E-Stamp Paper & Franking
Arrange stamp paper of the correct value for agreements, affidavits and deeds.
Stamp duty is a tax on documents, not on transactions. It is levied by the state under the Maharashtra Stamp Act, and the amount depends on the nature of the instrument and, for property documents, on the market value determined by the ready reckoner rather than the price you actually paid.
Paying the correct duty is not a formality. An instrument that is insufficiently stamped is inadmissible in evidence, which means that in a dispute you may be unable to rely on your own agreement until the shortfall and a penalty have been paid.
Charges on enquiry
This service is quoted case by case, because the work depends on your documents, the authority involved and the timeline you need. Send us a short note and we will confirm the professional charges and the government fees in writing before starting.
How duty is paid in Maharashtra
- e-Stamping through authorised collection centres, now the usual route
- Franking at an authorised bank or franking centre
- e-SBTR, the electronic secured bank treasury receipt, for larger amounts
- Traditional stamp paper, now largely withdrawn from use
What the duty depends on
Each type of instrument carries its own rate under the schedule to the Act. Some are fixed amounts, others are a percentage of value.
- Sale deed — a percentage of the market value per the ready reckoner, or the consideration, whichever is higher
- Leave and licence agreement — computed on the rent for the term, the deposit and the duration
- Gift deed — a concessional rate where the gift is to specified close relatives
- Partnership deed — linked to the capital contributed
- Affidavits, powers of attorney and indemnity bonds — generally fixed amounts
- Share transfer — a percentage of consideration or value
The ready reckoner catches people out
For property instruments, duty is calculated on the ready reckoner value published by the state for that locality, or on the consideration stated, whichever is higher. Buying below the reckoner rate does not reduce your duty.
It can also create an income tax consequence. Where the reckoner value materially exceeds the price paid, the difference can be treated as income in the hands of the buyer, the seller, or both. It is worth checking the reckoner before agreeing a price, not after.
Insufficient stamping and how it is cured
An under-stamped instrument produced in court is impounded. It can be validated by paying the deficit duty together with a penalty, which is a multiple of the shortfall.
The penalty is entirely avoidable, and it is almost always larger than the duty that was saved.
How we handle it
- 1 Classifying the instrument We identify which article of the schedule your document falls under, since that determines the rate.
- 2 Computing the duty The duty is calculated on the correct base — consideration, market value, rent or capital — and confirmed to you before payment.
- 3 Paying the duty Payment is made through e-stamping, franking or e-SBTR, whichever suits the amount and the document.
- 4 Executing the document The instrument is executed on the stamped paper by all parties before witnesses where required.
- 5 Registration, where required Where the document must also be registered, we take it through the sub-registrar.
Frequently asked questions
Is stamp duty the same as the registration fee?
No. They are separate charges. Stamp duty is a tax on the instrument; the registration fee is what the sub-registrar charges to enter it in the public record. Most property documents attract both.
What happens if a document is under-stamped?
It is inadmissible in evidence until the deficit is paid. If produced in court it is impounded, and validating it requires the shortfall plus a penalty that is a multiple of it.
Is duty calculated on the price I paid?
For property, on the ready reckoner value or the consideration, whichever is higher. Paying below the reckoner rate does not reduce the duty, and can create an income tax issue as well.
Does a will need stamp paper?
No. A will attracts no stamp duty, and registration involves only a nominal fee.
Can duty be refunded if the deal falls through?
A refund is possible in limited circumstances, within the period the Act allows and subject to a deduction. It has to be applied for and is not automatic.
What is not included. Government fees, statutory charges, stamp duty, court and registry fees, digital signature costs and any third-party professional charges are separate and payable at actuals. GST applies on professional fees where indicated. Prices shown are indicative and may change without notice; we confirm the total in writing before any work begins — see our terms on pricing.
Talk to us about E-Stamp Paper & Franking
Share your requirement and our team will confirm the documents needed, the exact charges and a realistic timeline — usually the same working day.
- Expert document checking before submission
- Regular status updates on WhatsApp
- Transparent professional charges
- Assistance in Marathi & English
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