as custodian or by a sub-custodian of the custodian of the trustee of the unit trust scheme in its capacity as sub-custodian.
(4)  Goods are not goods of a company if the interest the company has in the goods is held on trust and the company is not a beneficiary of the trust.
s 163K: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. Am 2009 No 91, Sch 1 [22]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [27].
163L   Meaning of “unit trust scheme”
Without limiting the meaning of unit trust scheme in the Dictionary, the following are taken to be unit trust schemes for the purposes of this Chapter—
(a)  a managed investment scheme,
(b)  any sub-trust of a unit trust scheme (as defined in the Dictionary) or a managed investment scheme.
s 163L: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2].
Chapters 4A–6
163M–203  (Repealed)
ch 4A: Rep 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2]. For information concerning Chapter 4A before the commencement of 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [2] see the Historical table of amendments in the Legislative history.
s 164 (previously s 163): Am 2001 No 39, Sch 2 [3]. Renumbered 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [5]. Am 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [6]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [17].
ch 5: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
ch 5, pt 1: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 164: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 164A (previously s 164): Am 2001 No 39, Sch 2 [4] [5]. Renumbered 2004 No 96, Sch 1 [5]. Am 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [18]. Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 165: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 166: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [35]; 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [9]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [12] [13]; 2009 No 56, Sch 2.14. Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
ss 167–169: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
ch 5, pt 2: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 170: Am 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [14]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [19]. Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 171: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
ch 5, pt 3: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 172: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 173: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [36]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [21]. Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 174: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [10]. Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 175: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
ch 5, pt 4: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 176: Am 2004 No 96, Sch 2 [22]. Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 177: Am 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [20] [21]. Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 178: Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
s 179: Am 2001 No 39, Sch 2 [6]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [15]–[18]; 2004 No 33, Sch 5.1 [7]–[9]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [22]. Rep 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [28].
ch 6: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
ch 6, note: Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [24]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
ch 6, pt 1: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 180: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 181: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [37]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
ss 182–185: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 186: Am 2001 No 39, Sch 2 [7]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 187: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 188: Am 2001 No 39, Sch 2 [8]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 189: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 190: Am 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [36]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 191: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [38]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 192: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 193: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [11]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
ch 6, pt 2: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 194: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 195: Am 2001 No 39, Sch 2 [9] [10]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 196: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [12]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 197: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 198: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 199: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [27]; 2001 No 39, Sch 2 [11] [12]. Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
s 200: Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
ch 6, pt 3 (ss 201–203): Rep 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [23].
Chapter 7 Mortgages
Part 1 Introduction and overview
203A   Abolition of mortgage duty
(1)  Mortgage duty is abolished on and from 1 July 2016 (the abolition date).
(1A)    (Repealed)
(2)  However, mortgage duty remains chargeable, and this Chapter continues to apply, in respect of the following—
(a)  a mortgage first executed before the abolition date (including any advances or further advances made in respect of the mortgage before that date),
(b)  an instrument of security referred to in section 208 (3) that first affects land in New South Wales before the abolition date,
(c)  an instrument of security referred to in section 208 (3A) that first affects relevant property in New South Wales before the abolition date,
(d)  an instrument that first becomes a mortgage or evidences the terms of a mortgage, as referred to in section 208 (4), before the abolition date.
(3)  A mortgage does not become liable to the additional duty referred to in section 208 (2) in respect of an advance or further advance that is made on or after the abolition date (even if the mortgage was first executed before that date).
s 203A: Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [25]. Am 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [2]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [14]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [18] [19]; 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [11].
204   Imposition of duty
This Chapter charges duty on instruments that fall within the definition of a mortgage. Duty chargeable under this Chapter is called mortgage duty.
Notes—
(1)   
Mortgage duty is calculated, in most cases, according to “the amount secured by the mortgage”. Contingent liabilities may also be included. This is dealt with in Part 2.
(2)   
Ad valorem duty is only chargeable on one of a package of mortgages securing the same advance. This is dealt with in section 214.
(3)   
Provision is also made for the apportionment, for duty purposes, of the amount secured by any mortgage over property in different Australian jurisdictions. This is dealt with in section 216.
s 204: Am 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [13]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [1]–[3].
205   What is a mortgage?
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, an instrument is a mortgage if it is—
(a)  a security by way of mortgage or charge over property wholly or partly in New South Wales at the liability date, or
(b)    (Repealed)
(c)  a security by way of a transfer or conveyance of any property in New South Wales that is held in trust to be sold or otherwise converted into money, redeemable before such a sale or conversion either by express stipulation or otherwise, except where the transfer or conveyance is made for the benefit of creditors who accept the transfer or conveyance in full satisfaction of debts owed to them, or
(d)  an instrument that, on the deposit of documents of title to property in New South Wales or instruments creating a charge on property in New South Wales, becomes a mortgage or evidences the terms of a mortgage.
(2)  Clause 22A of Schedule 1 to the Personal Property Securities (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2009 does not apply, and is taken to have never applied, in respect of this Chapter.
Note—
Certain instruments that would otherwise be caught by this definition are exempted under Part 4.
s 205: Am 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [14] [15]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [8].
206   What is an advance?
In this Chapter, advance means the provision or obtaining of funds by way of financial accommodation, by means of—
(a)  a loan, being—
(i)  an advance of money, or
(ii)  the payment of money for or on account of, or on behalf of, or at the request of, any person, or
(iii)  a forbearance to require the payment of money owing on any account whatever, or
(iv)  any transaction (whatever its terms or form) that in substance effects a loan of money, or
(b)  a bill facility, being one or more agreements, understandings or arrangements as a consequence of which a bill of exchange or promissory note—
(i)  is drawn, accepted, endorsed or made, and
(ii)  is held, negotiated or discounted to obtain funds,
whether or not the funds are obtained from the person who draws, accepts, endorses or makes the bill of exchange or promissory note and whether or not the funds are obtained from a person who is a party to any such agreement,
and includes contingent liabilities of the kind referred to in section 215.
s 206: Am 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [16].
207   Who is liable to pay the duty?
The person liable to pay mortgage duty is the mortgagor or the person bound.
s 207: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [39].
208   When does a liability arise?
(1)  A mortgage becomes liable to duty on the date of its first execution.
(2)  A mortgage becomes liable to additional duty on the making of an advance or further advance if, as a result of that advance or further advance, the amount secured by the mortgage exceeds the amount secured by the mortgage at the time a liability to duty last arose under this Act.
Note—
Section 219 exempts some further advances from duty.
(3)  An instrument of security that does not affect property in New South Wales at the date of first execution but that affects land in New South Wales at any time within 12 months after that date becomes liable to duty as a mortgage on the date on which it first affects the land, unless it is exempt from duty.
(3A)  An instrument of security that does not affect property in New South Wales at the date of first execution but that, at any time after execution, affects relevant property in New South Wales identified in the instrument or identified under an arrangement in place when the instrument was first executed, becomes liable to duty on the date it first affects that property, unless it is exempt from duty.
(4)  An instrument that, on the deposit of documents of title to property in New South Wales or instruments creating a charge on property in New South Wales, becomes a mortgage or evidences the terms of a mortgage becomes liable to duty as a mortgage on the deposit of the documents or instruments.
(5)  A reference in subsection (3) to land does not include a reference to an interest in land that is held by way of security.
(6)  For the purposes of this section, relevant property means any property, excluding land and the following kinds of property—
(a)  a marketable security that is quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange,
(b)  an interest in a marketable security referred to in paragraph (a), or an interest in a marketable security if the interest is quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange,
(c)  an interest in a unit trust scheme, being a unit trust scheme in respect of which units in the scheme have been issued to the public and 50 or more persons are beneficially entitled to units in the scheme,
(d)  property the Chief Commissioner is satisfied is of a similar nature to property referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).
s 208: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [40]; 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [28]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [17] [18]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [19]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [26] [27]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [4] [5]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [3].
209   When must duty be paid?
A tax default does not occur for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act 1996 if duty is paid within 3 months after the liability to pay the duty arises.
s 209: Rep 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [19].
210   How is mortgage duty charged?
(1)  The amount of duty chargeable on a mortgage is calculated by reference to the amount secured by it at the liability date, as determined under Part 2.
(2)  The amount of duty is—
(a)  $5.00, if no amount is secured by the mortgage or the amount secured by the mortgage is not more than $16,000, or
(b)  if the amount secured by the mortgage is more than $16,000—$5.00, plus a further $4.00 for every $1,000, or part, by which the amount secured exceeds $16,000.
(3)  The amount of duty chargeable on the mortgage at a liability date is to be reduced by the amount of ad valorem duty (if any) for which the mortgage has already been duly stamped under this Act.
(4)  No refund of duty is payable because the amount of ad valorem duty for which a mortgage has already been duly stamped under this Act exceeds the duty chargeable under subsection (2) on the amount secured by the mortgage at a liability date.
s 210: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [29]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [20]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [28]–[30]; 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [3]–[5]. Subst 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [6].
211   Consequences of non-payment of duty
A mortgage on which duty is required by this Chapter to be paid is unenforceable to the extent of any amount secured by the mortgage on which duty has not been paid.
s 211: Am 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [21]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [31]. Subst 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [7].
212   Where is property located?
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, property in the following forms is taken to be located in the place specified—
(a)  shares in or securities of a body corporate—
(i)  in the case of a company within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth—in the place where the company is taken to be registered for the purposes of that Act, or
(ii)  in any other case—in the place of incorporation of the body corporate,
(b)  units in a unit trust scheme—
(i)  in the place where the register on which the units are registered is kept, or
(ii)  in the place of residence of the manager of the unit trust scheme, if the register on which the units are registered is not kept in Australia,
(c)  debt securities of a Government of a State or Territory of the Commonwealth—in the State or Territory concerned.
(2)  Subsection (1) (a) is declared to be a Corporations legislation displacement provision for the purposes of section 5G of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth in relation to section 1070A (4) of that Act.
s 212: Am 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [14]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [22].
Part 2 Calculating the amount secured by a mortgage
213   Amount secured by mortgage
(1)  For the purposes of this Chapter, the amount secured by a mortgage is the amount of any advances made under an agreement, understanding or arrangement for which the mortgage is security (even if the amount of advances made exceeds the amount of advances recoverable under the mortgage).
(2)  A reference in this Chapter to an advance secured by or made under a mortgage includes a reference to any advance made under an agreement, understanding or arrangement for which the mortgage is security (whether or not the advance is recoverable under the mortgage).
(3)  To avoid doubt, an advance made under an agreement, understanding or arrangement includes any advance made as a consequence of a variation to that agreement, understanding or arrangement.
s 213: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [41]. Subst 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [22]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [32]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [8].
214   Mortgage packages
(1)  The Chief Commissioner must, at the liability date for a mortgage, assess the mortgage, together with any other instruments of security, as a mortgage package if the mortgage and other instruments secure or partly secure the same money.
(2)  This section applies regardless of when the other instruments of security were first executed.
(3)  Duty on a mortgage package is to be assessed under this Part as if the instruments comprising the mortgage package, to the extent that they secure the same moneys, were a single mortgage.
(4)  One of the mortgages in the mortgage package is to be stamped, or upstamped, with any ad valorem duty paid under this Act for the mortgage package and each other mortgage in the mortgage package is to be stamped as a collateral mortgage.
(5)  If any of the mortgages in the mortgage package partly secures other moneys, that mortgage is to continue to be treated as a separate mortgage under this Chapter in respect of the other moneys that it secures and may be stamped for the duty chargeable in respect of those other moneys.
s 214: Rep 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [22]. Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [32]. Subst 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [8].
215   Contingent liabilities
(1)  A mortgage that is used or is capable of being used (whether directly or through a chain of relationships) to recover the whole or any part of an amount contingently payable in connection with an advance—
(a)  by a guarantor or indemnifying party under a guarantee or indemnity, or
(b)  by another party under another instrument of a different kind,
is liable to duty as if the amount of the contingent liability under the guarantee, indemnity or other instrument (or, where there is more than one guarantee, indemnity or other instrument, the greatest contingent liability) were a separate advance made under the agreement, understanding or arrangement for which the mortgage is security.
(2)  In the case of a mortgage that is part of a chain of relationships referred to in subsection (1), a reference in that subsection to a contingent liability is a reference to a contingent liability limited to the amount of any advance by any party in the chain, and does not include a reference to any other kind of contingent liability.
