Chapter I PRELIMINARY

(1) The State Government may, by rule or order published in the Official Gazette, 1. Short title, extent and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the 1[Karnataka]1 Stamp Act, 1957.

1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973.

(2)It extends to the whole of the 1[State of Karnataka]1.

1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973.

1. (3) It shall come into force on such 1[date]1 as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette appoint. 1. Act came into force on 1.6.1958 by notification. Text of notification is at the end of the Act. 2. Definitions.- (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— 1[(a) 'Assistant Commissioner of Stamp's' means the Inspector of Registration Offices appointed under the Registration Act, 1908 (Central Act 16 of 1908) and includes such officer in such areas as the State Government may by notification specify.
   • (aa) "Association" means any association, exchange, organisation or body of individuals, whether incorporated or not, established for the purpose of regulating and controlling or conducting business of the sale or purchase of or other transaction relating to, any goods or marketable securities.]1 1. Clauses (a) and (aa) Inserted by Act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999. 1[(ab)]1 ―bond‖ includes,—
     • (i) any instrument whereby a person obliges himself to pay money to another, on condition that the obligation shall be void if a specified act is performed or is not performed, as the case may be;
     • (ii) any instrument attested by a witness and not payable to order or bearer, whereby a person obliges himself to pay money to another; and
     • (iii) any instrument so attested, whereby a person obliges himself to deliver grain or other agricultural produce to another; 1. Relettered by Act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999. 1[(ac) "Central Valuation Committee" means the Central Valuation Committee constituted under section 45B].1
   • (b) ―chargeable‖ means, as applied to an instrument executed or first executed after the commencement of this Act, chargeable under this Act, and as applied to any other instrument chargeable under the law in force in the territories of the 1[State of Karnataka]1 when such instrument was executed or, where several persons executed the instrument at different times, first executed; 1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973. 1[(c) ‗Chief Controlling Revenue Authority‘ means the officer appointed by the State Government to be the 2[Commissioner of Stamps for Karnataka]2;]1 2. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973. 1[(ca) "clearance list" means a list of transactions relating to contracts either maintained by an association or an individual or required to be submitted to the Clearing House of an association in accordance with the rules or bye-laws of the association and shall always mean to include all the transactions pertaining to sale as well as purchase of marketable securities;]1 1[(d) ―conveyance‖ includes,(i) a conveyance on sale, (ii) every instrument,
     • (iii) every decree or final order of any civil court,
     • (iv) every order made by the High Court under section 394 of the Companies Act, 1956 in respect of amalgamation of Companies by which property, whether moveable, or immoveable or any estate is transferred to, or vested in, any other person, and which is not otherwise specifically provided for by the Schedule;]1 1[(dd) ‗Deputy Commissioner‘ means the Chief Officer in charge of the revenue administration of a district and includes in respect of such provisions of this Act or rules made thereunder such officer in such area as the State Government may by notification in the Official Gazette specify;]1 1[(e) ―Duly stamped ‖ as applied to an instrument means that the instrument bears impressed stamp 2[or digital e-stamp]2 of not less than the proper amount and that such stamp has been impressed in accordance with law for the time being in force in the territories of the State of Karnataka.]1 1[(f) executed‖ and ―execution‖, used with reference to instruments, mean ―signed‖ and ―signature‖ and also includes electronic signature within the meaning as defined in the Information Technology Act, 2000 (Central Act 21 of 2000).;]1
   • (g) ―Government security‖ means a Government security as defined in the Public Debt Act, 1944 (Central Act XVIII of 1944); 1[(ga) "Immovable property" includes land, buildings, rights to ways, air rights, development rights, whether transferable or not, benefits to arise out of land, and things attached to the earth, or permanently fastened to anything attached to the earth;]1 1[(h) ―Impressed stamp‖ means; 2[(i) XXX]2
     • (ii) a certificate or endorsement 3[generated electronically with digital signature and]3 made and attested as may be prescribed by the Deputy Commissioner or the authorised officer or the proper officer, as the case may be in the territories of the State of Karnataka.]1
     • (i) ―India‖ means the territory of India excluding the State of Jammu and Kashmir;
   • (j) ―instrument‖ includes every document 1[and record created or maintained in or by an electronic storage and retrieval device or media]1 by which any right or liability is, or purports to be, created, transferred, limited, extended, extinguished or recorded; 1[(k) ‗instrument of partition‘ means any instrument whereby co-owners of any property divide or agree to divide such property in severalty and includes,—
     • (i) a final order for effecting a partition passed by any revenue authority or any civil court,
     • (ii) an award by an arbitrator directing a partition, and
     • (iii) when any partition is effected without executing any such instrument, any instrument or instruments signed by the co-owners and recording, whether by way of declaration of such partition or otherwise, the terms of such partition amongst the co-owners;]1
   • (l) ―lease‖ means a lease of 1[immoveable or movable property or both]1, and includes also,—
     • (i) a patta;
     • (ii) a kabuliyat or other undertaking in writing not being a counterpart or a lease to cultivate, occupy, or pay or deliver rent for, immoveable property;
     • (iii) any instrument by which tolls of any description are let;
     • (iv) any writing on an application for a lease intended to signify that the application is granted;
   • (m) ―marketable security‖ means a security of such a description as to be capable of being sold in any stock market in India; 1[(mm) "market value" in relation to any property, which is the subject matter of an instrument, means the price which such property would have fetched, in the opinion of the Deputy Commissioner or the Appellate Authority or the Chief Controlling Revenue Authority if sold in open market on the date of execution of such instrument or the consideration stated in the instrument whichever is higher: Provided that notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in the Articles, in respect of an instrument executed by or on behalf of or in favour of the State Government or the Central Government or a Local Authority or other Authority constituted by or under any law for the time being in force or a Body incorporate wholly owned or controlled by the Central Government or the State Government, the market value of the property shall be the value of consideration for such conveyance as set forth in the instrument.]1
   • (n) ―mortgage deed‖ includes every instrument whereby, for the purpose of securing money advanced, or to be advanced, by way of loan, or an existing or future debt, or the performance of an engagement, one person transfers, or creates, to or in favour of, another, a right over or in respect of specified property;
   • (o) ―paper‖ includes vellum, parchment or any other material on which an instrument may be written;
   • (p) ―power-of-attorney‖ includes any instrument (not chargeable with a fee under the law relating to court fees for the time being in force) empowering a specified person to act for and in the name of the person executing it;
   • (q) ―settlement‖ means any non-testamentary disposition in writing, of moveable or immoveable property made,—
     • (i) in consideration of marriage,
     • (ii) for the purpose of distributing property of the settler among his family or those for whom he desires to provide, or for the purpose of providing for some person dependent on him, or
     • (iii) for any religious or charitable purposes; and includes an agreement in writing to make such a disposition, and where any such disposition has not been made in writing, any instrument recording whether by way of declaration, of trust or otherwise, the terms of any such disposition.
