Stamp Duty & Registration Fees in Tamil Nadu – Rates, Updates & Buyer Checklist

In any state every property purchase is marked by an important legal ritual: paying the stamp duty and registration fee. This is the state’s formal way of acknowledging your ownership.

Stamp duty is essentially a legal charge you pay to get your sale deed recognized by the government. Without it, even if you’ve fully paid for the property, you don’t legally own it in the eyes of the state. 

The registration fee, on the other hand, is for officially recording this transaction in the government’s records. It ensures your ownership is publicly and legally documented.
In Tamil Nadu, both these charges are mandatory whether you're buying a newly built apartment, an empty plot, or even receiving property via gift or inheritance. The rates may seem steep, but skipping them is not an option and understanding how they’re calculated can save you from costly surprises.

How Much is the Stamp Duty and Registration Fee in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu charges a total of 11% on property value:

• Stamp Duty: 7%
• Registration Fee: 4%

This 11% is calculated on either the market value of the property (as per your sale agreement) or the guideline value set by the government — whichever is higher. So even if you manage to negotiate a great deal with the seller, your tax outgo will depend on what the government thinks the property is worth in that locality.

Here’s how Tamil Nadu compares with a few other states:

• Andhra Pradesh: 5% stamp duty + 1% registration = 6%
• Karnataka: 5% stamp duty + 1% registration = 6%
• Telangana: 4% stamp duty + 0.5% registration + 1.5% transfer duty = 6%
• Maharashtra: ~5–7% total (varies by location and gender)

At 11%, Tamil Nadu has one of the highest property transaction charges in India, especially for urban buyers.

How Do You Calculate Stamp Duty in Tamil Nadu?

Let’s break it down with an example.

Say you're buying an apartment in Tambaram (Chennai outskirts):

• Market Sale Value (as per agreement): ₹60,00,000
• Guideline Value (as per TNREGINET): ₹55,00,000

Since ₹60L is higher, your charges will be calculated on that:

• Stamp Duty (7%) = ₹4,20,000
• Registration Fee (4%) = ₹2,40,000
• Total Charges = ₹6,60,000

If the guideline value exceeds your deal price, let's say ₹65L, you would be required to pay duty based on the higher amount of ₹65L rather than the lower ₹60L. This emphasizes the importance of being aware of the guideline values during the transaction process.

This is why checking the guideline value before finalizing your deal is critical. You can look up the exact guideline value for any property online using the TNREGINET portal.

Disclaimer: All example calculations mentioned are for illustrative purposes only. Actual stamp duty and registration fees may differ based on property type, location, and applicable laws. Please consult official sources or legal experts before making financial decisions.

What Are the Stamp Duty and Registration Rates in Tamil Nadu?

Here’s a snapshot of the prevailing stamp duty and registration fees for different types of property transactions in Tamil Nadu:

Note: Charges for Power of Attorney mentioned above are for movable properties. For immovable properties the charges are:

• (to family) — Stamp Duty-₹100, Registration Fee-₹10,000
• (to others) —Stamp Duty-₹100, Registration Fee-₹1000

Note: These are as per the latest Tamil Nadu Registration Department data. Minor administrative fees (scanning, indexing, etc.) may also apply during the registration process.

Are There Any Concessions or Exemptions for Property Registration in Tamil Nadu?

Yes, Tamil Nadu offers concessions for specific transactions—especially those involving blood relatives or women buyers.

Here’s how:

• Gift deeds between family members attract only 1% stamp duty and 1% registration, instead of the full 7% + 4%.
• Release deeds (when a co-owner gives up their share to another) are charged at concessional rates, provided it’s within the family.
• While there are no standard gender-based concessions in Tamil Nadu (unlike states like Delhi or Punjab), certain local bodies occasionally offer limited-time sops or reduced rates for first-time women buyers under urban housing schemes.

However, these concessions are subject to conditions and must be declared truthfully at the time of registration. Falsely claiming a relationship to reduce stamp duty is a punishable offence.

What Documents Do You Need for Property Registration in Tamil Nadu?

Property registration isn’t just about signing papers. It’s a document-heavy process that requires prep. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sale deed (or gift/release deed, depending on the nature of the transaction)
• Parent documents (past chain of ownership papers — usually the last 15–30 years)
• Encumbrance certificate (EC) to prove there are no legal dues on the property
• Patta/Chitta/FMB sketch or TSLR extract (in case of plots or land)
• Photographs and ID proofs of buyer, seller, and witnesses
• PAN card of buyer and seller (mandatory if transaction exceeds ₹10 lakhs)
• TDS payment receipt (if property value exceeds ₹50 lakhs — 1% of sale value)
• Power of Attorney (if someone is registering on behalf of the owner)

In Chennai, most sub-registrar offices now accept scanned copies beforehand via the TNREGINET portal. But always carry physical originals on the day of registration.

Where and How Do You Register a Property in Tamil Nadu?

In Tamil Nadu, property registration is handled by the Department of Registration, under the purview of the Revenue Department. Here’s how the process works:

• At the Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) within the jurisdiction of the property’s location.
• There are designated SROs for each zone in Chennai — make sure you go to the one that governs your property's revenue village or survey number.

1. Draft your deed through a document writer or advocate (typed in proper format).

2. Calculate stamp duty and registration charges using the TNREGINET portal.

3. Pay charges online via the portal or at designated banks.

4. Book a slot online for document registration (not always mandatory, but helps avoid long queues).

5. Visit the SRO on the scheduled date with your documents, witnesses, and ID proofs.

6. Biometric verification and digital photo capture are done on the spot.

7. Post-verification, the deed is scanned, indexed, and returned with digital signatures within 1–2 working days.
 

Pro tip: Chennai property buyers are advised to visit the SRO once beforehand, especially if it’s a high-value property. Ground staff can guide you on local documentation norms that aren’t always listed online.

Any Recent Changes to Stamp Duty or Registration in Tamil Nadu?

As of 2024–25, the stamp duty in Tamil Nadu remains at 7% and registration charges at 4%, totaling 11% of the property value — among the highest in India.

However, some notable developments have made the process more streamlined:

• Digital Property Registration: Through the TNREGINET portal, buyers can:

       ◦ Calculate stamp duty
       ◦ Upload draft deeds
       ◦ Pre-fill buyer/seller details
       ◦ Book registration slots

• TN Budget 2023–24 did not announce any rate reductions, but hinted at improvements in digitization and record validation.
• The government has also started a pilot initiative to integrate GIS-based land records for clearer demarcation — especially useful in peri-urban Chennai.

Buyers should stay updated through local newspapers or consult with registered document writers, especially during budget periods or election years when rules may change.