(3)  This section does not apply if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that there is no connection between the mortgage and any advance by any party to the arrangements.
(4)  Nothing in this section requires duty to be paid more than once in respect of an advance.
s 215: Am 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [9].
216   Mortgages over property not wholly within New South Wales
(1)  Mortgage duty is to be assessed for a mortgage over property that is partly within and partly outside New South Wales as if the amount secured by the mortgage were only the dutiable proportion.
(2)  The dutiable proportion is to be calculated in accordance with the following formula—
 
where—
DP is the dutiable proportion.
AS is the amount secured by the mortgage on which duty would, but for this section, be charged at the liability date.
V is the value of the property in New South Wales affected by the mortgage.
T is the value of all property affected by the mortgage.
(3)  The dutiable proportion is to be calculated by reference to any relevant document that provides, or relevant documents that together provide, the value of all property affected by the mortgage, subject to this section.
(4)  A relevant document is any of the following prepared within 12 months before the liability date for the mortgage—
(a)  an independent valuation of the secured property,
(b)  a statement of the mortgagee based on information obtained by the mortgagee in deciding to make the advance to the mortgagor,
(c)  property valuations used by the mortgagor in preparing an annual return to be lodged under the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth,
(d)  a financial report of the mortgagor or a group of which the mortgagor is a member, certified by an independent auditor as presenting a true and fair view of a corporation’s or group’s financial position,
(e)  agreed property valuations that form the basis of the mortgagor’s insurance policies,
(f)  another document the Chief Commissioner considers to be appropriate for calculating the dutiable proportion.
(5)  If more than one relevant document is available for determining the value of the same property, the Chief Commissioner is to give preference to the most recently prepared document, subject to this section.
(6)  If a mortgagor is a member of a group, and a financial report comprising the consolidated accounts of the group is available, and is a relevant document, the dutiable proportion is to be calculated primarily by reference to that relevant document, unless the Chief Commissioner does not consider it appropriate to do so. In such a case, the only debt or equity to be taken into account in calculating the dutiable proportion is the debt and equity as disclosed in that financial report.
(7)    (Repealed)
s 216: Subst 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [23]. Am 2004 No 67, Sch 1 [19]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [33] [34]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [10] [11]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [29].
216A   Calculation of dutiable proportion—goodwill and intellectual property
For the purposes of this Chapter, if the property secured by a mortgage includes the goodwill of a business or intellectual property, the goodwill or intellectual property is taken to be property in New South Wales to the extent that it would have comprised a business asset under Chapter 2 if it had been transferred to the mortgagor immediately before the liability date, which has a value equivalent to the dutiable value of such a transfer.
s 216A: Ins 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [30].
217   Collateral mortgages—minimum duty
A collateral mortgage is chargeable with a minimum duty of $50.
s 217: Subst 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [23]. Am 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [35] [36]. Subst 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [12].
217A, 218   (Repealed)
s 217A: Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [37]. Rep 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [12].
s 218: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [42]; 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [16]. Subst 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [23]. Am 2005 No 111, Sch 1 [10]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [38]. Rep 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [13].
218A   Security
(1)  A stamped mortgage or a collateral mortgage that was, but is no longer, part of the same mortgage package and no longer secures the same money secured by that package is not security for any other advance unless duty in respect of the other advance has been paid.
(2)  The withdrawal of a mortgage from a mortgage package will not, for the purposes of this Chapter, affect the amount for which the remaining mortgage or mortgages are security.
s 218A: Ins 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [23].
218B, 218BA   (Repealed)
s 218B: Ins 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [23]. Am 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [20]–[22]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [39]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [12]. Rep 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [14].
s 218BA: Ins 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [40]. Am 2007 No 82, Sch 2.4; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [15]. Rep 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [14].
218C   Multi-jurisdictional statement
(1)  If mortgage duty is imposed on the dutiable proportion of a mortgage (whether for a mortgage over property not wholly in New South Wales, a mortgage package or on initial or subsequent advances), the mortgagor and mortgagee must, within 3 months after the liability arises—
(a)  make a written statement, in an approved form, about the location and value of the secured property, and
(b)  lodge the statement with the Chief Commissioner.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
Note—
An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 121 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(2)  The making and lodging of a statement under subsection (1) by either the mortgagor or the mortgagee relieves the other person from complying with that subsection.
(3)  The statement may be taken to be the mortgage, or mortgages comprising the mortgage package.
s 218C: Ins 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [23]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.9 [2].
Part 3 Duty concessions
218D   Concession for advances charged with duty under corresponding Acts
(1)  If the total of the amount of ad valorem duty chargeable under this Act in respect of the amount secured by a mortgage at a liability date and the amount of duty paid under a corresponding Act in respect of the mortgage exceeds the maximum duty charge in respect of the mortgage, the amount of ad valorem duty chargeable on the mortgage at the liability date is to be reduced by the amount necessary to ensure that the maximum duty charge is not exceeded.
(2)  The maximum duty charge in respect of the mortgage is the amount of ad valorem duty that would be chargeable in respect of the amount secured by the mortgage at the liability date if—
(a)  it were a single mortgage over property wholly within New South Wales (that is, disregarding section 216), and
(b)  it had not previously been stamped under this Act for any ad valorem duty.
(3)  The amount of duty paid under a corresponding Act in respect of the mortgage is the total of all ad valorem duty already paid in respect of the amount secured by the mortgage under any corresponding Act.
(4)  If a mortgage has already been duly stamped under this Act for an amount of duty, any reduction in the amount of duty chargeable on the mortgage at the liability date that is made under section 210 (3) is to be made after making any reduction required by this section.
(5)  To avoid doubt, this section extends to a mortgage package assessed as a single mortgage.
s 218D: Ins 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [15].
219   Additional advances of not more than $10,000 in 12 months
Duty is not chargeable on additional advances secured by or under a mortgage if the total of the additional advances so secured does not exceed $10,000 in any 12-month period, not being the period of 12 months following the making of the initial advance.
220   Refinancing of loans
(1)  In this section—
land used for aquaculture means land subject to an aquaculture permit (within the meaning of the Fisheries Management Act 1994).
refinancing mortgage means a mortgage that—
(a)  secures the amount of the balance outstanding under an earlier mortgage that is discharged or to be discharged as part of the arrangements for the new mortgage, and
(b)  is created to secure an advance to the same borrower as under the earlier mortgage, and
(c)  is over the same or substantially the same property or part of the property as the earlier mortgage.
(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), mortgages are created to secure an advance to the same borrower if, either directly by the mortgages themselves or indirectly through one or more collateral arrangements, the same person obtains the advances secured by them.
(3)  A refinancing mortgage is taken to have been stamped with ad valorem duty as a mortgage in respect of the duty-free refinancing amount, except as provided by subsection (5).
(3A)  For the purposes of this section, the duty-free refinancing amount is the lesser of the following amounts—
(a)  the amount secured by the earlier mortgage on which duty has been paid under this Act or in relation to which an exemption from duty has been obtained,
(b)  $1,000,000.
(3B)  However, if the refinancing mortgage is over land used for primary production or land used for aquaculture, the duty-free refinancing amount is the maximum amount payable under or secured by the earlier mortgage (being an amount in relation to which mortgage duty has been paid or in relation to which an exemption from duty has been obtained).
Note—
“Land used for primary production” is defined in the Dictionary.
(4)  If an advance is refinanced by more than one lender, so that mortgages given to the lenders together secure the balance outstanding under an earlier mortgage, the definition of refinancing mortgage in subsection (1) is to be construed as though—
(a)  the reference to a mortgage securing the outstanding balance were a reference to the aggregate of such mortgages, and
(b)  the reference to property were a reference to the property securing the aggregate of refinancing advances made by the lenders under their combined mortgages, to the intent that, if the requirements of the definition, as so construed, are satisfied, each lender is taken, for the purposes of this section, to be the holder of a refinancing mortgage.
(5)  If, as provided by subsection (4), each of a number of lenders is the holder of a refinancing mortgage, a refinancing mortgage held by each lender is taken to have been duly stamped with ad valorem duty as a mortgage in respect of an amount equal to the same proportion of the duty-free refinancing amount as the amount secured by that mortgage bears to the total amount secured by the refinancing mortgages held by all the lenders.
(6)  If each of two or more refinancing mortgages severally secures the same advance—
(a)  the provisions of subsection (3) or (5), as the case may be, apply to such one of the mortgages as the Chief Commissioner determines, and
(b)  no duty is chargeable in respect of any of the others.
(7)    (Repealed)
(8)  Duty at the rate of $4 per $1,000 or remaining part of $1,000 is payable on the amount by which the advance made under a refinancing mortgage (not being a mortgage on which, by virtue of subsection (6) (b), no duty is chargeable) exceeds—
(a)  the duty-free refinancing amount, or
(b)  the proportion of that amount referred to in subsection (5), in the case of a refinancing to which subsection (4) applies.
(8A)  If a borrower is a related body corporate of a borrower under an earlier mortgage, the firstmentioned borrower is taken to be the same borrower or the same person for the purposes of subsection (1) or (2).
(9)  If a borrower under an earlier mortgage dies, or is a party to a marriage that has been dissolved or annulled or, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, has broken down irretrievably or is party to a de facto relationship that, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, has been terminated, the remaining borrower is, or the remaining borrowers are, taken to be the same borrower or the same person for the purposes of subsection (1) or (2).
(10)  A party to a marriage or de facto relationship may provide a statement to the Chief Commissioner, in the form of a statutory declaration, to the effect that—
(a)  in the case of a marriage—
(i)  the party intends to apply for a dissolution or an annulment of the marriage, or
(ii)  the parties to the marriage have separated, and there is no reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed, or
(b)  in the case of a de facto relationship, the de facto relationship has been terminated.
The Chief Commissioner is required to have regard to any such statement in exercising his or her functions under subsection (9).
(11)  Subsection (10) does not limit the functions of the Chief Commissioner under section 72 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
s 220: Am 1999 No 10, Sch 2 [17]; 2001 No 96, Sch 1 [14]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [24]–[27]; 2005 No 42, Sch 1 [4]–[7]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [16].
221   (Repealed)
s 221: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [43] [44]; 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [13]; 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [44]; 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [19]. Subst 2004 No 33, Sch 1 [8]. Am 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [6]. Rep 2011 No 43, Sch 1 [14].
Part 3A Exemptions for mortgages associated with housing
ch 7, pt 3A: Ins 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [7].
221A   Definitions
In this Part—
alterations or additions, in relation to a private dwelling house, includes—
(a)  any improvements to the parcel of land on which the dwelling house is constructed, and
(b)  the maintenance, repair or renovation of the dwelling house or of an improvement referred to in paragraph (a).
APRA reporting standard means a reporting standard determined by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority under section 13 of the Financial Sector (Collection of Data) Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
private dwelling house includes—
(a)  a lot within the meaning of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, and
(b)  a land use entitlement that entitles the holder of the land use entitlement to occupy a private dwelling house.
residential land means a parcel of vacant land that is zoned or otherwise designated for use under an environmental planning instrument (within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) for residential or principally for residential purposes.
s 221A: Ins 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2015 No 50, Sch 4.9; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [34].
221B   Mortgages associated with owner occupied housing
(1)  Mortgage duty is not chargeable in respect of a mortgage if the mortgage secures an advance or advances made for the purpose of owner occupied housing and no other advances.
(2)  If a mortgage secures an advance made for the purpose of owner occupied housing and another advance that is not made for that purpose, mortgage duty is not chargeable in respect of the mortgage in relation to the amount advanced for the purpose of owner occupied housing.
(3)  This section applies in respect of a mortgage only if the borrower under the mortgage is a natural person or, if there is more than one borrower, each of them is a natural person.
(4)  An advance is made for the purpose of owner occupied housing if it is to be applied wholly or predominantly for one or more of the following purposes—
(a)  financing the acquisition of a residence,
(b)  financing the construction of a residence,
(c)  financing alterations or additions to a residence,
(d)  financing the acquisition of residential land,
(e)  repaying another advance, if the advance to be repaid was made for the purpose of owner occupied housing (within the meaning of this section).
(5)  For the purposes of this section, a residence is a private dwelling house that is used and occupied or intended to be used and occupied by the borrower, or by any of the borrowers, as a place of residence.
(6)  To avoid doubt, an exemption provided for by this section is not available in respect of any advance that is to be applied wholly or predominantly for business or investment purposes (or both).