2. (2) The 1[Karnataka]1 General Clauses Act, 1899 shall apply for the interpretation of this Act, as it applies for the interpretation of a 1[Karnataka]1 Act. 1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973. 2[1[―(r) ―Stamp‖ means impressed stamp or digital e-stamp which is generated electronically and ―Stamp paper‖ means a paper bearing the impressed stamp.]1]2 A.—Of the Liability of Instruments to Duty. 3. Instruments chargeable with duty.- Subject to the provisions of this Act and the exemptions contained in the Schedule, the following instruments shall be chargeable with duty of the amount indicated in that Schedule as the proper duty therefor, respectively, that is to say,—
   • (a) every instrument mentioned in that Schedule which, not having been previously executed by any person, is executed in the territories of the 1[State of Karnataka]1 on or after the commencement of this Act; and 1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973.
   • (b) every instrument mentioned in that Schedule which, not having been previously executed by any person, is executed out of the 1[State of Karnataka]1 on or after that day, relates to any property situate, or to any matter or thing done or to be done, in the territories of the 1[State of Karnataka]1 and is received in the territories of the 1[State of Karnataka]1: 1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973. Provided that no duty shall be chargeable in respect of,—
3. (1) any instrument, executed by, or on behalf of, or in favour of, the 1[State Government]1 in cases where, but for this exemption, the 1[State Government]1 would be liable to pay the duty chargeable in respect of such instrument; 1[Explanation.- Where no proper duty has been paid on the original of an instrument which is chargeable with an amount indicated in the Schedule as proper duty therefor, then a copy of such instrument whether certified or not and whether a facsimile image or otherwise of the original shall be chargeable with duty of an amount which is indicated in Schedule as proper duty for the original of such instrument, and all the provisions of this chapter and chapters IV, VI, VII and VIII of this Act shall mutatis mutandis be applicable to such copy of the original.]1
4. (2) any instrument for sale, transfer or other disposition, either absolutely or by way of mortgage or otherwise, of any ship or vessel, or any part, interest, share or property of or in any ship or vessel registered under 1[the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958]1. 1[3A. Instruments liable to duty in multiples of five naye paise.- Notwithstanding anything contained in section 3 and the Schedule or any rule or order published under section 9, the proper duty payable on any instrument shall be computed and determined in multiples of five naye paise: Provided that where a scale has been specified for determining the proper duty, the total amount of duty payable on any instrument shall be calculated in accordance with such scale, and where the total amount so calculated includes in addition to any multiple of five naye paise a fraction of five naye paise, such fraction shall be deemed to be five naye paise, and the total amount of duty payable on the instrument shall be determined accordingly.]1 1[3B. Certain instruments chargeable with additional duty.- 2[(1) Any instrument of conveyance, exchange, settlement, gift or lease in perpetuity of immovable property chargeable with duty under section 3 read with articles of the schedule shall be chargeable with additional duty at the rate of ten percent, on such duty chargeable on such instrument of conveyance, exchange, gift, settlement and lease in perpetuity, for the purpose of various infrastructure projects across the State, equity investment in the Bangalore Mass Rapid Transport Limited and for Mukhya Manthri Grameena Rasthe Abhivrudhi Nidhi in the proportion of 57:28:15 respectively]2
5. (2) The additional duty chargeable under sub-section (1) shall be in addition to any duty chargeable under section 3.
6. (3) Except as otherwise provided in sub-section (1) provisions of this Act, shall so far as may be apply in relation to the additional duty chargeable under sub-section (1) as they apply in relation to the duty chargeable under section 3.]1 1[3C. Limit on levy of additional stamp duty.- Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, no instrument shall be charged with any duty in the form of additional stamp duty under such other law, exceeding the maximum amount of duty with which such instrument is chargeable under this Act.]1 4. Several instruments used in single transaction of sale, mortgage or settlement.- (1) Where, in the case of any sale, mortgage or settlement, several instruments are employed for completing the transaction, the principal instrument only shall be chargeable with the duty prescribed in the Schedule for the conveyance, mortgage, or settlement, and each of the other instruments shall be chargeable with a duty of 1[one hundred]1 rupees instead of the duty (if any) prescribed for it in the Schedule.
7. (2) The parties may determine for themselves which of the instruments so employed shall, for the purpose of sub-section (1), be deemed to be the principal instrument: Provided that the duty chargeable on the instrument so determined shall be the highest duty which would be chargeable in respect of any of the said instruments employed. 5. Instruments relating to several distinct matters.- Any instrument comprising or relating to several distinct matters shall be chargeable with the aggregate amount of the duties with which separate instruments, each comprising or relating to one of such matters, would be chargeable under this Act. 6. Instruments coming within several descriptions in Schedule.- Subject to the provisions of the last preceding section, an instrument so framed as to come within two or more of the descriptions in the Schedule shall, where the duties chargeable thereunder are different, be chargeable only with the highest of such duties: Provided that nothing contained in this Act shall render chargeable with duty exceeding 1[four rupees and fifty naye paise]1 a counter part or duplicate of any instrument chargeable with duty and in respect of which the proper duty has been paid. 7. Payment of higher duty in respect of certain instruments.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 4 or 6 or in any other enactment, unless it is proved that the duty chargeable under this Act has been paid,—
   • (a) on the principal or original instrument, as the case may be, or (b) in accordance with the provisions of this section, the duty chargeable on an instrument of sale, mortgage or settlement, other than a principal instrument or on a counterpart, duplicate or copy of any instrument shall, if the principal or original instrument would, when received in the State, have been chargeable under this Act with a higher rate of duty, be the duty with which the principal or original instrument would have been chargeable under section 19.
8. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any enactment for the time being in force, no instrument, counterpart, duplicate or copy chargeable with duty under this section shall be received in evidence unless the duty chargeable under this section has been paid thereon: Provided that any Court before which any such instrument, duplicate or copy is produced may permit the duty chargeable under this section to be paid thereon and may then receive it in evidence. 1[(3) Where any instrument is registered in any part of India other than Karnataka and the instrument relates wholly or partly to any property situated in Karnataka, the copy of such instrument shall, when received in Karnataka be liable to be charged with the difference of stamp duty as original under section 19 to the extent of and in proportion to the consideration or value of the property situated in Karnataka and the party liable to pay stamp duty on the original instrument shall upon receipt of notice from the registering officer pay the difference in duty within the time allowed.]1 8. Bonds or other securities issued on loans.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, any local authority raising a loan under the provisions of any law for the time being in force, by the issue of bonds or other securities, shall, in respect of such loan, be chargeable with a duty of one percentum on the total amount of the bonds or other securities issued by it, and such bonds or other securities need not be stamped and shall not be chargeable with any further duty on renewal, consolidation, sub-division or otherwise.
9. (2) The provisions of sub-section (1) exempting certain bonds or other securities from being stamped and from being chargeable with certain further duty shall apply to the bonds or other securities of all outstanding loans of the kind mentioned therein and all such bonds or other securities shall be valid, whether the same are stamped or not.
10. (3) In the case of wilful neglect to pay the duty required by this section, the local authority shall be liable to forfeit to the Government a sum equal to ten percentum upon the amount of duty payable, and a like penalty for every month after the first month during which the neglect continues.

