About the SA Car Stamp Duty Calculator
South Australia charges stamp duty when a vehicle’s registration is transferred or a new vehicle is registered. RevenueSA uses two scales: one for non-commercial vehicles (sedans, hatchbacks, wagons, coupes and four-wheel drives) and a lower one for commercial vehicles such as utes and vans. This calculator uses the non-commercial scale that applies to most private cars.
How to use the SA Car Stamp Duty Calculator
- Enter the purchase price or market value of the car, whichever is higher.
- Read the duty and the working.
- If the vehicle is a ute, van or panel van, use RevenueSA’s commercial calculator instead — it is cheaper above $2,000.
The formula behind it
How much is stamp duty on a car in SA?
For almost every car, South Australian duty is $60 plus $4 for every $100 (or part) above $3,000 — just under 4% of the value. That is $740 on a $20,000 car, $1,140 on $30,000, $1,940 on $50,000 and $3,140 on $80,000.
RevenueSA rates for non-commercial vehicles
The rate is marginal: each band only applies to the part of the value inside it.
- Up to $1,000: $1 for every $100 or part, minimum $5.
- $1,000 to $2,000: $10 plus $2 for every $100 or part over $1,000.
- $2,000 to $3,000: $30 plus $3 for every $100 or part over $2,000.
- Over $3,000: $60 plus $4 for every $100 or part over $3,000.
SA car stamp duty at common prices
Non-commercial vehicles, new or used:
| Dutiable value | Stamp duty | Duty as % of value |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $340 | 3.4% |
| $15,000 | $540 | 3.6% |
| $20,000 | $740 | 3.7% |
| $25,000 | $940 | 3.8% |
| $30,000 | $1,140 | 3.8% |
| $35,000 | $1,340 | 3.8% |
| $40,000 | $1,540 | 3.9% |
| $45,000 | $1,740 | 3.9% |
| $50,000 | $1,940 | 3.9% |
| $60,000 | $2,340 | 3.9% |
| $80,000 | $3,140 | 3.9% |
| $100,000 | $3,940 | 3.9% |
Commercial vehicles (utes and vans)
A commercial vehicle is one built mainly to carry goods — utes, panel vans and vans. They use the same rates up to $2,000, then $30 plus $3 per $100 over $2,000, so a ute pays roughly a quarter less duty than a sedan of the same value.
Dutiable value and when duty is paid
Duty is payable on the purchase price or the market value, whichever is higher. RevenueSA says trade-ins, staff or fleet discounts and “mates rates” cannot be deducted, and it audits low declared values. Duty is paid at Service SA when the registration is transferred.
Stamp duty is separate from registration, compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, number plates and transfer fees. A dealer’s drive-away price usually includes all of them; a private sale does not, so budget for duty on top of the price.
Exemptions
Transfers between spouses or domestic partners can be exempt. Transfers to other family members are not. Check RevenueSA’s exemptions page before you transfer.
Car stamp duty in other states
Every state and territory uses its own formula, so the same car can cost hundreds of dollars more or less in duty depending on where it is registered. Duty is set by where the car is garaged and registered, not where you buy it. Compare all states side by side in the Australian car stamp duty calculator.
Examples
$15,000 used car
$60 + 120 blocks × $4 = $540.
$35,000 car
$60 + 320 blocks × $4 = $1,340.
$50,000 SUV
$60 + 470 blocks × $4 = $1,940.
Frequently asked questions
How much is stamp duty on a car in SA?
$60 plus $4 per $100 over $3,000 for non-commercial vehicles — for example $1,140 on a $30,000 car.
How much is stamp duty on a $20,000 car in SA?
$60 + 170 × $4 = $740.
How much is stamp duty on a $50,000 car in SA?
$1,940 for a non-commercial vehicle.
Is a ute a commercial vehicle in SA?
Yes. Utes, panel vans, vans and heavy vehicles are commercial and pay $30 plus $3 per $100 over $2,000.
Do I pay stamp duty when transferring a car to a family member in SA?
Yes, unless the transfer is to a spouse or domestic partner, which can be exempt.
Sources
About the author: Ahmed Bilal
Ahmed Bilal is the founder of VolexTool and builds and maintains every calculator on the site. Tax rates and thresholds are taken directly from official sources such as GOV.UK, HMRC, the Canada Revenue Agency and the Australian Taxation Office, the formula is shown on every page, and each update must pass more than 600 automated checks before it goes live. Ahmed is not a tax adviser: for decisions about your own situation, speak to a qualified accountant or financial adviser.