(7)  The Chief Commissioner may, by written instrument, determine the criteria that may be applied by lenders for the purpose of establishing that the exemption provided for by this section applies in respect of an advance.
(8)  Without limiting subsection (7), the Chief Commissioner may determine that an advance is taken to be made for the purpose of owner occupied housing if it meets criteria set out in any APRA reporting standard relating to housing finance that is specified by the Chief Commissioner to be applicable to the exemption under this section.
(9)  A determination made by the Chief Commissioner under this section—
(a)  may be varied or revoked by the making of a further determination, and
(b)  has effect according to its tenor.
(10)  The exemption provided for by this section takes effect on and from 1 September 2007.
s 221B: Ins 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [7].
221C   Mortgages associated with investment housing
(1)  Mortgage duty is not chargeable in respect of a mortgage if the mortgage secures an advance or advances made for the purpose of investment housing and no other advances.
(2)  If a mortgage secures an advance made for the purpose of investment housing and another advance that is not made for that purpose, mortgage duty is not chargeable in respect of the mortgage in relation to the amount advanced for the purpose of investment housing.
(3)  This section applies in respect of a mortgage only if the borrower under the mortgage is a natural person or, if there is more than one borrower, each of them is a natural person.
(4)  An advance is made for the purpose of investment housing if it is to be applied wholly or predominantly for one or more of the following purposes—
(a)  financing the acquisition of investment housing,
(b)  financing the construction of investment housing,
(c)  financing alterations or additions to investment housing,
(d)  repaying another advance, if the advance to be repaid was made for the purposes of investment housing (within the meaning of this section).
(5)  For the purposes of this section, investment housing is any private dwelling house that is used, or is intended to be used or sold, for investment or business purposes (or both) by the borrower or by any of the borrowers.
(6)  The Chief Commissioner may, by written instrument, determine the criteria that may be applied by lenders for the purpose of establishing that the exemption provided for by this section applies in respect of an advance.
(7)  Without limiting subsection (6), the Chief Commissioner may determine that an advance is taken to be made for the purpose of investment housing if it meets criteria set out in any APRA reporting standard relating to personal or commercial finance that is specified by the Chief Commissioner to be applicable to the exemption under this section.
(8)  A determination made by the Chief Commissioner under this section—
(a)  may be varied or revoked by the making of a further determination, and
(b)  has effect according to its tenor.
(9)  The exemption provided for by this section takes effect on and from 1 July 2008.
s 221C: Ins 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [7].
Part 4 Other exemptions
ch 7, pt 4, hdg: Subst 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [8].
222   Exempt mortgages and supporting instruments
(1)  This Chapter does not apply to a mortgage executed before 1 January 1975.
(2)  Other instruments that are exempt from payment of mortgage duty are—
(a)  a mortgage created solely for the purpose of providing security in accordance with a condition imposed on the grant of bail in criminal proceedings, and
(b)  a mortgage taken by a non-profit organisation in conjunction with a lease in respect of which no duty is chargeable under this Act, and
(c)  a mortgage of any ship or vessel, or of any part, interest, share or property of or in any ship or vessel, and
(d)  a mortgage given by the Government of the Commonwealth or the Government of New South Wales or by any public statutory body constituted under a law of this State, and
(e)    (Repealed)
(f1)  an instrument that creates a security interest in crops or livestock (within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth), and
(g)  a mortgage that secures an amount advanced by an employer or a related body corporate of an employer to an employee of the employer, for the purpose of financing a purchase by the employee of shares in the employer, or a related body corporate of the employer, if the amount advanced (and the total of all advances that the mortgage secures) does not exceed $16,000.
(3)  The exemption provided by subsection (2) (d) does not apply to a mortgage given by a public statutory body in relation to a transaction, or any one of a class of transactions, specified in a proclamation made by the Governor and published in the Gazette in respect of the public statutory body concerned.
(4)  Duty is not chargeable in respect of a mortgage made or given by—
(a)  a council, county council or joint organisation under the Local Government Act 1993, or
(b)  the State Insurance Regulatory Authority.
(5)  Duty is not chargeable on an instrument referred to in section 205 (d) if it is executed for the purposes of money market trading operations conducted or to be conducted by the person executing the instrument.
(6)  Duty is not chargeable in respect of a mortgage—
(a)  that is taken or is to be taken by the Sydney Futures Exchange Clearing House or the Options Clearing House Pty. Limited, and
(b)  that is or will be made available to it by a clearing member of the market, and
(c)  that does not secure an advance.
(7)  Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on a charge over land that is created under an agreement for the sale or transfer of the land if any part of the deposit or balance of the purchase price for the land is paid to the vendor (or as the vendor directs) before completion of the sale or transfer.
s 222: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [30]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [28]–[30]; 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [23]; 2005 No 69, Sch 5.4; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [31]; 2010 No 57, Sch 1.6; 2015 No 19, Sch 15.4; 2017 No 65, Sch 2.8 [1].
223   Mortgages associated with certain credit contracts
(1)  If—
(a)  a mortgage secures an amount advanced under a credit contract and no other advance, and
(b)  the total amount advanced under the credit contract does not exceed $35,000,
mortgage duty is not chargeable in respect of the mortgage.
(2)  If—
(a)  a mortgage secures an amount advanced under a credit contract and another advance, and
(b)  the total amount advanced under the credit contract does not exceed $35,000,
mortgage duty is not chargeable on the mortgage in relation to the amount advanced under the credit contract.
(3)  If—
(a)  a mortgage secures an amount advanced under a credit contract (whether or not it also secures any other advance), and
(b)  the total amount advanced under the credit contract exceeds $35,000,
the whole of the amount advanced under the credit contract comprises or forms part of the advances secured by the mortgage.
(4)    (Repealed)
(5)  In this section—
credit contract means a credit contract within the meaning of the National Credit Code as set out in Schedule 1 to the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 of the Commonwealth.
s 223: Am 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [31]; 2007 No 22, Sch 1 [9] [10]; 2010 No 6, Sch 2.4 [1] [2].
224   Farm machinery and commercial vehicles
(1)  Mortgage duty is not chargeable on so much of an advance to a natural person or a strata corporation for the acquisition of farm machinery or a commercial vehicle as is secured by the mortgage.
(2)  In this section—
commercial vehicle means—
(a)  a motor vehicle or trailer within the meaning of the Road Transport Act 2013 constructed or adapted principally for the carriage of goods but does not include a motor vehicle of the kind known as a utility, a station wagon or a panel van, or
(b)  a vehicle without motive power of its own and constructed or adapted principally for the carriage of goods and for being drawn by a motor vehicle within the meaning of that Act.
farm machinery means—
(a)  a harvester, binder, tractor, plough or other agricultural implement, or
(b)  a boat within the meaning of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 or fishing gear within the meaning of that Act, or
(c)  any other goods of a class commonly used for the purposes of a farming undertaking that are determined by the Chief Commissioner to be farm machinery for the purposes of this section,
where the goods are acquired for the purposes of a farming undertaking.
farming undertaking includes—
(a)  any agricultural, apicultural, dairy farming, horticultural, orcharding, pastoral, poultry keeping, viticultural or other business involving the cultivation of the soil, the gathering of crops or the rearing of livestock, and
(b)  the business of taking fish, crustacea, oysters or any other marine, estuarine or fresh-water animal life, and
(c)  the cutting of timber for sale, and
(d)  any class of business determined by the Chief Commissioner to be a farming undertaking.
s 224: Am 1998 No 26, Sch 2.2 [1]; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.19 [1].
225   Certain debentures and related instruments
(1)  Mortgage duty is not chargeable on a mortgage solely securing the repayment of advances arising from the issue by a financial corporation or a related corporation of a debenture.
(2)  Mortgage duty is not chargeable on a mortgage in respect of advances arising from the issue by a financial corporation or a related corporation of a debenture if the mortgage secures in part the repayment of those advances.
(3)  This section applies to a debenture issued, or a mortgage executed, by a related corporation only in so far as the debenture is issued, or the mortgage is executed, for the purposes of raising funds to be used for a financial corporation.
(4)  In this section—
financial corporation means a corporation whose sole or principal business is providing finance to the public, including making loans to the public.
related corporation, in relation to a particular financial corporation, means a corporation that is, with respect to the financial corporation, a related body corporate within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.
s 225: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [31]; 2001 No 34, Sch 4.14 [15].
Part 5 Miscellaneous
226   Payment on mortgages associated with debenture issues
(1)  This section applies if—
(a)  a corporation is or will be under a liability to repay money received or to be received by it in respect of its debentures, and
(b)  the repayment is secured by a mortgage first executed before the cut-off date, and
(c)  the corporation is a party to an instrument of trust relating to the debentures.
(2)  If the corporation and the trustee for the debenture holders give a written undertaking in the approved form to the Chief Commissioner—
(a)  a mortgage first executed by the corporation before the cut-off date and solely securing the repayment of money received or to be received by the corporation in respect of its debentures is not liable to mortgage duty in respect of advances made before the debenture concession closure date arising from debentures subscribed for before the cut-off date, and
(b)  a mortgage, not executed by the corporation, and first executed before the cut-off date, solely securing the repayment of such money is liable to duty of $10 in respect of advances made before the debenture concession closure date arising from debentures subscribed for before the cut-off date, and
(c)  a mortgage, whether executed by the corporation or by another party, and first executed before the cut-off date, and securing in part the repayment of such money is not liable to mortgage duty in respect of advances made before the debenture concession closure date arising from debentures subscribed for before the cut-off date.
Note—
The State Revenue Legislation Amendment Act 2003 terminated the concession provided for by this section in respect of mortgages executed, or debentures subscribed for, on or after the cut-off date.
(3)  The undertaking binds the corporation and the trustee to lodge with the Chief Commissioner, in July each year, a statutory declaration setting out, in the following categories, the total amount subscribed for in New South Wales before the cut-off date in respect of the corporation’s debentures during the year ending on the previous 30 June (but not including amounts repayable at call or in less than 30 days) and binds the corporation to pay duty in the following amounts—
Money repayable at or after the expiration of not less than 30 days and not more than 3 months
$2 for every $10,000, or part
Money repayable at or after the expiration of not less than 3 months and not more than 6 months
$2 for every $1,000, or part
Other money (except money repayable at call or in less than 30 days)
$4 for every $1,000, or part
Money repayable at call after a specified period is taken to be money repayable at the expiration of that period.
(3A)  The obligation to lodge a statutory declaration in July each year ceases after July 2003.
(3B)  Section 208 (2) applies in respect of a mortgage referred to in subsection (2), or a collateral mortgage that secures the same money as is secured by a mortgage referred to in subsection (2), if an advance or further advance is made on or after the debenture concession closure date, as if the reference to the amount secured by the mortgage at the time a liability to duty last arose were a reference to the total of—
(a)  the disclosed debenture amount, and
(b)  any advances or further advances made on or after the cut-off date in respect of which duty has been paid under this Chapter.
(3C)    (Repealed)
(3CA)  A mortgage executed before the cut-off date that is not liable to duty under subsection (2) and in respect of which no further advances have been made on or after the debenture concession closure date is taken to have been duly stamped.
(3D)  For the purposes of this section, the disclosed debenture amount is the total amount of debentures subscribed for in New South Wales before the cut-off date and disclosed to the Chief Commissioner in a statutory declaration referred to in subsection (3).
(4)  In this section, a reference to an amount subscribed for in respect of debentures includes a reference to an amount represented by debentures issued on the conversion or renewal of an existing holding of debentures or other marketable securities.
(4A)  To avoid any doubt, subsection (3B) extends to a mortgage executed on or after 1 January 1975 and before 1 January 1999.
(5)  In this section—
cut-off date means the date of commencement of Schedule 1 to the State Revenue Legislation Amendment Act 2003.
debenture concession closure date means the date on which the Bill for the State Revenue Legislation Further Amendment Act 2005 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly.
s 226: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [32]; 1999 No 60, Sch 2 [7]; 2003 No 34, Sch 1 [1]–[5]; 2005 No 111, Sch 1 [11]–[14]; 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [41]; 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [14]–[16]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.3 [17] [18].
227   Unregistered mortgages protected by caveats (anti-avoidance provision)
(1)  A caveat under the Real Property Act 1900 in which an estate or interest is claimed under an unregistered mortgage is chargeable with duty.