¹ Inserted by Act 8 of 2003 w.e.f. 1.4. 2003.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

¹ Inserted by act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999.

¹ Substituted by Act 6 of 1999 w.e.f. 1.4.1999.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

¹ Substituted by Act 1 of 2008 w.e.f. 1.4.2003

² Inserted by Act 30 of 2025 w.e.f. …………………

¹ Substituted by Act 30 of 2025 w.e.f. ……………

¹ Inserted by act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999.

¹ Substituted by Act 1 of 2008 w.e.f. 1.4.2003

² Omitted by Act 30 of 2025 w.e.f. ……………

³ Inserted by Act 30 of 2025 w.e.f. ……………

¹ Inserted by act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

¹ Substituted by Act 9 of 1997 w.e.f. 1.4.1997

¹ Substituted by Act 8 of 2003 w.e.f. 1.4.2003

¹ Inserted by Act 1 of 2008 w.e.f. 1.4.2003.

² Substituted by Act 11 of 2022 w.e.f. 05.03.2022. CHAPTER II STAMP DUTIES

¹ Substituted by Act 17 of 1966 w.e.f. 15.11.1966 by notification text of notification at the end of the Act.

¹ Inserted by Act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

¹ Inserted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

¹ Substituted by Act 6 of 2001 w.e.f. 1.4.1998

² Substituted by Act 2 of 2004 w.e.f. 1.2.2004

¹ Inserted by Act 6 of 1999 w.e.f. 1.4.1999.

¹ Substituted by Act 8 of 1995 w.e.f. 1.4.1995.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

¹ Inserted by Act 24 of 1987 w.e.f. 12.6.1987.

