Stamp Paper Denomination

How stamp duty is set

Stamp duty is a state subject under the Constitution. Each state has its own Schedule under its Stamp Act prescribing the minimum denomination by instrument type — affidavit, agreement, gift deed, POA, NOC, indemnity bond. The Indian Stamp Act 1899 sets the federal floor, but state schedules override it for most documents. Stamp paper today is mostly e-stamp paper issued by Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL) — physical non-judicial stamp paper is being phased out everywhere except a few states.

Worked examples

A simple affidavit needs ₹10–₹50 stamp paper across most states (₹20 in Karnataka, ₹50 in Maharashtra, ₹10 in Tamil Nadu). A 12-month rent agreement in Bengaluru is ₹100 stamp + ₹100 registration; in Mumbai it's 0.25% of (annual rent + 10% deposit) — for ₹30k/month rent, around ₹1,000. Gift deeds to non-relatives attract full transfer-style stamp duty (5–7% of market value); to lineal relatives a flat ₹200 in Maharashtra and Karnataka. General POAis ₹100 stamp paper in most states; special POA for property sale can run into thousands depending on the asset value.

When to use this

• Buying stamp paper before drafting an affidavit, undertaking or NOC
• Drafting a rent agreement — especially in Mumbai/Pune where duty is value-based
• Gifting property to a relative — many states offer concessional rates
• Executing a power of attorney for property, banking or vehicle sale

For property purchase stamp duty (the big-ticket calculation), use our stamp duty calculator. Read stamp duty India state-wise for the property-sale rates including women-buyer concessions.