(2)  The amount of duty is—
(a)  if the mortgage is chargeable, but not stamped, with mortgage duty—the same amount as is chargeable on the mortgage, or
(b)  if the mortgage is stamped, or is not chargeable, with mortgage duty—$50.
(3)  The person liable to pay the duty is the mortgagor.
(4)  This section does not apply to a caveat lodged in respect of a mortgage that is exempt from mortgage duty under Part 4.
s 227: Am 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [13].
227A   Transfer of mortgages
(1)  If a mortgage is transferred (whether or not at the request or direction of any party) to—
(a)  a person who, either in connection with the transfer or at a later time, makes an advance or further advance under or secured by the mortgage, or
(b)  a person who is a party to arrangements (referred to in section 215) relating to such an advance or further advance,
the transferred mortgage is taken, for the purpose of determining its liability to duty under this Act, to be a new mortgage on which no duty has been paid and is liable to duty in respect of the advance or further advance accordingly.
(2)  The date of first execution of the transferred mortgage is taken to be—
(a)  in the case of a mortgage where the advance or further advance was made in connection with the transfer—the date of first execution of the transfer, and
(b)  in the case of a mortgage where the advance or further advance was made at a later time—the date of the first such advance or further advance.
(3)  If an insufficient amount of duty has been paid on a mortgage to which this section applies before it is taken by this section to be a new mortgage, the Chief Commissioner is not prevented from recovering at any time the amount of duty with which, in the Chief Commissioner’s opinion, the mortgage was properly chargeable from the mortgagor or person bound.
(4)  This section does not apply to the following—
(a)  a mortgage referred to in section 220 (3B),
(b)  a transfer of a mortgage by a corporation to another corporation if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that, had the transfer been a dutiable transaction, it would not be chargeable with duty under section 273B (relating to corporate reconstructions and consolidations),
(c)  a transfer of a mortgage in connection with, or in preparation for creating, issuing, marketing or securing, a mortgage-backed security,
(d)  a transfer of a mortgage from a person who holds the mortgage as trustee for another person to a new trustee appointed in substitution for the former trustee.
(5)  This Chapter applies to a mortgage referred to in subsection (1) in the same way as it applies to any other mortgage, except as provided by subsection (6).
(6)  For the purposes of section 210, a transferred mortgage is not considered to have been duly stamped in respect of any duty paid before the transfer on advances made before the transfer.
s 227A: Ins 2005 No 42, Sch 1 [8]. Am 2005 No 111, Sch 1 [15]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [32]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [20].
228   Stamping counterpart or collateral instrument if mortgage is lost, destroyed or cannot be produced
A counterpart of a mortgage or a collateral security for an amount secured by a mortgage is taken to be the mortgage and may accordingly be stamped or upstamped for mortgage duty purposes if, on application by or on behalf of a person who is a party to the mortgage, the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that the mortgage has been lost or destroyed or, because of being deposited in the Land Titles Office or from other reasonable cause, cannot conveniently be produced.
228A   Electronic mortgages
(1)  To avoid doubt, for the purposes of this Chapter (in particular, the definition of mortgage), an instrument includes any electronic registry instrument.
(2)  An electronic mortgage is taken to be first executed when it is first digitally signed by the mortgagee (including if it is digitally signed by a subscriber signing for the mortgagee under the Electronic Conveyancing National Law (NSW)).
(3)  A counterpart of an electronic mortgage in respect of which mortgage duty has been paid may be stamped or upstamped for mortgage duty by the Chief Commissioner, or by another person under an arrangement referred to in section 289A, as if it were the mortgage.
(4)  In this section—
electronic mortgage means a mortgage in a form in which it can be lodged electronically under the Electronic Conveyancing National Law (NSW).
s 228A: Ins 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2014 No 67, Sch 1 [3].
Chapter 8 Insurance
Part 1 General insurance
229   Imposition of duty
(1)  This Part charges duty on the amount of the premium paid in relation to a contract of insurance that effects general insurance (whether or not it also effects other kinds of insurance).
(2)  The amount of duty is required to be paid each time a premium is paid in relation to a contract of insurance that effects general insurance.
Notes—
(1)   
General insurance is defined in section 230.
(2)   
Premium is defined in section 231.
(3)   
The time at which a premium is paid is determined by section 232.
(4)   
Generally, the insurer to whom the premium is paid is the person liable to pay the duty. But there are circumstances in which the person insured is liable to pay the duty. These circumstances are set out in section 236.
(5)   
To facilitate payment of duty, insurers must register themselves with the Chief Commissioner, submit a monthly return showing the total amount of premiums paid to them for general insurance during the preceding month and pay the appropriate amount of duty when submitting the return. The provisions that deal with this are in Part 3.
230   What is “general insurance”?
(1)  General insurance is any kind of insurance that is applicable to—
(a)  property in New South Wales, or
(b)  a risk, contingency or event concerning an act or omission that, in the normal course of events, may occur within, or partly within, New South Wales,
or both.
(2)  General insurance does not include life insurance, a life insurance rider or insurance that is exempt from duty by Part 5 or 5A.
s 230: Am 2017 No 33, Sch 4 [1].
231   What is a “premium” in relation to general insurance?
(1)  Premium, in relation to general insurance, means the total consideration given to an insurer by or on behalf of the insured person to effect insurance without deductions for any amounts paid or payable, or allowed or allowable, by way of commission or discount to an insurance intermediary.
(2)  Premium includes a fire service levy and emergency service levy paid or payable in connection with insurance by an insurer or any other person.
(3)  Premium does not include—
(a)  an amount paid to an insurance intermediary by the insured person as a fee, provided that the amount can be clearly identified as a fee, or
(b)  an amount of duty under this or a corresponding Act.
(4)  It is immaterial where the amount is paid or where the insurance is effected.
s 231: Am 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [26].
232   When is a premium “paid”?
(1)  A premium, or an instalment of a premium, is paid for the purposes of this Chapter when the first of the following events occurs—
(a)  the premium or instalment is received by the insurer, or
(b)  an account of the insurer is credited with the amount of the premium or instalment.
(2)  A premium or instalment of a premium (apart from the case where the premium or instalment is received directly by an insurer) is taken to have been received by an insurer if it is received by another person on the insurer’s behalf.
233   Types of general insurance
(1)  For the purpose of charging duty, general insurance is divided into 3 types, Type A insurance, Type B insurance and Type C insurance.
(2)  Type A insurance is general insurance other than Type B insurance or Type C insurance.
(2A)  Type B insurance is—
(a)  motor vehicle insurance, being insurance covering any one or more of the following—
(i)  the loss (including the loss by theft) of a motor vehicle,
(ii)  damage to a motor vehicle,
(iii)  loss of or damage to property by a motor vehicle,
being a motor vehicle within the meaning of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, or
(b)  aviation insurance, being insurance covering any one or more of the following—
(i)  the loss (including the loss by theft) of an aircraft,
(ii)  damage to aircraft,
(iii)  the death of or injury to a person by an aircraft or a thing falling from an aircraft,
(iv)  the loss of or damage to property by an aircraft or a thing falling from an aircraft, or
(c)  disability income insurance, being insurance effected by a contract of insurance under which an amount is payable in the event of disablement of the insured by accident or sickness, or
(d)  occupational indemnity insurance, being insurance covering liability arising out of the provision by a person of professional services or other services, or
(e)  hospital and ancillary health benefits insurance, being insurance covering liability incurred in respect of fees or charges for hospital treatment, or for health care ancillary to hospital treatment, if the liability is not covered by a private health insurer within the meaning of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 of the Commonwealth.
(3)  Type C insurance is crop insurance or livestock insurance.
Note—
Crop insurance and livestock insurance are exempt from duty under Part 5, and are not types of general insurance, if the insurance is effected or renewed on or after 1 January 2018.
s 233: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [14]; 1999 No 41, Sch 4.4 [1]; 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [45]. Subst 2002 No 63, Sch 3 [1]. Am 2005 No 42, Sch 1 [9] [10]; 2005 No 111, Sch 1 [16]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [27]; 2017 No 10, Sch 5.4 [1]; 2017 No 33, Sch 4 [2].
234   What duty is payable?
(1)  The amount of duty chargeable on the premium paid in relation to a contract of insurance is 9% of the amount of the premium to the extent to which the premium is paid to effect Type A insurance.
(2)  The amount of duty chargeable on the premium paid in relation to a contract of insurance is 5% of the amount of the premium to the extent to which the premium is paid to effect Type B insurance.
(3)  The amount of duty chargeable on the premium paid in relation to a contract of insurance is 2.5% of the amount of the premium to the extent to which the premium is paid to effect Type C insurance.
s 234: Am 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [46]. Subst 2002 No 63, Sch 3 [1]; 2005 No 42, Sch 1 [11].
235   Who is liable to pay the duty?
The general insurer is liable to pay the duty, except as provided by section 236.
236   Circumstances in which duty is payable by the insured person
(1)  This section applies to a person who obtains, effects, or renews any general insurance as an insured person with a person who is not a registered insurer.
(2)  A person to whom this section applies must, within 21 days after the end of the month in which the premium relating to the insurance is paid to the person who is not a registered insurer—
(a)  lodge with the Chief Commissioner a return in the approved form containing such particulars and information as to the premium and the insurance as the Chief Commissioner may require, and
(b)  pay to the Chief Commissioner as duty the amount calculated in accordance with section 234.
(3)  A person to whom this section applies is taken to have complied with this section if the person’s duty under this section is discharged by another person acting on the person’s behalf.
(4)  The payment of a periodic premium in respect of disability income insurance that is continued, but not renewed, on the payment of the premium is taken to effect the insurance for the purposes of this section.
(5)  In this section—
premium means any amount paid in connection with insurance to a person who is not a registered insurer that would be a premium under this Part if the person to whom it was paid was a registered insurer.
Note—
Because this section imposes liability for duty on an insured person if the insured person arranges insurance with an insurer who is not registered, it would always be prudent to check the registered status of the insurer. This may be done by inspecting the register kept under section 252 by the Chief Commissioner.
s 236: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [45]; 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [17] [18].
237   Records to be kept
A person to whom section 236 applies must maintain records that contain information as to—
(a)  the nature and location of the property insured, and
(b)  the nature and location of each risk, contingency or event insured, and
(c)  the amount of the premiums paid in relation to each contract of insurance.
238   Refunds where premiums are returned
(1)  A general insurer or a person to whom section 236 applies is entitled to a refund of duty if the general insurer refunds, or there is refunded to the person, the whole or a part of a dutiable premium in respect of the contract of insurance for which duty has been paid.
(2)  The refund is the duty paid on the amount of the premium refunded.
(3)  A general insurer to whom duty is refunded may apply the amount of the refund to offset any other payment required to be made under this Act by the general insurer.
Part 2 Life insurance
239   Imposition of duty
This Part charges duty on—
(a)  a policy of life insurance, and
(b)  a life insurance rider.
Notes—
(1)   
Insurance is defined in the Dictionary to include assurance.
(2)   
Generally, the insurer with whom the policy is effected is the person liable to pay the duty. But there are circumstances in which the person insured is liable to pay the duty. These circumstances are set out in section 245.
240   What is “life insurance”?
Life insurance means insurance described in section 9 (1) (a)–(g) and 9A of the Commonwealth Life Insurance Act 1995 in respect of—
(a)  a life or lives, or
(b)  any event or contingency relating to or depending on a life or lives,
of a person whose principal place of residence is, or persons whose principal places of residence are, in New South Wales at the time the policy that effects the insurance is issued.
241   What is a “life insurance rider”?
A life insurance rider is insurance that—
(a)  is attached to a policy of life insurance, and
(b)  adds specified events and contingencies to those insured under the policy, and
(c)  is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
242   Obligation to make out and execute a policy of life insurance
A life company must, on or before the twenty-first day of each month—
(a)  make out and execute a policy of life insurance for each contract or agreement for life insurance effected by or on behalf of the life company in the preceding month, and
(b)  endorse the policy in the manner approved by the Chief Commissioner.
243   What duty is payable?
(1) Policies of life insurance, other than a temporary or term insurance policy or trauma or disability insurance The amount of duty chargeable on a policy of life insurance, other than a temporary or term insurance policy, a trauma policy, a TPD policy or a disability income policy is—
(a)  on the first $2,000, or part of $2,000, of the sum insured—$1, and
(b)  for every $200, or part of $200, in excess of the first $2,000—20 cents.