1. (a) 3[reduce upto fifty percent]3 in the whole or any part of the 2[State of Karnataka]2, if in the opinion of the State Government it is necessary in public interest so to do, the duties with which any particular class of instruments, or any of the instruments belonging to such class, or any instruments when executed by or in favour of any particular class of persons, or by or in favour of any members of such class, are chargeable; and 5[Provided that the State Government may in public interest reduce or remit the stamp duty payable on an instrument executed,-
   • (i) by or in favour of any person to obtain or to repay loan, as the case may be, for an agricultural purpose as defined in the Karnataka Agricultural Credit Operations and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1974 (Karnataka Act 2 of 1975),
   • (ii) by a public sector undertaking, to obtain loan for the purpose for which it is established,
   • (iii) by or in favour of loanee to obtain or repay loan, as the case may be for the purposes of pursuing education, acquiring and installing water harvesting units and non-conventional energy devices such as solar and biogas energies, ]5 7[(iv) by or in favour of loanee to obtain loans for non-agricultural purposes advanced to ‗Joint Liability Groups‘ by Schedule Banks and other Financial Institutions specified in this behalf;
   • (v) by or in favour of farmers for the allotment of developed lands to the farmers, when their lands are acquired for public purposes;
   • (vi) by or in favour of farmers for the purchase of lands from the compensation amount paid to them when their lands are acquired for public purposes.]7 6[Provided further that the State Government may, in public interest, by notification, reduce or remit the stamp duty payable on any instrument to be specified therein, executed by or between Special Economic Zone Developer, Co-Developer, Land Owners, Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board and Financial Institutions as defined in the State policy for Special Economic Zones – 2009, vide Government Order No. CI 114 SPI 2007, Bangalore, dated: 28-02-2009. Provided also that the State Government may, in public interest, by notification, reduce or remit, till 31st March 2014, the stamp duty payable on any instrument to be specified therein executed by specified new and existing micro, small, medium enterprises, Large Scale Industrial Units and mega projects including expansion or modernization or diversification projects, as defined in the Karnataka Industrial Policy 2009-14 specified in the Government Order No. CI 233 SPI 2008, Dated: 28-02-2009 or by such key projects of core area as defined in the said policy or specified by State Government from time to time]6 7[Provided also that the State Government may in public interest, by notification, reduce or remit the stamp duty payable on any instrument to be specified therein, executed by or between the concerned persons in connection with 2009-14 tourism policy of the State specified in Government Order No. Ka Sam Va Pra 231 Pra Va Yo 2007 dated: 20th October 2009 or specified by the State Government from time to time.]7 8[Provided also that the State Government may in public interest, reduce or remit by notification the stamp duty payable on any instrument to be specified therein, executed by or between the concerned persons in connection with,-
2. (a) the integrated Karnataka Agri-Business Development policy 2011, specified in the Government order No. AHD 172 AFT 2010, Bangalore, dated 5th March 2011 or as specified by the State Government from time to time;
3. (b) the Semiconductor policy of Karnataka State- 2010, specified in the Government Order No. ITD 10 PRM 2008, Bangalore, Dated 25th February 2010 or as specified by the State Government from time to time;
4. (c) The information and communications technology policy- 2011, specified in the Government Order No. ITD 11 PRM 2008, Bangalore, Dated 2nd February 2010 or as specified by the State Government from time to time;
5. (d) The Karnataka Electronics Hardware Policy – 2011, specified in the Government Order No. ITD 09 PRM 2008, Bangalore, Dated 29th January 2011 or as specified by the State Government from time to time.]8 5 [Provided also that the state government may in public interest reduce or remit by notification, the stamp duty payable on any instrument to be specified therein, executed,-
   • (i) by or in favour of Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation in connection with implementation of housing programme including houses built under Indira Awaas Yojana, for the economically weaker sections and special occupational categories both in rural and urban areas for the purpose of providing residential facilities with capital investment by the state government and loan borrowed from Housing And Urban Development Corporation,
   • (ii) in favour of local bodies, urban development authorities and other public authorities to be specified therein, for the purposes of providing roads, civic amenities, parks, water bodies, mini-forests, boulevards, etc. which are exclusively meant for public purpose.]5 9[Provided also that, the State Government may, in public interest, by notification, reduce or remit stamp duty on an instrument, to be specified therein from time to time, executed,-
6. (a) by or between the Bangalore Development Authority and the concerned allotee, in connection with the allotment of alternate equivalent site, consequent to denotification of the land in question and pursuant to the cancellation of the preceding sale deed which is duly stamped; and
7. (b) by or between the concerned persons, in connection with the Karnataka Aerospace Policy 2013-23, specified in the Government Order No.CI 17 SPI 2012, dated:06-02-2013 or specified by the State Government from time to time.]9 9[Provided also that, the State Government may, in public interest by notification reduce or remit stamp duty payable on instruments specified in notification No.RD 144 MuNoMu 2003 dated:2304-2003. ]9 12[Provided also that the State Government may, in public interest, by notification till 25.03.2020 reduce or remit to the extent specified in the Tourism Policy 2015-2020 the stamp duty payable on any instrument executed by or in favour of the ―eligible entities‖ as defined in connection with the Karnataka Tourism Policy, 2015-2020 specified in the Government Order No.TD 81 TTT 2014, dated 26.03.2015 or specified by the State Government from time to time]12 10[Provided also that the State Government may, in public interest, by notification, reduce or remit, till 30th September 2019 the stamp duty payable on any instrument to be specified therein executed by specified new and existing micro, small, medium enterprise (MSME), Large, Mega, Ultra Mega, Super Mega enterprises including expansion, modernization and diversification projects as defined in the Karnataka Industrial Policy 2014-2019 specified in the Government order CI 58 SPI 2013 dated: 01.10.2014 or by any such key projects of core area as defined in the said policy or specified by the State Government from time to time]10 11[Provided also that, the State Government may, in public interest, by notification, remit the stamp duty payable on instruments executed by or in favour of the Government of Karnataka, the Government Institutions, Public Sector Undertakings, farmers or other persons as specified in Notification No. RD 71 MuNoMu 2014, dated 10-02-2016, in the following circumstances, namely:-
   • (i) when the farmer‘s land is acquired and in lieu of compensation amount, when developed land is given as compensation;
   • (ii) when the farmer‘s land is acquired and from the compensation amount if the farmer purchases agricultural or non-agricultural land; and
   • (iii) when the farmer‘s or other‘s land is acquired and from the compensation amount, if the farmer or other person purchases agricultural or non-agricultural land; for the purpose of the above exemption a certificate to that effect issued by the Deputy Commissioner or the concerned Authority has to be furnished containing the details of the land acquired and the details of the compensation given.]11 13[Provided also that the State Government may, in public interest, by notification, reduce or remit, for a period of five years with effect from 16th January 2014, the stamp duty payable on any instrument executed by or between the concerned persons, in connection with the new Investment Incentive Policy (i.e. policy: IT, ITes, Innovation Incentives Policy) for the IT/ITes/Start-ups/ Animation /Gaming / Computer Graphics /Telecom/ BPO/KPO/other knowledge based industries, specified by general or special order of the State Government from time to time subject to production of a certificate to that effect from the prescribed Authority]13 14[Provided also that the State Government may in public interest, by notification, with effect from 21st January, 2016, reduce or remit during the policy period, stamp duty payable on the instruments to be specified therein, executed by or in favour of the eligible industrial enterprises, in connection with the Karnataka Agribusiness and Food Processing Policy 2015, specified in the Government Order No.AGD 94 AMS 2015, dated: 11.12.2015, published in the Karnataka Gazette, dated: 21st January, 2016 or any other modifications specified by the State Government from time to time subject to production of a certificate to that effect from the Prescribed Authority.]14 15[Provided also that the State Government may, in public interest, by notification, remit, during the policy period of five years from the date of 25-09-2017 or till a new policy is announced, stamp duty payable on the instruments to be specified therein, executed by or in favour of the eligible enterprises, in connection with the Karnataka Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Policy 2017, specified in the Government Order No. CI 117 SPI 2017, dated: 25.09.2017 or specified by the State Government from time to time subject to production of a certificate to that effect from the Prescribed Authority.]15 16[Provided also that the State Government may, in public interest, by notification, reduce or remit, the stamp duty payable on any instruments to be specified therein, executed by new and existing micro, small, medium enterprises (MSME) Large, Mega, Ultra Mega, Super Mega Enterprises including expansion, modernization and diversification project and in respect of any such projects as specified in the Karnataka Industrial Policy 2020-25 subject to production of certificate to that effect from the Director of Industries and Commerce.]16 18[Provided also that, the State Government may, in public interest, remit the Stamp duty payable on loan agreements executed by the Street Vendors under the scheme of PM SVANidhi (PM Street Vendor‘s Atmanirbhar Nidhi).]18
8. (b) provide for the composition or consolidation of duties in the case of issues by any incorporated company or other body corporate of bonds 7[or other marketable securities, brokers‘ notes, policies of insurance and receipts.]7 17[Provided also that the State Government may, in public interest, by notification, remit, during the policy period of five years from the date of 04-11-2019 or till a new policy is announced, stamp duty payable on the instruments to be specified therein, executed by or in favour of the eligible enterprises, in connection with the Karnataka New Textile and Garment Policy, 2019-24, specified in the Government Order No. CI 115 JAKAIEE 2017, dated: 04.11.2019 or specified by the State Government from time to time subject to production of certificate to that effect from the Prescribed Authority.]17 4[(1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, no reduction or remission of stamp duty shall be allowed unless it is notified in accordance with subsection (1).]4 1[(2) Every rule or order published under clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall be laid as soon as may be after it is published before each House of the State Legislature while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two successive sessions, and if before the expiry of the session in which it is so laid or the session immediately following both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or order or both Houses agree that the rule or order should not be made, the rule or order shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so however that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule or order.]1 2. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973. 16. Deemed to have been inserted by Act 55 of 2020 w.e.f. 19.11.2020. B.—Of Stamps and the mode of using them.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

