Answer
How to Pay Stamp Duty in Singapore
You’ve signed the paperwork. Now you have 14 days to pay stamp duty. Here’s every way to do it, what you can use CPF for, and what happens if you’re late.
Answer: Stamp duty must be paid within 14 days of signing (exercising the OTP) via IRAS e-Stamping. Payment methods include GIRO, internet banking, AXS, or cheque. BSD can be paid from CPF OA, but ABSD must be paid in cash. Late payment incurs penalties of up to 4x the duty owed. In most transactions, your conveyancing lawyer handles the payment for you.
Stamp Duty Payment Methods
| Method | For BSD? | For ABSD? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIRO | Yes | Yes | Set up via IRAS myTax Portal |
| Internet banking | Yes | Yes | DBS, OCBC, UOB, others via e-Stamping |
| AXS station / app | Yes | Yes | Available at AXS kiosks island-wide |
| Cheque | Yes | Yes | Payable to Commissioner of Stamp Duties |
| CPF OA | Yes | No | Via lawyer’s CPF withdrawal application |
| Cash at IRAS | Yes | Yes | Counter payment at Revenue House |
CPF can only cover BSD. ABSD must always be paid in cash regardless of the payment channel.
The 14-Day Deadline
When does the clock start?
The 14-day countdown begins from the date you sign or execute the document. For property purchases, this is typically the date you exercise the Option to Purchase (OTP). For tenancy agreements, it’s the date both parties sign.
Documents signed overseas
If the document is signed outside Singapore, you have 30 days from when the document is first received in Singapore. This applies to foreigners who sign purchase documents while overseas.
Who tracks the deadline?
Your conveyancing lawyer handles this in most property transactions. They will stamp the documents via e-Stamping and ensure payment is made before the deadline. But ultimately, the liability is on the buyer — so keep track.
Late Payment Penalties
| How Late | Penalty | Example (on $24,600 BSD) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | $10 or duty amount, whichever is greater | $24,600 |
| 3–6 months | 2x the stamp duty | $49,200 |
| Over 6 months | 4x the stamp duty | $98,400 |
Penalties are on top of the original stamp duty amount. IRAS can also impose additional penalties for deliberate evasion. Don’t risk it.
Who Pays What
| Stamp Duty Type | Paid By | Can Use CPF? |
|---|---|---|
| BSD (Buyer’s Stamp Duty) | Buyer | Yes (CPF OA) |
| ABSD (Additional BSD) | Buyer | No — cash only |
| SSD (Seller’s Stamp Duty) | Seller | No — cash only |
| Tenancy stamp duty | Tenant (usually) | No |
How to e-Stamp (Step by Step)
Log in to IRAS e-Stamping
Go to mytax.iras.gov.sg and log in with Singpass. Navigate to Stamp Duty → e-Stamping.
Select document type
Choose the relevant document type (e.g., Sale and Purchase Agreement, Tenancy Agreement).
Enter transaction details
Fill in property details, purchase price, buyer/seller information. The system auto-calculates the duty.
Pay and receive stamp certificate
Choose your payment method and submit. You’ll receive a stamp certificate immediately after payment. Save it — your lawyer will need it.
In practice, your conveyancing lawyer usually handles the entire e-Stamping process. You just need to provide the funds.
Know your exact stamp duty first
Calculate the exact BSD and ABSD for any property price and buyer profile before your payment deadline.
FAQ
How long do I have to pay stamp duty in Singapore?
You must pay stamp duty within 14 days of signing the document (exercising the OTP for property purchases). For documents signed overseas, the deadline is 30 days after the document is received in Singapore. Late payment incurs penalties.
Can I pay stamp duty using CPF?
You can pay Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) from your CPF Ordinary Account. However, Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) must be paid in cash — CPF cannot be used for ABSD. Your conveyancing lawyer typically handles the CPF withdrawal application.
What happens if I pay stamp duty late?
IRAS charges a late penalty: $10 or the stamp duty amount, whichever is greater, for the first instance. For continued late payment, the penalty can be up to 4 times the stamp duty owed. Pay on time — the penalties are steep.
Who pays stamp duty — buyer or seller?
For property purchases, the buyer pays BSD and ABSD (if applicable). The seller pays Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) if selling within 3 years of purchase. For rental agreements, the tenant typically pays the stamp duty on the tenancy agreement.
Can my lawyer pay stamp duty on my behalf?
Yes. In most property transactions, the conveyancing lawyer handles stamp duty payment through IRAS e-Stamping as part of the completion process. They will collect the funds from you (or arrange CPF withdrawal for BSD) and submit payment to IRAS.
Do I need to pay stamp duty on a rental agreement?
Yes. Tenancy agreements in Singapore must be stamped. The stamp duty is 0.4% of the total rent for leases up to 4 years. For a $3,000/month rental over 2 years, stamp duty is about $288. The tenant usually pays, though this is negotiable.
Related
- Stamp Duty on a $1M Condo — exact bracket breakdown
- ABSD on Second Property (SC) — 20% and must be cash
- Conveyancing Fees Singapore — what your lawyer charges
- Option to Purchase (OTP) — the 14-day clock starts here
- Total Cost of Buying a Condo — all fees beyond the price
Last updated Feb 2026. Stamp duty rates and e-Stamping process per IRAS. Payment deadlines per Stamp Duties Act. This is informational, not financial advice.