(2) Temporary or term insurance policies The amount of duty chargeable on a temporary or term insurance policy, other than a group term insurance policy, is 5% of the first year’s premium on the policy.
(2A) Group term insurance policies The amount of duty chargeable on a group term insurance policy is—
(a)  5% of the first year’s premium on the policy, and
(b)  5% of the amount of the premium (if any) payable in any succeeding year in respect of each additional life covered by the insurance policy (that is, each life that was not covered during the previous year).
(3) Life insurance riders The amount of duty chargeable on a life insurance rider is 5% of the first year’s premium on the life insurance rider.
(4) Trauma or disability insurance The amount of duty chargeable on a trauma policy, a TPD policy or a disability income policy is 5% of the premium paid to effect the insurance.
(5)  In this section—
disability income policy means a policy of insurance under which an amount is payable as a replacement of income in the event of the disablement of the insured by accident or sickness.
group term insurance policy means a term insurance policy that applies in respect of the lives of a specified group of persons, being a group the membership of which may change during the term of the policy.
TPD policy means a policy of insurance under which an amount is payable in the event of the total and permanent disablement of the insured by accident or sickness.
trauma policy means a policy of insurance under which an amount is payable in the event of the insured being found to have a stated condition or disease.
s 243: Am 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [19]–[21]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [28]–[31].
243A   Meaning of “premium”
Premium, in relation to a policy of life insurance or a life insurance rider, has the same meaning as it does in Part 1 in relation to general insurance.
s 243A: Ins 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [24].
244   Who is liable to pay the duty?
The life company or the person issuing the policy or life insurance rider is liable to pay the duty, except as provided by section 245.
245   Circumstances in which duty is payable by the insured person
(1)  This section applies to a person (not being a registered insurer) who effects a policy of life insurance or life insurance rider as an insured person with a person who is not a registered insurer.
(2)  A person to whom this section applies must, within 21 days after the end of the month in which the policy of life insurance or life insurance rider was effected—
(a)  lodge with the Chief Commissioner a return in the approved form containing such particulars and information as the Chief Commissioner may require, and
(b)  pay to the Chief Commissioner as duty the amount calculated in accordance with section 243.
(3)  A person to whom this section applies is taken to have complied with this section if the person’s duty under this section is discharged by another person acting on the person’s behalf.
Note—
Because this section imposes liability for duty on an insured person if the insured person arranges insurance with an insurer who is not registered, it would always be prudent to check the registered status of the insurer. This may be done by inspecting the register kept under section 252 by the Chief Commissioner.
246   Refund on cancellation of policy of life insurance
If a premium is refunded to a person because the person cancels a policy of life insurance within 30 days after receiving the policy, a person who has paid duty in respect of the policy is entitled to a refund of the duty.
Part 3 How is duty paid by an insurer?
247   Who is an insurer?
(1)  An insurer is a life company that writes life insurance or a general insurer.
(2)  A general insurer is a person—
(a)  who writes general insurance, and
(b)  who does so otherwise than as an insurance intermediary, and
(c)  who is authorised as a general insurer under the Commonwealth Insurance Act 1973.
Note—
Life company and insurance intermediary are defined in the Dictionary.
s 247: Am 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [25].
248   Insurers must be registered
An insurer must be registered under this Part.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
Note—
An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 121 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
s 248: Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.9 [3].
249   Application for registration
The Chief Commissioner must register an insurer who applies in the approved form for registration under this Part.
250   Cancellation of registration by the Chief Commissioner
(1)  The Chief Commissioner may, by written notice, cancel an insurer’s registration under this Part—
(a)  if the insurer’s authorisation under the Insurance Act 1973 of the Commonwealth is revoked, or
(b)  if the insurer is made bankrupt or, being a company, is wound up, or
(c)  if the insurer is convicted of an offence under an Act imposing duty, or
(d)  if the insurer’s registration was made in error or as a consequence of a false or misleading statement made in relation to the application for registration, or
(e)  if the Chief Commissioner is of the opinion that the insurer has ceased to write general insurance in New South Wales, or
(f)  if the insurer ceases to be a life company, or
(g)  for any other reason the Chief Commissioner thinks sufficient.
(2)  A cancellation of registration has effect from the date specified for the purpose by the Chief Commissioner in the notice of cancellation.
s 250: Am 2002 No 26, Sch 2.3 [1].
251   Cessation of business and cancellation of registration by the insurer
(1)  A registered insurer who ceases to write insurance business in New South Wales must—
(a)  give written notice of that fact to the Chief Commissioner, and
(b)  lodge the return required to be lodged under this Part, and
(c)  pay the duty payable in connection with the return on or before the twenty-first day of the month after which the notice is given.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
Note—
An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 121 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(2)  The notice cancels the insurer’s registration under this Part on the day on which it is received by the Chief Commissioner.
s 251: Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.9 [4].
252   Register of insurers
(1)  The Chief Commissioner must keep a register of the insurers who are registered under this Part.
(2)  Anyone may inspect the register without charge at the Chief Commissioner’s principal office during the hours that the office is open to the public.
253   Monthly returns and payment of duty
A registered insurer must, on or before the twenty-first day of each month—
(a)  lodge with the Chief Commissioner a return in the approved form showing—
(i)  the total amount of all premiums for Type A insurance paid to the registered insurer in the preceding month, and
(ii)  the total amount of all premiums for Type B insurance paid to the registered insurer in the preceding month, and
(iii)  the total amount of all premiums for Type C insurance paid to the registered insurer in the preceding month, and
(iv)  the total duty payable on policies of life insurance other than temporary or term insurance effected in the preceding month, and
(v)  the total amount of all first year’s premiums for temporary or term life insurance received by or on behalf of the registered insurer in the preceding month, and all additional premiums referred to in section 243 (2A) (b) (other than premiums for insurance that is exempt from duty by Part 5), and
(vi)  the total amount of all first year’s premiums for life insurance riders received by or on behalf of the registered insurer in the preceding month (other than premiums for insurance that is exempt from duty by Part 5), and
(b)  pay to the Chief Commissioner as duty the amounts determined in accordance with sections 234 and 243.
s 253: Am 2002 No 63, Sch 3 [2]; 2005 No 42, Sch 1 [12]; 2006 No 51, Sch 1 [22].
254   Recovery of duty by registered insurer
(1)  A registered insurer may require a person by whom a premium is payable to the insurer to pay the insurer an amount equal to the duty chargeable.
(2)  The requirement is duly made if it is contained in a written request that is given to the person and that specifies the amount of the duty.
(3)  If the amount is not paid, the insurer may recover it as a debt.
s 254: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 2.10 [15].
Part 4 Apportionment
Division 1 Apportionment of premiums and other amounts between Australian jurisdictions
255   Application of Division 1
(1)  This Division applies to a contract of insurance—
(a)  that insures—
(i)  property in New South Wales as well as property in another place, or
(ii)  a risk, contingency or event concerning an act or omission that, in the normal course of events, may occur within, or partly within, New South Wales as well as within, or partly within, another place,
or both, or
(b)  that insures—
(i)  lives, or
(ii)  any event or contingency relating to or depending on lives,
or both, of persons whose principal places of residence are variously in New South Wales or another place at the time the policy is issued.
(2)  It is the intention of this Division—
(a)  to provide the means for apportioning premiums paid and other amounts in relation to a contract of insurance having regard to the principle in sections 230 (1) and 240, and
(b)  to avoid multiple duty as between Australian jurisdictions, and
(c)  to give Australian jurisdictions their appropriate share of duty by means of the apportionment.
256   Schedule of Apportionment
(1)  The Chief Commissioner may, from time to time, adopt a Schedule of Apportionment for the purpose of apportioning premiums, or premiums paid for specific types of insurance, and other amounts in relation to insurance in accordance with this Division.
(2)  The Schedule of Apportionment may be developed in consultation with any person the Chief Commissioner considers suitable.
s 256: Am 2002 No 63, Sch 3 [3].
257   Apportionment in practice
(1)  A premium or an amount is to be apportioned in accordance with the Schedule of Apportionment adopted for the time being, except as provided by this section.
(2)  An insurer or an insured person may apply in writing to the Chief Commissioner to apportion a premium or an amount on a basis other than that provided by the Schedule of Apportionment. The Chief Commissioner may apportion the premium or amount on the other basis.
(3)  In particular, if the Chief Commissioner is not satisfied that a premium paid or another amount in relation to a contract of insurance has been properly apportioned for each risk insured, the Chief Commissioner may determine the apportionment, reassess the liability to duty and charge duty accordingly.
Division 2 Apportionment of premiums and other amounts as between different types of insurance
258   Apportionment between different types of insurance
(1)  This section applies to apportionment between different types of insurance that are relevant to determining liability for duty, such as general insurance, life insurance and insurance that is exempt from duty. It does not apply to the apportionment of a premium or another amount between New South Wales and another place. Division 1 deals with that kind of apportionment.
(2)  This section also applies to apportionment between different types of insurance referred to in section 233.
(3)  If the Chief Commissioner is not satisfied that a premium paid or another amount in relation to a contract of insurance that effects different types of insurance has been properly apportioned, the Chief Commissioner may determine the apportionment, reassess the liability to duty and charge duty accordingly.
s 258: Am 2002 No 63, Sch 3 [4] [5].
Part 5 Exempt insurance
259   What insurance is exempt from duty?
(1)  The following insurances are exempt from duty under this Chapter—
(a)  insurance covering only property of the Crown in right of New South Wales (including a statutory body representing the Crown in right of New South Wales),
(b)  insurance effected by a separate policy in a distinct sum against loss by fire on the tools, implements of work or labour used by any working mechanic, artificer, handcrafter or labourer,
(c)  insurance taken out by or on behalf of a non-profit organisation having as one of its objects a charitable, benevolent, philanthropic or patriotic purpose,
(d)  insurance taken out by or on behalf of a society or institution for the time being approved for the purposes of this paragraph by the Chief Commissioner whose resources are, in accordance with its rules or objects, used wholly or predominantly for—
(i)  the relief of poverty, or
(ii)  the promotion of education, or
(iii)  any purpose directly or indirectly connected with defence or the amelioration of the condition of past or present members of the naval, military or air forces of the Commonwealth or their dependants or any other patriotic object, or
(iv)  such other purpose as, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, warrants the society or institution being taken to be a charitable society or institution,
(e)  insurance covering mortgages or pools of mortgages acquired for the purpose of issuing mortgage-backed securities,
(f)  medical benefits insurance, being insurance effected by a contract of insurance that is issued by a private health insurer within the meaning of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 of the Commonwealth and that provides hospital benefits or medical benefits (or both), whether or not other benefits are also provided,
(i)  insurance of—
(i)  the hull of a floating vessel used primarily for commercial purposes, or
(ii)  goods or merchandise, or the freight of goods or merchandise, carried by land, sea or air,
or both,
(j)  redundancy insurance in respect of a housing loan where the sum insured does not exceed $124,000,
(k)  reinsurance (being a contract or contracts between two parties by which one party indemnifies the other against liability or payment under a contract or contracts of insurance or reinsurance),
(l)  an annuity—
(i)  issued, created or sold by a life company,
(ii)  purchased by a person from a life company,
(m)  policies of life insurance, being group superannuation investment policies owned by the trustee of a superannuation plan for the benefit of more than one member of the superannuation plan,
(n)  lenders mortgage insurance, being insurance taken out by a lender against loss arising from a default by a mortgagor, if the premium in relation to the insurance is paid on or after 1 July 2017,
(o)  crop insurance that is effected or renewed on or after 1 January 2018,
(p)  livestock insurance that is effected or renewed on or after 1 January 2018.
(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1) (l) a contract is an annuity if it satisfies the following requirements—
(a)  the contract provides for the periodic payment of money to the annuitant in fee for life or for a specified term of years as an annual or more frequent entitlement,
(b)  the periodic payment is a sum certain expressed as a dollar amount, but may be varied according to a predetermined formula,
(c)  the periodic payments are not derived from the money paid for the contract but are derived solely from the contract and comprise income and not the repayment of capital.
s 259: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [46]; 1998 No 85, Sch 2.4; 1999 No 41, Sch 4.4 [2]; 2002 No 108, Sch 1 [32]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [32]; 2017 No 10, Sch 5.4 [2]; 2017 No 33, Sch 4 [3].
Part 5A Exemptions for small business
ch 8, pt 5A: Ins 2017 No 33, Sch 4 [4].