³ Substituted by Act 5 of 1998 w.e.f. 1.4.1998.

⁴ Inserted by Act 5 of 1998 w.e.f 01.04.1998.

⁵ Substituted by Act 8 of 2010 w.e.f. 1.4.2010.

⁶ Substituted by Act 9 of 2010 w.e.f 03.04.2010.

⁷ Inserted by Act 16 of 2011 w.e.f. 1.4.2011.

⁸ Inserted by Act 2 of 2012 w.e.f. 4.1.2012.

⁹ Inserted by Act 19 of 2014 w.e.f 01.03.2014

¹⁰ Inserted by Act 3 of 2015 w.e.f 01.10.2014

¹¹ Inserted by Act 7 of 2016 w.e.f 01.04.2016.

¹² Inserted by Act 9 of 2016 w.e.f. 01.04.2016

¹³ Inserted by Act 10 of 2016 w.e.f. 01.04.2016

¹⁴ Inserted by Act 32 of 2017 w.e.f. 03.07.2017.

¹⁵ Inserted by Act 45 of 2020 w.e.f. 19.10.2020.

¹⁷ Inserted by Act 11 of 2022 w.e.f. 05.03.2022.

¹⁸ Inserted by Act 03 of 2023 w.e.f.12.01.2023.

(1) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, all duties with which any instruments are chargeable shall be paid, and such payment shall be indicated on such instruments, by means of stamps,

1. (a) according to the provision herein contained; or
2. (b) when no such provision is applicable thereto, as the Government may by rule direct.

1. (2) The rules made under sub-section (1) may, among other matters, regulate,(a) in the case of each kind of instrument—the description of stamps which may be used; 1[(b) in case of an instrument affixed or endorsed with certificate of stamp the manner of recording such certificate.]1 1[(3) Subject to the rules made under clause (b) of sub-section (1), the Chief Controlling Revenue Authority or any other officer empowered by the State Government in this behalf may authorise any person, body or organisation, including Post Offices and Banks, to use machine for making impression of stamps 2[or implement Computerised Stamp duty administration system or Electronic Stamping or Dematerialisation of stamping; for indicating the payment of stamp duty on any Instrument or plain paper, as the case may be]2]1 1[(4) Subject to the rules made under sub-sections (1), (2) and (3), the State Government in this behalf, may prescribe the procedure for the payment of Stamp Duty by electronic means to the Government Treasury and for indicating such payment of Stamp Duty for the instrument.]1 1[2[3[10A. xxx]3]2]1

¹ Substituted by Act 1 of 2008 w.e.f. 1.4.2003

¹ Inserted by Act 6 of 1999 w.e.f. 1.4.1999.

² Substituted by Act 7 of 2007 w.e.f. 1.4.2007.

¹ Inserted by Act 30 of 2025 w.e.f. ……………

¹ Inserted Act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999.

² Omitted by Act 23 of 2024 w.e.f 10.06.2024

³ Omitted by Act 30 of 2025 w.e.f. ……………

¹ Omitted by Act 1 of 2008 w.e.f. 1.4.2003

¹ Omitted by Act 1 of 2008 w.e.f. 1.4.2003

Every instrument written upon paper stamped with an impressed stamp shall be written in such manner that the stamp may appear on the face of the instrument and cannot be used for or applied to any other instrument.

