Stamp duty is a state government tax levied on the purchase or transfer of property. It legally validates the transaction and makes the sale deed admissible in court. Stamp duty rates vary by state (typically 3-8% of property value) and must be paid before or during property registration.

In Tamil Nadu, stamp duty is 7% of the property value for all buyers, with an additional 4% registration charge. In Karnataka, stamp duty is 5% (3% for properties below ₹20 lakhs) with 1% registration charge. Women buyers may get a 1-2% concession in some states.

Yes, in several states. Delhi charges 4% for women vs 6% for men. Rajasthan charges 4% for women vs 5% for men. Haryana, UP, and Punjab also offer concessions for women buyers. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka currently do not differentiate by gender.

Yes. Stamp duty and registration charges paid for a residential property can be claimed as a deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, up to the overall limit of ₹1.5 lakh, in the year of payment. This applies only if the property is in the name of the taxpayer.