259A   Meaning of “small business”
For the purposes of this Part, a person is a small business
(a)  if the person is a CGT small business entity (within the meaning of section 152-10 (1AA) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 of the Commonwealth) for the income year in which the insurance is effected or renewed, or
(b)  in any other circumstances prescribed by the regulations.
s 259A: Ins 2017 No 33, Sch 4 [4].
259B   Exemptions for small business
(1)  The following insurances are exempt from duty under this Chapter, if the insured person is a small business—
(a)  commercial vehicle insurance, being motor vehicle insurance (within the meaning of section 233 (2A) (a)) for a motor vehicle that is used primarily for business purposes,
(b)  commercial aviation insurance, being aviation insurance (within the meaning of section 233 (2A) (b)) for an aircraft that is used primarily for business purposes,
(c)  occupational indemnity insurance, being insurance covering liability arising out of the provision by a person of professional services or other services (other than insurance providing medical indemnity cover within the meaning of the Medical Indemnity Act 2002 of the Commonwealth),
(d)  product and public liability insurance, being insurance covering liability for personal injury or property damage occurring in connection with a business or arising out of the products or services of a business.
(2)  Subject to the regulations (if any), an exemption under this section applies only to contracts of insurance effected or renewed on or after 1 January 2018.
(3)  An exemption under this section is referred to in this Part as a small business exemption.
s 259B: Ins 2017 No 33, Sch 4 [4].
259C   Insurer to obtain small business declaration
(1)  A small business exemption does not apply to a contract of insurance unless the insurer obtains from the person who effects or renews the contract of insurance a small business declaration.
(2)  A small business declaration is a declaration by the person, provided in a manner approved by the Chief Commissioner, to the effect that the person is a small business at the time that the contract of insurance is effected or renewed.
(3)  A person must not provide a small business declaration to an insurer knowing that it is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
(4)  In this section, an insurer includes an agent or employee of an insurer.
s 259C: Ins 2017 No 33, Sch 4 [4]. Am 2017 No 67, Sch 1 [2].
259D   Liability of insured person for wrongly claiming exemption
(1)  An insurer who is liable to pay the duty under this Chapter on a contract of insurance with the insurer may require a person who wrongly claims a small business exemption in respect of the contract of insurance to pay the insurer an amount equal to the duty, together with any interest or penalty tax payable.
(2)  The requirement is duly made if it is contained in a written request that is given to the person and that specifies the amount of duty.
(3)  If the amount is not paid, the insurer may recover it as a debt.
(4)  A person wrongly claims a small business exemption if the person provides the insurer with a small business declaration in respect of the contract of insurance and the person is not a small business at the time the insurance is effected or renewed.
(5)  It does not matter whether or not the declaration was made dishonestly.
(6)  In this section—
small business declaration has the same meaning as it has in section 259C.
s 259D: Ins 2017 No 33, Sch 4 [4].
Part 6 Miscellaneous
260   Effect on contract of insurance of failure to comply with this Chapter
A failure to comply with this Chapter does not render a contract of insurance illegal or invalid.
Chapter 9 Motor vehicle registration
Part 1 Introduction and overview
261   Imposition of duty
This Chapter charges duty on an application to register a motor vehicle under the Road Transport Act 2013 if—
(a)  the vehicle has not previously been registered under that Act, or
(b)  the person in whose name the vehicle is to be registered differs (or the persons in whose names the motor vehicle is to be registered differ) from the person or persons in whose name or names the vehicle was last registered.
Note—
Application to register is defined in the Dictionary.
s 261: Am 1998 No 26, Sch 2.2 [2]; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.19 [2].
262   Lodgment of statement of dutiable value
A person who is required by law to make an application to register a motor vehicle under the Road Transport Act 2013 must lodge with the application for registration a statement of the dutiable value of the vehicle, unless the application is not chargeable with duty under this Chapter.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
Note—
The dutiable value of a motor vehicle is specified in section 266.
An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 121 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
s 262: Am 1998 No 26, Sch 2.2 [3]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.9 [5]; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.19 [3].
263   Who is liable to pay the duty?
Duty is payable by the applicant for registration of the motor vehicle.
264   When does duty become payable?
Duty becomes payable when the motor vehicle is registered in pursuance of the relevant application.
265   What is the rate of duty?
(1)  The rate of duty is $3 per $100, or part, of the dutiable value of the motor vehicle, except as provided by subsection (2).
(2)  The rate of duty for a passenger vehicle, being a vehicle—
(a)  that has a dutiable value of not less than $45,000, and
(b)  that is constructed primarily for the carriage of not more than 9 occupants, including a sedan, station wagon, coupe, convertible, four wheel drive vehicle with seats and windows, two wheel drive panel van with seats and windows, three wheel car, forward control passenger vehicle, small bus (seating not more than 9 persons, including the driver), motor home, and snow vehicle, but not including a motor cycle (with or without a side car), large bus (seating more than 9 persons, including the driver), hearse or invalid conveyance,
is $1,350 plus $5 per $100, or part, of the dutiable value of the motor vehicle in excess of $45,000.
s 265: Subst 1998 No 81, Sch 1 [9].
266   What is the “dutiable value” of a motor vehicle?
(1)  The dutiable value of a motor vehicle is—
(a)  the consideration in money or money’s worth given for the acquisition of the vehicle, or
(b)  the market value of the vehicle at the time duty is payable,
whichever is the greater.
(2)  The dutiable value does not include—
(a)  GST if the supply of the vehicle is GST-free under Subdivision 38-P (Cars for use by disabled people) of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 of the Commonwealth, or
(b)  a premium paid for extended warranty insurance.
s 266: Am 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [37].
Part 2 Circumstances in which duty not chargeable
267   Exemptions
(1) Ownership by devolution of title Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application to register a motor vehicle made by a person who is beneficially entitled to the vehicle following the death of the person in whose name the vehicle was registered in New South Wales.
(2) Charities Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application to register a motor vehicle if the applicant is a non-profit organisation having as one of its objects a charitable, benevolent, philanthropic or patriotic purpose.
(3) Local Land Services Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application to register a motor vehicle if the applicant is Local Land Services.
(4) Repossessed motor vehicles Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application to register a motor vehicle if—
(a)  the applicant is in the business of financing the purchase or use of motor vehicles, and
(b)  the vehicle was repossessed by, or voluntarily surrendered to, the applicant, and
(c)  the applicant, in the course of that business, does not dispose of any such vehicles except by public tender or public auction or through a motor dealer licensed under the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013.
(5) Ambulances Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application to register—
(a)  a motor vehicle that weighs not more than 250kg when unladen and is specially constructed to be used, and while on a road is used, solely for conveying an invalid, or
(b)  a motor vehicle specially constructed for—
(i)  the work of carrying sick and injured persons, or
(ii)  mines rescue functions in accordance with the Coal Industry Act 2001 and the regulations under that Act,
if the vehicle while on a road is used solely for purposes connected with that work.
(6) Vehicles transferred by certain court orders—parties to a marriage Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable in respect of an application to transfer the registration of a motor vehicle registered in the names of the parties to a marriage that has been dissolved or annulled, or is proved to the satisfaction of the Chief Commissioner to have broken down irretrievably, or in the name of either of them to the extent that the vehicle was, at the time the application was made, matrimonial property, if the application was made as a result of or in accordance with—
(a)  a financial agreement made under section 90B, 90C or 90D of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth that, under that Act, is binding on the parties to the agreement, or
(b)  an order of a court under that Act, or
(c)  an agreement that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied has been made for the purpose of dividing matrimonial property as a consequence of the dissolution, annulment or breakdown of the marriage.
(6A) Vehicles transferred by certain court orders—parties to a de facto relationship Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable in respect of an application to transfer the registration of a motor vehicle registered in the names of the parties to a de facto relationship that is proved to the satisfaction of the Chief Commissioner to have broken down, or in the name of either of them to the extent that the vehicle was, at the time the application was made, the property of the parties or of either of them, if the application was made as a result of or in accordance with—
(a)  a financial agreement made under section 90UB, 90UC or 90UD of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth that, under that Act, is binding on the parties to the agreement, or
(b)  an order of a court under that Act.
(6B) Vehicles transferred from trustee in bankruptcy Subsections (6) and (6A) apply in respect of vested bankruptcy property (within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975 of the Commonwealth) of a party to a marriage or de facto relationship in the same way as they apply to matrimonial property or the property of a party to a de facto relationship.
(7) Vehicles transferred by certain court orders—parties to a domestic relationship Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable in respect of an application to transfer the registration of a motor vehicle registered in the names of the parties to a domestic relationship or in the name of either of them (but to no other person) to the extent that the vehicle was, at the time the application was made, the property of the parties or of either of them, if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Chief Commissioner that—
(a)  the domestic relationship ceases, and
(b)  the application was made for the purposes of or in accordance with an order of a court under the Property (Relationships) Act 1984.
(7A) Vehicles purchased by war veterans Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable in respect of an application to register a motor vehicle in the name of a veteran who is—
(a)  eligible for 70% or more of the general rate of pension specified in section 22 (3) of the Commonwealth Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986, or
(b)  eligible for the rate of pension determined in accordance with section 22 (4) of that Act, or
(c)  eligible for the rate of pension determined in accordance with section 23 of that Act, or
(d)  eligible for the rate of pension under section 24 of that Act.
Note—
The rates of pension referred to in subsection (7A) (b), (c) and (d) are known, respectively, as the extreme disablement adjustment rate of pension, the intermediate rate of pension and the special rate of pension for total and permanent incapacity.
(7AA)  Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable in respect of an application to register a motor vehicle in the name of a member or former member (within the meaning of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 of the Commonwealth) who suffers from an impairment assessed under that Act to constitute at least 50 impairment points, and who is eligible for, in receipt of, or has at any time received compensation or a special rate disability pension under that Act.
(7B) Conditional registration Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable in respect of an application to register a motor vehicle if the motor vehicle is to be registered conditionally under the statutory rules under the Road Transport Act 2013.
(8) Equity Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable in respect of an application to register a motor vehicle if the Chief Commissioner considers it would not be just and reasonable to require payment of the duty.
(9) Evidence of exemption—break-up of relationship A party to a marriage, de facto relationship or domestic relationship may provide a declaration, in the approved form, to the Chief Commissioner to the effect that—
(a)  in the case of a marriage—
(i)  the party intends to apply for a dissolution or an annulment of the marriage, or
(ii)  the parties to the marriage have separated, and there is no reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed, or
(b)  in the case of a de facto relationship or domestic relationship, the relationship has broken down or been terminated.
The Chief Commissioner is required to have regard to any such declaration in exercising his or her functions under subsection (6) or (7).
(10) Power to require other evidence of exemption Subsection (9) does not limit the functions of the Chief Commissioner under section 72 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
s 267: Am 1998 No 44, Sch 1 [47]; 1998 No 143, Sch 6.4; 1999 No 4, Sch 2.9 [15]–[17]; 2000 No 51, Sch 2 [47]; 2001 No 22, Sch 1 [20]; 2001 No 96, Sch 1 [15] [16]; 2003 No 80, Sch 1 [23]; 2008 No 112, Sch 6.7; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.5 [33]–[37]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [33]; 2010 No 118, Sch 1 [11]; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.19 [4]; 2013 No 51, Sch 7.13; 2013 No 107, Sch 3.3 [1]; 2017 No 25, Sch 2.4 [9]–[11].
268   Avoidance of double duty—duty paid in a corresponding Australian jurisdiction
Duty is not chargeable in respect of an application to register a motor vehicle in New South Wales if—
(a)  at the time the application was made, the motor vehicle is or was registered by the person making the application under the law of an Australian jurisdiction that corresponds to the Road Transport Act 2013, and
(b)  duty was paid in that jurisdiction in respect of the registration.
s 268: Am 1998 No 26, Sch 2.2 [4]; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.19 [5].
269   Reassessment of duty—repossession of stolen motor vehicle
(1)  Duty is not chargeable on an application for registration of a motor vehicle that has been repossessed from a person because, before the person acquired it, it had been stolen.
(2)  If requested by a person who has paid duty on an application for registration to which subsection (1) applies, the Chief Commissioner must assess or reassess the duty accordingly.
Part 3 Miscellaneous exemptions and reductions
ch 9, pt 3, hdg: Subst 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [36].