No second instrument chargeable with duty shall be written upon a piece of stamped paper upon which an instrument chargeable with duty has already been written: Provided that nothing in this section shall prevent any endorsement which is duly stamped or is not chargeable with duty being made upon any instrument for the purpose of transferring any right created or evidenced thereby, or of acknowledging the receipt of any money or goods the payment or delivery of which is secured thereby.

Provided that nothing in this section shall prevent any endorsement which is duly stamped or is not chargeable with duty being made upon any instrument for the purpose of transferring any right created or evidenced thereby, or of acknowledging the receipt of any money or goods the payment or delivery of which is secured thereby.

Every instrument written in contravention of section 13 or section 14 shall be deemed to be unstamped.

Where the duty with which an instrument is chargeable, or its exemption from duty, depends in any manner upon the duty actually paid in respect of another instrument, the payment of such last mentioned duty shall, if application is made in writing to the 1[Deputy Commissioner]1 for that purpose, and on production of both the instruments, be denoted upon such first mentioned instrument, by endorsement under the hand of the 1[Deputy Commissioner]1 or in such other manner, if any, as the State Government may by rules prescribe. 1. Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962. C.—Of the time of Stamping Instruments.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962. C.—Of the time of Stamping Instruments.

All instruments chargeable with duty and executed by any person in the 1[State of Karnataka]1 shall be stamped before or at the time of execution. 1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973. 1[Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to an instrument in respect of which stamp duty has been paid under section 10A.]1 1. Inserted by Act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999.

1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973.

1[Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to an instrument in respect of which stamp duty has been paid under section 10A.]1

¹ Inserted by Act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999.

(1) Every instrument chargeable with duty executed only out of India may be stamped within three months after it has been first received in the 1[State of Karnataka]1. 1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973.

1. (2) Where any such instrument cannot, with reference to the description of stamp, prescribed therefor, be duly stamped by a private person, it may be taken within the said period of three months to the 1[Deputy Commissioner]1 who shall stamp the same, in such manner as the Government may by rule prescribe, with a stamp of such value as the person so taking such instrument may require and pay for.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973.

1. (a) the amount of duty chargeable on such instrument shall be the amount of duty chargeable under the Schedule on a document of the like description executed in the 1[State of Karnataka]1 less the amount of duty, if any, already paid on such instrument in any other State in India, 1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973.
2. (b) and in addition to the stamps, if any, already affixed thereto, such instrument shall be stamped with the stamps necessary for the payment of the duty chargeable on it under clause (a) of this section, in the same manner and at the same time and by the same persons as though such instrument were an instrument received in the 1[State of Karnataka]1 for the first time at the time when it became chargeable with the higher duty, and 1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973.
3. (c) the provisions contained in clause (b) of the proviso to subsection (3) of section 32 shall apply to such instrument as if such were an instrument executed or first executed out of India and first received in the 1[State of Karnataka]1 when it became chargeable to the higher duty aforesaid, but the provision contained in clause (a) of the said proviso shall not apply thereto. 1. Adapted by the Karnataka Adaptations of Laws Order, 1973 w.e.f. 1.11.1973. D.—Of Valuations for Duty.

(1) Where an instrument is chargeable with ad valorem duty in respect of any money expressed in any currency other than that of India, such duty shall be calculated on the value of such money in the currency of India according to the current rate of exchange on the day of the date of the instrument.

1. (2) The rate of exchange prescribed by the Central Government under sub-section (2) of section 20 of the Indian Stamp Act, 1[1899]1 (Central Act II of 1[1899]1) shall be deemed to be the current rate of exchange for the conversion of any foreign currency for the purposes of calculating the duty under sub-section (1).

¹ Substituted by Act 8 of 1958 w.e.f. 29.3.1958.

Where an instrument is chargeable with ad valorem duty in respect of any stock or of any marketable or other security, such duty shall be calculated on the value of such stock or security according to the average price or the value thereof on the day of the date of the instrument.

Where an instrument contains a statement of current rate of exchange, or average price, as the case may require, and is stamped in accordance with such statement, it shall, so far as regards the subject matter of such statement, be presumed, until the contrary is proved, to be duly stamped.

Where interest is expressly made payable by the terms of an instrument, such instrument shall not be chargeable with duty higher than that with which it would have been chargeable had no mention of interest been made therein.

(1) Where an instrument,—

1. (a) is given upon the occasion of the deposit of any marketable security by way of security for money advanced or to be advanced by way of loan, or for an existing or future debt; or (b) makes redeemable or qualifies a duly stamped transfer, intended as a security, of any marketable security, it shall be chargeable with duty as if it were an agreement or memorandum of an agreement chargeable with duty under Article 5 of the Schedule.

1. (2) A release or discharge of any such instrument shall be chargeable with the like duty.

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to any such certificate of sale as is mentioned in Article 15 of the Schedule.

Explanation.- In the case of a sale of property subject to a mortgage or other encumbrance, any unpaid mortgage money or money charged, together with the interest (if any) due on the same, shall be deemed to be part of the consideration for the sale:

Provided that, where property subject to a mortgage is transferred to the mortgagee, he shall be entitled to deduct from the duty payable on the transfer the amount of any duty already paid in respect of the mortgage.

Illustrations.

1. (1) A owes B Rs. 1,000. A sells a property to B the consideration being Rs. 500 and the release of the previous debt of Rs. 1,000. Stamp duty is payable on Rs. 1,500.
2. (2) A sells a property to B for Rs. 500 which is subject to a mortgage to C for Rs. 1,000 and unpaid interest Rs. 200. Stamp duty is payable on Rs. 1,700.
3. (3) A mortgages a house of the value of Rs. 10,000 to B for Rs. 5,000. B afterwards buys the house from A. Stamp duty is payable on Rs. 10,000 less the amount of stamp duty already paid for the mortgage.

