NSW Stamp Duty Exemption for Small Business

NSW stamp duty will be exempt for small businesses with aggregate turnover less than $2 million per annum. (More specific guidance about eligibility is available within the Duties Act).

• Commercial vehicle insurance for a motor vehicle that is used primarily for business purposes.
• Commercial aviation insurance for an aircraft that is used primarily for business purposes.
• Occupational indemnity insurance, covering liability arising out of the provision by a person of professional services or other services (other than insurance providing medical indemnity cover).
• Product and public liability insurance, covering liability for personal injury or property damage occurring in connection with a business or arising out of the products or services of a business.

From 1 January 2018, to claim the exemption, a client’s small business declaration is required prior to the contract of insurance being effected or renewed.

The maximum penalty facing a client who falsely claims the exemption is $11,000.

Brokers will be asked to confirm the following:

“I confirm that my client (policyholder) is/will be a CGT small business entity (within the meaning of section 152-10 (1AA) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 of the Commonwealth) for the income year in which the insurance is effected or renewed and that I have obtained a declaration to that effect from my client which I am able to produce if requested to do so by the Chief Commissioner.”

To guarantee the saving for clients, please ensure declarations are made prior to the insurance cover being effected or renewed. If an insurer does not have confirmation of a small business declaration as at the date the policy is effected or renewed then the policy is liable to duty. 

If part of a bundled product is exempt, or if some of the premium is apportioned to other States and Territories, the NSW Stamp Duty exemption is apportioned accordingly. 

For Chubb renewals and new business, brokers can confirm that they’ve received a small business declaration from their clients for relevant products. This will be done by new confirmation sections within online systems or via a small business confirmation form for products transacted outside of online systems.

Please visit https://revenue.nsw.gov.au/taxes/insurance/exemptions/sbe or contact your local Chubb team.