270   Exemptions for motor dealers
(1) Trading stock—used motor vehicles Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application by a motor dealer, being the holder of a motor dealer’s licence issued under the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013, or the holder of a similar licence under the corresponding provisions of a law of another State or Territory, to register a motor vehicle that is trading stock.
(2) Demonstrator motor vehicles—new motor vehicles The Chief Commissioner may approve arrangements for the issue to motor dealers of exemption authorities to be used in connection with the registration of demonstrator motor vehicles of the dealer.
(3)  Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application by a motor dealer to register a motor vehicle if the motor vehicle is a demonstrator motor vehicle and, at the time the application for registration is made, the dealer produces an exemption authority that has been completed by the dealer.
(4)  A motor dealer must not produce an exemption authority in connection with the registration of a motor vehicle that is not a demonstrator motor vehicle.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.
Note—
An offence against subsection (4) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 121 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.
(5)  If a motor dealer produces an exemption authority in connection with the registration of a motor vehicle that is not a demonstrator motor vehicle, the Chief Commissioner may recover any duty that would have been chargeable on the application for registration, together with any interest and penalty tax payable.
(6) Definitions In this section—
demonstrator motor vehicle means a new motor vehicle used solely or primarily for the sale of another new motor vehicle of the same class.
exemption authority means an exemption authority issued in accordance with arrangements approved by the Chief Commissioner.
trading stock means a used vehicle offered or exposed for sale by a motor dealer in the course of a dealer’s business, other than a vehicle used—
(a)  solely or principally by the dealer or a member of the dealer’s staff or family, or
(b)  for the general purposes of the dealer’s business.
s 270: Am 1999 No 60, Sch 2 [8] [9]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.9 [6]; 2013 No 107, Sch 3.3 [2].
270A   Reduction in dutiable value—modified vehicles for people with disabilities
(1)  Duty on an application to register a motor vehicle is to be charged as provided for by this section if—
(a)  the application is made by a person with a disability or the motor vehicle is used by or to transport a person with a disability, and
(b)  modifications (user modifications) have been made to the vehicle to enable a person with a disability to drive the vehicle or to enable a person with a disability to be transported in the vehicle.
(2)  The duty chargeable on the application is to be charged on the lesser of the following—
(a)  the dutiable value of the motor vehicle reduced by the value of the user modifications,
(b)  the dutiable value of the motor vehicle determined without regard to the user modifications.
(3)  The value of the user modifications is the consideration in money or money’s worth given for the user modifications.
s 270A: Ins 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [37].
270B   Exemption for caravans
(1)  Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application to register a motor vehicle if the motor vehicle is a caravan.
(2)  In this section—
caravan means a trailer (within the meaning of the Road Transport Act 2013), including a camper trailer, that is permanently fitted for human habitation in connection with a journey.
s 270B: Ins 2009 No 46, Sch 1 [2]. Am 2013 No 19, Sch 4.19 [6].
270C   Exemption for heavy vehicle trailers
(1)  Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application to register a heavy vehicle trailer if—
(a)  the heavy vehicle trailer has not previously been registered under the Road Transport Act 2013, the Interstate Road Transport Act 1985 of the Commonwealth or a law of another State or a Territory that provides for the registration of motor vehicles, or
(b)  the heavy vehicle trailer is or has been registered in the name of the person making the application under the Interstate Road Transport Act 1985 of the Commonwealth or a law of another State or a Territory that provides for the registration of motor vehicles.
(2)  In this section, a heavy vehicle trailer means a trailer within the meaning of the Road Transport Act 2013 that is a heavy vehicle within the meaning of that Act.
s 270C: Ins 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [9]. Am 2013 No 19, Sch 4.19 [7] [8]; 2014 No 56, Sch 1 [9].
270D   Exemption for certain zero and low emissions vehicles
(1)  Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on—
(a)  an application to register a battery electric vehicle or hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle if—
(i)  the application is made between 1 September 2021 and the relevant date, and
(ii)  the vehicle has a dutiable value of not more than $78,000, or
(b)  an application to register a zero or low emissions vehicle made on or after the relevant date.
(2)  In this section—
battery electric vehicle has the same meaning as in the Electric Vehicles (Revenue Arrangements) Act 2021.
hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle has the same meaning as in the Electric Vehicles (Revenue Arrangements) Act 2021.
relevant date has the same meaning as in the Electric Vehicles (Revenue Arrangements) Act 2021.
zero or low emissions vehicle has the same meaning as in the Electric Vehicles (Revenue Arrangements) Act 2021.
s 270D: Ins 2021 No 25, Sch 3.
Chapter 10 Miscellaneous duties
271   Duplicates or counterparts
(1)  Duty of $10 is chargeable on the duplicate or counterpart of an instrument that effects a dutiable transaction or an instrument chargeable with duty.
(2)  The person liable to pay the duty is the person liable to pay the duty on the original instrument.
(3)  The duplicate or counterpart referred to in subsection (1) is not to be stamped as a duplicate or counterpart unless it is proved to the Chief Commissioner’s satisfaction that the proper duty has been paid on the original instrument of which it is the duplicate or counterpart.
(4)  An electronic registry instrument is not a counterpart of an instrument for the purposes of this section.
Note—
See section 104ZT in relation to the duplicates or counterparts of an instrument that effects a surcharge duty transaction.
s 271: Am 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [14]; 2014 No 67, Sch 1 [4]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [35].
272   Replicas
(1)  Duty is chargeable on a replica—
(a)  at $50, or
(b)  at the same amount as the duty with which the instrument the replica is intended to replace was stampable,
whichever is the lesser.
(2)  The persons liable to pay the duty are the parties to the replica or any one or more of them.
(3)  A replica that is duly stamped is to be marked in such manner as the Chief Commissioner thinks fit to denote that it is a replica.
(4)  In this section, replica means an instrument that—
(a)  is executed to replace, and
(b)  contains the same terms as, but no other terms than, those contained in,
a previously executed instrument that has been lost, spoiled or destroyed and that, in the Chief Commissioner’s opinion, has been duly stamped.
s 272: Am 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [15].
273   Minimum amount of duty
(1)  Despite any other provision of this Act or the regulations, if the amount of duty chargeable under this Act in respect of a transaction or an instrument would, but for this section, be less than $10, the amount of duty chargeable is $10.
(2)  This section does not apply to Chapter 7 (Mortgages), to Chapter 8 (Insurance) or to any transaction or instrument for which a different minimum amount of duty is specified by this Act.
s 273: Am 2000 No 44, Sch 2 [25]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.2 [14] [16]; 2012 No 76, Sch 1 [10].
Chapter 11 General exemptions and concessions
ch 11, hdg: Am 2016 No 14, Sch 1 [2].
Part 1 Corporate reconstructions and consolidations
ch 11, pt 1: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [18].
273A   Definitions
(1)  In this Part—
corporate consolidation transaction—see section 273D.
corporate group—see section 273E.
corporate reconstruction transaction—see section 273C.
corporation includes a unit trust scheme.
security, of a corporation, means—
(a)  in the case of a corporation other than a unit trust scheme, an issued share of the corporation, or
(b)  in the case of a unit trust scheme, a unit issued under the scheme.
(2)  A reference in this Part to anything done by or held by a unit trust scheme (including any voting control held by a unit trust scheme)—
(a)  is a reference to anything done by or held by a trustee of the unit trust scheme as trustee of that unit trust scheme, and
(b)  in the case of a unit trust scheme that is a managed investment scheme—includes a reference to anything done by or held by a custodian of the trustee of the managed investment scheme as custodian of the trustee of that scheme.
s 273A: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [18]. Am 2016 No 14, Sch 1 [3].
273B   Exemption for corporate reconstruction and corporate consolidation transactions
(1)  Duty under this Act is not chargeable on a transaction if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied, on application by a party to the transaction, that—
(a)  the transaction is a corporate reconstruction transaction, and
(b)  the transaction, or the series of transactions of which the transaction is a part, is undertaken for the purpose of either or both of the following—
(i)  changing the structure of a corporate group,
(ii)  changing the holding of assets within a corporate group, and
(c)  the transaction, or the series of transactions of which the transaction is a part—
(i)  is not undertaken for a purpose of avoiding or reducing duty under this Act on another transaction, and
(ii)  is not undertaken for the sole or dominant purpose of avoiding or reducing a liability for tax, other than duty under this Act, under a law of an Australian jurisdiction.
(2)  Duty under this Act is not chargeable on a transaction if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied, on application by a party to the transaction, that the transaction is a corporate consolidation transaction.
s 273B: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [18].
273BA   Concession for agreements connected to corporate consolidation transactions
(1)  Duty chargeable under this Act on an agreement for the sale or transfer of securities is to be reduced if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that any transfer to which the agreement applies is a corporate consolidation transaction.
(2)  The dutiable value of the agreement is, for the purposes of charging duty under this Act, to be reduced by the dutiable value of the transfer that the Chief Commissioner is satisfied is a corporate consolidation transaction.
(3)  Section 273 does not apply to the agreement.
s 273BA: Ins 2016 No 14, Sch 1 [4].
273C   Corporate reconstruction transaction
For the purposes of this Part, a corporate reconstruction transaction means—
(a)  a transfer, or agreement for sale or transfer, of dutiable property between corporations that are members of the same corporate group, or
(b)  a surrender of an interest in land by a corporation to a corporation who is a member of the same corporate group, or
(c)  a vesting of dutiable property if the dutiable property was held, immediately before the vesting, and continues to be held, immediately after the vesting, by corporations who are members of the same corporate group, or
(d)  an acquisition of an interest in a landholder (within the meaning of Chapter 4) by a corporation if the interest is acquired from another corporation who is a member of the same corporate group, or
(e)  an application to register a motor vehicle as a result of a transfer of the vehicle between corporations who are members of the same corporate group.
s 273C: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [18].
273D   Corporate consolidation transaction
(1)  For the purposes of this Part, a corporate consolidation transaction means a transfer, or an acquisition of an interest in a landholder (within the meaning of Chapter 4), that—
(a)  is made to interpose a corporation (the head corporation) between another corporation (the affected corporation) and the holders of the affected corporation’s securities, and
(b)  is any of the following—
(i)  a transfer of securities of the affected corporation to, or an acquisition of those securities by, the head corporation for which the only consideration given by the head corporation is the issue or transfer of its securities to the person from whom the affected corporation’s securities were transferred or acquired,
(ii)  a transfer of securities of the head corporation to, or an acquisition of those securities by, a holder of securities of the affected corporation.
(2)  A transfer, or an acquisition of an interest in a landholder, is not a corporate consolidation transaction if, immediately before the transfer or acquisition occurred, the head corporation held dutiable property or a vehicle or an interest in a corporation.
(3)  A transfer, or an acquisition of an interest in a landholder, is not a corporate consolidation transaction unless, immediately after the issue or transfer of the head corporation’s securities—
(a)  each person who holds those securities (a security holder) is a person who held securities of the affected corporation immediately before the securities of the affected corporation were transferred to or acquired by the head corporation, and
(b)  the proportion of those securities held by each security holder is the same as proportion of the securities of the affected corporation held by each security holder before the issue or transfer.
s 273D: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [18]. Am 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [4]–[9]; 2016 No 14, Sch 1 [5]–[8].
273E   Meaning of “corporate group”
(1)  For the purposes of this Part, a corporate group consists of a parent corporation and its subsidiaries.
(2)  A corporation is the parent corporation of another corporation (which is the subsidiary of the first corporation) if the first corporation, directly or indirectly—
(a)  holds at least 90% of the securities of the other corporation, and
(b)  holds voting control over the other corporation.
(3)  The first corporation holds voting control over the other corporation if the first corporation has the ability to cast, or control the casting of, at least 90% of the maximum number of votes that may be cast at a general meeting of that corporation (other than votes to which a person is entitled under the provisions of a debenture or trust deed securing the issue of a debenture).
(4)  The corporate group for a corporation, all of the securities of which are stapled to the securities of one or more other corporations, includes all of those other corporations and their subsidiaries.
(5)  A transaction between—
(a)  the trustee of a corporation that is a unit trust scheme, acting as trustee of the scheme, and
(b)  another corporation that is a member of the same corporate group as the unit trust scheme (including, if that other corporation is a unit trust scheme, a trustee acting as trustee of that scheme),
is taken, for the purposes of a corporate reconstruction transaction, to be a transaction between the corporations as members of the same group.
(5A)  A reference in subsection (5) to a trustee includes, in the case of a trustee of a unit trust scheme that is a managed investment scheme, a reference to a custodian of the trustee of the scheme acting as custodian of the trustee of that scheme.