Where an instrument is executed to secure the payment of annuity or other sum payable periodically, 1[x x x]1 the amount secured by such instrument, 1[x x x]1 shall, for the purposes of this Act be deemed to be,

¹ Omitted by Act 12 of 1975 w.e.f. 1.5.1975.

1. (a) where the sum is payable for a definite period so that the total amount to be paid can be previously ascertained—such total amount;
2. (b) where the sum is payable in perpetuity or for an indefinite time not terminable with any life in being at the date of such instrument 1[x x x]1-the total amount which, according to the terms of such instrument 1[x x x]1 will or may be payable during the period of twenty years calculated from the date on which the first payment becomes due; and
3. (c) where the sum is payable for an indefinite time terminable with any life in being at the date of such instrument 1[x x x]1—the maximum amount which will or may be payable as aforesaid during the period of twelve years calculated from the date on which the first payment becomes due.

¹ Omitted by Act 12 of 1975 w.e.f. 1.5.1975.

¹ Omitted by Act 12 of 1975 w.e.f. 1.5.1975.

Where the amount or value of the subject matter of any instrument chargeable with ad valorem duty cannot be or could not have been, ascertained at the date of its execution, or first execution, nothing shall be claimable under such instrument more than the highest amount or value for which, if stated in an instrument of the same description, the stamp actually used would, at the date of such execution, have been sufficient: Provided that, in the case of the lease of mine in which royalty or a share of the produce is received as the rent, or the part of the rent, it shall be sufficient to have estimated such royalty or the value of such share, for the purpose of stamp duty,—

1. (a) when the lease has been granted by or on behalf of the Government, at such amount or value as the 1[Deputy Commissioner]1 may, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, have estimated as likely to be payable by way of royalty or share to the Government under the lease; or
2. (b) when the lease has been granted by any other person, at twenty thousand rupees a year, and the whole amount of such royalty or share, whatever it may be, shall be claimable under such lease: Provided also that, where proceedings have been taken in respect of any instrument under section 31 or 39 the amount certified by the 1[Deputy Commissioner]1 shall be deemed to be the stamp actually used at the date of execution.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

1[(1)]1 The consideration (if any) and all other facts and circumstances affecting the chargeability of any instrument with duty, or the amount of the duty with which it is chargeable, shall be fully and truly set forth therein. 1. Re-numbered by Act 17 of 1966 w.e.f. 15.11.1966.

1[(2) In the case of instruments relating to immovable property chargeable with an ad valorem duty on the value of the property, and not on the value set forth, the instrument shall fully and truly set forth the annual land revenue in the case of revenue paying land, the annual rental or gross assets, if any, in the case of other immovable property, the local rates, municipal or other taxes, if any, to which such property may be subject, and any other particulars which may be prescribed by rules made under this Act.]1

¹ Inserted by Act 17 of 1966 w.e.f. 15.11.1966.

1[(3) In the areas where section 45A is in force, the instruments referred to in the said section shall

¹ Inserted by Act 12 of 1975 w.e.f. 1.5.1975.

fully and truly set forth the market value of the property which is the subject matter of the instrument and such other particulars as the State Government may by rules prescribe.]1

1[28A, 28B. x x x]1

¹ Omitted by Act 6 of 1999 w.e.f. 1.4.1999.

¹ Substituted by Act 12 of 1975 w.e.f. 1.5.1975

Where a sub-purchaser takes an actual conveyance of the interest of the person immediately selling to him, which is chargeable with advalorem duty in respect of the market value of the property which is the subject matter of conveyance and is duly stamped accordingly, any conveyance to be afterwards made to him for the same property by the original seller shall be chargeable with a duty equal to that which would be chargeable on a conveyance for the market value of the property which is the subject matter of the conveyance or where such duty would exceed ten rupees, with a duty of ten rupees.]1 E.—Duty by whom payable.

In the absence of an agreement to the contrary, the expense of providing the proper stamp shall be borne,

