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Lodging your own duty application

How to lodge your own duty assessment or application with Revenue NSW, and when you will need a solicitor or conveyancer to complete your property transaction.

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What you can do yourself

You can prepare and submit your own documents to Revenue NSW for an assessment of duty liability.

However, you will need to engage a qualified solicitor or conveyancer to complete the actual property transaction with NSW Land Registry Services.

In NSW, property transactions must be lodged online through an Electronic Lodgment Network Operator, which only licensed legal professionals can access.

We recommend using a solicitor or conveyancer from the start when buying or selling property or entering property-related contracts.

They can handle both the duty application and property settlement, ensuring everything is completed correctly.

What to include in your application

  • A cover letter that includes:
    • your name, contact details (email, phone number, mailing address), and
    • an explanation of your application.
  • The document that is liable for duty (e.g. contract or trust deed).
  • Any Revenue NSW form required for your transaction (fully completed and signed).
  • Certified copies of documents that prove the identity of the purchasers or transferees involved in the transaction. For residential-related property transactions you will also need to supply certified copies of documents that prove foreign status.
  • Supporting documents required for the application as listed in the evidentiary requirements.

When to lodge

You will need to ensure your application is submitted in time to pay duty by the due date.

You must pay transfer duty within 3 months of:

  • signing the contract of sale
  • the date you agree to transfer (the transfer form date) where there is no contract, or
  • the date of the deed.

If the transaction involves property, settlement cannot take place if transfer duty has not been paid.

This means that if settlement is earlier, duty must be paid on or before the date of settlement.

To avoid delays, please provide all required documents at lodgement.

How to lodge

We are unable to accept self-lodged applications online, by email or in person.

Mail your application to:

Revenue NSW

PO Box 666

Wollongong NSW 2520

Please note, we do not accept mailed lodgements from solicitors and conveyancers.

What happens next

When we receive your application, we will upload your documents to our online system for processing.

We aim to post your documents back to you the same day. Your application number will be on the accompanying cover letter.

If any required documents are missing, we will email you a requisition letter outlining what is needed.

Our emails are sent from duties@revenue.nsw.gov.au

Duties Notice of Assessment

Once your application has been processed, we will email you a Duties Notice of Assessment (Notice of Assessment), which will include the amount you must pay and the ways you can pay.

After you have paid, we will email a final Notice of Assessment showing a nil balance owing. This is your proof the document has been assessed, and the duty has been paid.

How to pay transfer duty

Transfer duty can be paid using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and BPAY, which are listed on your Notice of Assessment.

For transactions involving property, transfer duty is generally paid with other funds transferred at the time of the property settlement.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will work with you to ensure the duty is paid and ready for settlement.

Read more about paying duties, including what happens if you do not pay by the due date.

Related information

Contact us

Call the duties team on 1300 139 814 or +61 2 7808 6916 if you are overseas. Staff are available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm AEST (excluding public holidays).

You can also email duties@revenue.nsw.gov.au. You will receive a response within 10 business days.