(6)  A corporation is not a member of a corporate group for the purposes of a corporate reconstruction transaction if the corporation is acting in the capacity of trustee of—
(a)  a unit trust scheme that is not a member of the same corporate group as the other party to the transaction, or
(b)  a discretionary trust, or
(c)  a trust (not being a unit trust scheme) for any person who is not a member of the corporate group.
s 273E: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [18]. Am 2016 No 14, Sch 1 [9].
273F   Applications for exemptions
(1)  An application for an exemption from duty for a corporate reconstruction transaction or a corporate consolidation transaction is to be made to the Chief Commissioner—
(a)  in the approved form, and
(b)  before the date of the transaction or no later than 5 years after the date of assessment of the transaction.
(2)  An exemption may be granted with or without conditions.
(3)  It is a condition of every exemption granted in relation to an application made before the date of the relevant transaction that the applicant must notify the Chief Commissioner in writing as soon as practicable if there is any material change on or before that date in the matters disclosed in the application.
(4)  The Chief Commissioner must reassess any duty charged on a transaction if an exemption is granted after the date of assessment of the transaction.
(5)  The Chief Commissioner may revoke an exemption for a corporate reconstruction transaction if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied, because of new information not disclosed in the application for exemption, that the exemption should not have been granted.
(6)  The Chief Commissioner must assess the liability for duty on a corporate reconstruction transaction for which an exemption is revoked and each member (at the date of the transaction) of the corporate group to which the transaction relates is jointly and severally liable to pay the duty chargeable on the transaction.
s 273F: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [18].
Part 2 Other exemptions
ch 11, pt 2, hdg: Ins 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [18].
274   Transfer of certain business property between family members
(1)  Duty under this Act is not chargeable in respect of a transfer or agreement for the sale or transfer of land, a lease of land, or a transfer or assignment of a lease or permit in respect of land, used for primary production together with any other property that is an integral part of the business of primary production, if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the transferor, lessor or assignor, or the person directing the transferor, lessor or assignor, is a member of the family of the transferee, lessee or assignee, and
(b)  the land was land used for primary production in connection with a business carried on by the transferee, lessee or assignee, or by a member of the family of the transferee, lessee or assignee, (whether alone or with others) immediately before the transaction or the date of first execution of the instrument, and
(c)  the business is to continue to be carried on by the transferee, lessee or assignee (whether alone or with others).
(2)  Duty under this Act is not chargeable in respect of a transfer of shares in a share management fishery within the meaning of the Fisheries Management Act 1994, if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that—
(a)  the transferor, or the person directing the transferor, is a member of the family of the transferee, and
(b)  the shares are held in connection with a fishing business carried on by the member of the family of the transferee (whether alone or with others) immediately before the transaction or the date of first execution of the instrument, and
(c)  the business is to continue to be carried on by the transferee (whether alone or with others).
Note—
Duty on the transfer of shares in a share management fishery is abolished on 1 July 2016. This exemption is relevant only to a transfer of shares in a share management fishery that occurs before that date. See Part 4 of Chapter 2.
(3)  For the purposes of this section, the person directing a transferor, lessor or assignor is—
(a)  in the case of a transferor, lessor or assignor who is acting in the capacity of executor of a deceased estate—the deceased person, or
(b)  in the case of a transferor, lessor or assignor which is a proprietary limited company—a shareholder or shareholders in the company who—
(i)  are beneficially entitled to those shares, and
(ii)  are entitled to vote at meetings of the company, and
(iii)  are entitled as shareholders to not less than 25% of the assets of the company on winding up, being an entitlement that existed for at least 3 years prior to the date of the transfer, lease or assignment or that existed from the date of incorporation of the company, or
(c)  in the case of a transferor, lessor or assignor acting in the capacity of trustee of a bare trust—a person who is a named beneficiary of the trust, or
(d)  in the case of a transferor, lessor or assignor acting in the capacity of trustee of a discretionary trust—a person or persons who are entitled (as takers in default of appointment) to not less than a 25% interest in the capital of the trust, being an entitlement that existed for at least 3 years prior to the date of the transfer, lease or assignment, or that existed from the date of establishment of the trust, or
(e)  in the case of a transferor, lessor or assignor acting in the capacity of trustee of a private unit trust scheme—a unit holder or unit holders in the unit trust scheme who—
(i)  hold the units beneficially, and
(ii)  are entitled (as unit holders) to not less than 25% of the assets of the unit trust scheme on winding up, being an entitlement that existed for at least 3 years prior to the date of the transfer, lease or assignment, or from the date of establishment of the trust, or
(f)  in the case of a transferor, lessor or assignor acting in the capacity of trustee of a self managed superannuation fund—a person who is a member of the fund.
(4)  In the case of a transfer, lease or assignment by a proprietary limited company or unit trust scheme (a subsidiary entity) that is owned by another proprietary limited company or unit trust scheme (the parent entity), a person is taken to be a person directing the subsidiary entity if the Chief Commissioner is satisfied that, had the parent entity been the transferor, lessor or assignor, the person would be the person directing the parent entity under subsection (3).
(5)  Except as provided by subsections (3) and (4), there are no other cases in which a person is considered to be a person directing a transferor, lessor or assignor.
(5AA)  A reference in this section to a business carried on by a person includes a reference to a business carried on by a company, or under a trust, that is controlled by the person.
(5A)  This section does not apply if the transferee acquires the land or shares concerned as a trustee.
(6)  In this section—
member, of a transferee’s family, means each of the following persons—
(a)  the transferee’s spouse,
(b)  a parent of the transferee or the transferee’s spouse,
(c)  a grandparent of the transferee or the transferee’s spouse,
(d)  a brother, sister, nephew, niece, uncle or aunt of the transferee or the transferee’s spouse,
(e)  a child or grandchild of the transferee or the transferee’s spouse,
(f)  the spouse of anyone mentioned in paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e).
spouse includes a former spouse, a de facto partner and a former de facto partner.
Note—
Land used for primary production is defined in the Dictionary.
s 274: Subst 2005 No 51, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2006 No 49, Sch 1 [42]; 2006 No 87, Sch 1 [17]–[19]; 2008 No 48, Sch 1 [9]; 2008 No 122, Sch 1.1 [16]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [34]; 2012 No 20, Sch 1 [19]–[21]; 2012 No 46, Sch 1.1 [1]; 2013 No 50, Sch 1 [22]; 2014 No 37, Sch 1 [6]; 2017 No 11, Sch 1 [34] [35].
275   Charitable and benevolent bodies
(1)  Duty under this Act is not chargeable on the following—
(a)  a transfer, or an agreement for the sale or transfer, of dutiable property to an exempt charitable or benevolent body,
(b)  a declaration of trust over dutiable property held or to be held on trust for an exempt charitable or benevolent body,
(c)  a surrender of an interest in land in New South Wales to an exempt charitable or benevolent body,
(d)  a vesting of dutiable property in an exempt charitable or benevolent body,
(e)  a lease of dutiable property to an exempt charitable or benevolent body,
(f)  a mortgage given by or on behalf of an exempt charitable or benevolent body.
(1A)  Duty under section 58 (Establishment of a trust relating to unidentified property and non-dutiable property) is not chargeable on an instrument that declares a trust over property held or to be held on trust for an exempt charitable or benevolent body.
(2)    (Repealed)
(2A)  Landholder duty is not chargeable on the acquisition of an interest in a landholder by an exempt charitable or benevolent body.
(3)  In this section—
exempt charitable or benevolent body means—
(a)  any body corporate, society, institution or other organisation for the time being approved by the Chief Commissioner for the purposes of this paragraph whose resources are, in accordance with its rules or objects, used wholly or predominantly for—
(i)  the relief of poverty in Australia, or
(ii)  the promotion of education in Australia, or
(b)  any body corporate, society, institution or other organisation that, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, is of a charitable or benevolent nature, or has as its primary object the promotion of the interests of Aborigines and if—
(i)  (in the application of this definition for the purposes of subsection (1) or (1A)) the dutiable transaction or instrument is for such purposes as the Chief Commissioner may approve in accordance with guidelines approved by the Treasurer, or
(ii)    (Repealed)
(iii)  (in the application of this definition for the purposes of subsection (2A)) the land holdings of the landholder are being used or are to be used for such purposes as the Chief Commissioner may approve in accordance with guidelines approved by the Treasurer, or
(c)  any person acting in the person’s capacity as trustee for a body corporate, society, institution or other organisation referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
landholder duty means the duty chargeable under Chapter 4.
s 275: Am 1998 No 104, Sch 2 [33]. Subst 2004 No 67, Sch 1 [20]. Am 2004 No 96, Schs 1 [7]–[9], 2 [23]–[26]; 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [38]–[43]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [3]–[5]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [35].
275A   Partial exemption for certain transactions by charitable and benevolent bodies
(1)  If the Chief Commissioner is satisfied, in relation to any dutiable transaction by which an exempt charitable or benevolent body acquires land or an interest in land, that the land concerned is used or to be used by the charitable or benevolent body partly for an exempt purpose, the dutiable value of the land concerned is, for the purposes of charging duty under Chapter 2 or 2A, to be reduced by the portion of that dutiable value that is referable to the portion of the land used or to be used for an exempt purpose.
(2), (3)    (Repealed)
(4)  If the Chief Commissioner is satisfied, in relation to a mortgage given by or on behalf of a charitable or benevolent body, that the land the subject of the mortgage is used or to be used partly for an exempt purpose, the amount secured by the mortgage is, for the purpose of charging duty under Chapter 7, to be reduced by the proportion of the amount secured that is referable to the portion of the land used or to be used for an exempt purpose.
(5)  If the Chief Commissioner is satisfied, in relation to an acquisition of an interest in a landholder by a charitable or benevolent body, that any of the land holdings of the landholder are used or to be used for an exempt purpose, the unencumbered value of that land holding is to be disregarded when calculating the duty chargeable on the acquisition under Chapter 4.
(6)  This section does not limit section 275.
(7)  In this section—
charitable or benevolent body means any body corporate, society, institution or other organisation that, in the opinion of the Chief Commissioner, is of a charitable or benevolent nature, or has as its primary object the promotion of the interests of Aborigines.
exempt purpose means a purpose approved by the Chief Commissioner under section 275.
s 275A: Ins 2004 No 96, Sch 2 [27]. Am 2008 No 67, Sch 1 [44]–[48]; 2009 No 51, Sch 1.2 [6] [7]; 2010 No 46, Sch 1.3 [36]; 2016 No 32, Sch 1 [36].
276   Public hospitals
Duty under this Act is not chargeable on—
(a)  a dutiable transaction in respect of dutiable property, if a public hospital would be the person liable to pay the duty, or
(b)  an instrument executed by or on behalf of a public hospital, if the public hospital would be the person liable to pay the duty.
277   Councils, county councils and joint organisations
(1)  Duty under this Act is not chargeable in the case of a body, being a council, county council or joint organisation under the Local Government Act 1993, on the following—
(a)  a dutiable transaction in respect of dutiable property if the body is the person described in this Act as the person liable to pay the duty,
(b)  an instrument executed by or on behalf of any such body if the body is the person described in this Act as the person liable to pay the duty,
(c)  an application by any such body to register a motor vehicle,
(d)  any insurance taken out by or on behalf of any such body.
(2)  However, this section does not exempt dutiable transactions, instruments or insurance issued, given, taken out, or executed by, to or on behalf of any such body in connection with or arising from the establishment, acquisition and operation of any trading undertaking, being—
(a)  the supply of electricity, gas, liquefied petroleum gas or hydraulic power and the supply and installation of associated fittings and appliances, or
(b)  the operation of a coal mine and the supply and distribution of coal, or
(c)  the operation of a public transport service, or
(d)  the supply of building materials.
s 277: Am 2017 No 65, Sch 2.8 [2].
278   Department of Housing and Aboriginal Housing Office tenants
(1)  Duty under this Act is not chargeable on an agreement for the sale or transfer, or a transfer, of land, or a mortgage executed to finance or assist the purchase of that land (but only to the extent to which the amount secured by the mortgage is to finance or assist that purchase), or a mortgage in support of that mortgage, if the purchaser or borrower, or at least one of the purchasers or borrowers—
(a)  is, at the date of the transaction or the date of the first execution of the instrument, an eligible tenant, and