1. (a) in the case of any instrument described in any of the following Articles of the Schedule, namely No. 2 (Administration Bond), No. 6 (Agreement relating to deposit of title deeds, pawn or pledge) No. 12 (Bond), No. 13 (Bottomry Bond), No. [23] (Customs Bond), No. [27] (Further Charge), No. [29] (Indemnity Bond), No. [34] (Mortgage Deed), No. [45] (Release), No. [46] (Respondentia Bond), No. [47] (Security Bond or Mortgage Deed). No. [48] (Settlement), No. [52] (a)(Transfer of Debentures, being marketable securities, whether the debenture is liable to duty or not), 5[No.[52] (b) (Transfer of any interest secured by a bond, mortgage deed or policy of insurance), No. [56] (if relating to paper bank guarantee and e-bank guarantee).-]5
2. (b) in the case of a conveyance (including a reconveyance of mortgaged property) by the grantee; in the case of a lease or agreement to lease—by the lessee or intended lessee;
3. (c) in the case of a counterpart of lease—by the lessor; 3[(ca) in the case pf power of attorney by the principal;]3 (d)in the case of an instrument of exchange—by the parties in equal shares; 2[(dd) in the case of a certificate of enrolment in the roll of advocates maintained by the State Bar Council—by the Advocate enrolled;]2
4. (e) in the case of a certificate of sale—by the purchaser of the property to which such certificate relates; and
5. (f) in the case of an instrument of partition—by the parties thereto in proportion to their respective shares in the whole property partitioned, or, when the partition is made in execution of an order passed by a Revenue authority or Civil Court or arbitrator, in such proportion as such authority, Court or arbitrator directs. 4[―(g)in the case of an acknowledgement of debt [Art. 1(i)] - by the Debtor;
6. (h) in the case of an acknowledgement of a letter, article, etc., [Art. 1(ii)] - by the Person owning the letter, article etc.,;
   • (i) in the case of an adoption deed [Art.3]- by the adopter;
7. (j) in the case of an affidavit [Art.4] - by the executant;
8. (k) in the case of an agreement for sale of bill of exchange [Art.5(a)]- by the Purchaser;
9. (l) in the case of an agreement for purchase or sale of a Government security [Art.5(b)]- by the purchaser;
10. (m) in the case of an agreement for purchase or sale of shares, stocks [Art.5(c)]- by the purchaser;
11. (n) in the case of an agreement for transaction of lease-cum- sale[Art.5(d)] - by the lessee;
12. (o) in the case of any instrument of lease-cum-sale effected by the Bengaluru Development Authority or the Karnataka Housing Board [Art.5 (da)] - by the Lessee;
13. (p) in the case of agreement for sale of immovable property [Art.5(e)] - by the purchaser;
14. (q) in the case of agreement for construction or development of an immovable property [Art.5(f)] - by the developer;
15. (r) in the case of agreement for sale of movable property [Art. 5(g)]- by the purchaser;
16. (s) in the case of agreement to mortgage [Art. 5(h)]- by the mortgager;
17. (t) in the case of contract between the Depository Participant and client for opening de-mat account [Art.5 (i)] - by the client;
18. (u) in the case of agreement relating to contract between stock broker or sub broker and client (principal) for Stock Market operations [Art. 5 (i-a)] - by the client;
    • (v) in the case of agreement relating to advertisement or telecasting or broadcasting of programs for promotion and development of business [Art.5(i-b)] - by the advertiser;
19. (w) in the case of agreement relating to assignment or transfer of intellectual property rights [Art.5(i-c)] - by the assignee;
    • (x) in the case of agreement relating to building works or labour or services (works contracts) [Art.5 (i-d)] - by the person entrusting the works or availing the services;
20. (y) in the case of chit agreement [Art.5(i-e)] - by the chitster;
21. (z) in the case of agreement if not otherwise provided for [Art.5(j)] - by the executant;
22. (za) in the case of appointment in execution of a power [Art.-7] - by the executant;
23. (zb) in the case of appraisement or valuation [Art.-8] - by the person availing the services;
24. (zc) in the case of apprenticeship deed [Art.-9] - by the apprenticee;
25. (zd) in the case of articles of association of a company [Art.-10] - by the company;
26. (ze) in the case of award [Art.-11] - by the awardee;
27. (zf) in the case of cancellation of instruments [Art.-14] - by the executant;
28. (zg) in the case of certificate or other document evidencing the title of the holder thereof or any other person, either to any share, scrip or stock [Art.-16]- by the company issuing share, scrip or stock;
29. (zh) in the case of charter-party [Art.-18]- by the charterer or shipper;
30. (zi) in the case of clearance list [Art.18-A]- by the investors;
31. (zj) in the case of composition deed [Art.19]- by the debtor;
32. (zk) in the case of copy or extract [Art.21]- by the applicant;
33. (zl) in the case of counterpart or duplicate [Art.22]- by the person who paid the stamp duty on the original document;
34. (zm) in the case of delivery order in respect of goods [Art.24] - by the importer;
35. (zn) in the case of divorce deed of marriage [Art.25]- by the divorcer;
36. (zo) in the case of gift deed [Art.28]- by the donee;
37. (zp) in the case of letter of allotment of shares, in any company [Art.31]- by the company;
38. (zq) in the case of letter of licence [Art.32] - by the debtor;
39. (zr) in the case of licence of immovable or moveable property [Art.32-A] - by the licensee;
40. (zs) in the case of memorandum of association of a company [Art.33] - by the company;
41. (zt) in the case of mortgage of a crop [Art.35] - by the mortgagor;
42. (zu) in the case of Notarial act [Art.36] - by the applicant;
43. (zv) in the case of Note or Memorandum or record of transactions (electronic or otherwise) - Sent by a broker or agent [Art.37]- by the Investors;
44. (zw) in the case of Note of protest by the master of a ship [Art.38]- by the charterer or shipper or the consignee or the importer as the case may be;
45. (zx) in the case of partnership- instrument of constitution [Art.40(A)] - by the partnership firm;
46. (zy) in the case of partnership- instrument of reconstitution [Art.40(B)] - by the partnership firm;
47. (zz) in the case of partnership – instrument of dissolution [Art.40-(C)(a)] - by the outgoing partner to whom the property is allotted; (zza)in any other case [Art.40-(C)(b)]- by the partnership firm; (zzb)in the case of limited liability partnership [Art.40-A]- by the limited liability partnership; (zzc)in the case of protest of bill or note [Art.42] - by the beneficiary; (zzd)in the case of protest by the master of a ship [Art.43]- by the charterer or shipper or the consignee or the importer as the case may be; (zze)in the case of share warrants, to bearer issued under the Companies Act. [Art.49]- by the company;
48. (zzf) in the case of shipping order [Art.50]- by the shipper; (zzg)in the case of surrender of lease [Art.51]- by the lessee; (zzh)in the case of transfer- of any property under section 25 of the Administrator General Act, 1963 [Art.52-(c)]- by the beneficiary;
49. (zzi) in the case of transfer- of any trust property [Art.52-(d)]- by the trust or trustee or beneficiary as the case may be;
50. (zzj) in the case of transfer of lease [Art.53] - by the transferee; (zzk)in the case of transfer of licence [Art.53-A]- by the transferee;
51. (zzl) in the case of Trust- declaration of or concerning, any property [Art.54]- by the author of the Trust; and
52. (zzm) in the case of warrant for goods [Art.55]- by the owner of the goods;‖]4

¹ Substituted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

² Inserted by Act 29 of 1962 w.e.f. 1.10.1962.

³ Inserted by Act 24 of 1999 w.e.f. 18.8.1999.

⁴ Inserted by Act 17 of 2017 w.e.f.01.04.2017.

⁵ Substituted by Act 04 of 2024 w.e.f.03.02.2024