·         In Western Australia stamp duty is paid on the following transactions:

o   transactions involving dutiable property which includes land;

o   acquisitions of land by a corporation or unit trust;

o   insurance premiums on some policies; and

o   transfer or issue of vehicle licences.

·         Duty is charged at either a general rate or a residential rate depending on the type of property.

·         Stamp duty concessions do exist for first home purchasers or those who are purchasing a vacant land intended to be used as a site for a first home. The concessions and exemptions apply as follows:

o   For residential homes there is no stamp duty payable for homes up to $430,000. A partial concession applies for properties valued up to $530,000. Stamp duty (transfer duty) is payable at a rate of $19.19 for every $100 which exceeds the dutiable value of $430,000 including any fraction of $100.

o   For vacant land there is no stamp duty payable on a purchase up to $300,000. A concessional rate is payable on land valued between $300,000 and $400,000. Stamp duty (transfer duty) is payable at $13.01 for every $100 which exceeds the dutiable value of $300,000 including any fraction of $100.

·         Western Australia also applies lower rates of duty to the purchase of your primary place of residence if its value is less than $200,000.

·         Western Australia does not offer any duty concessions or exemptions for pensioners.

·         Further information can be found at http://www.finance.wa.gov.au/cms.