Rental (Lease) Stamp Duty Formula Explained, With Examples
Every rental (lease) stamp duty result comes from one formula. Once you understand what goes into it, you can sanity-check any figure you are given, whether by an employer, a bank, a teacher or another website.
The formula
Stamp duty = 0.4% × total rent for the lease period. Leases with total rent of S$1,000 or less are remitted.
What each input means
- Monthly rent (S$): the value you enter in the calculator.
- Lease period (months, up to 48): the value you enter in the calculator.
Example
For example, with these inputs:
- Monthly rent (S$): 3,500
- Lease period (months, up to 48): 24
the calculator returns:
- Total rent for the lease: S$84,000.00
- Stamp duty payable: S$336.00
How the result changes
The table keeps the other inputs at their example values and changes monthly rent (s$).
| Monthly rent (S$) | Total rent for the lease | Stamp duty payable |
|---|---|---|
| 3,500 | S$84,000.00 | S$336.00 |
| 1,750 | S$42,000.00 | S$168.00 |
| 2,625 | S$63,000.00 | S$252.00 |
| 4,375 | S$105,000.00 | S$420.00 |
| 5,250 | S$126,000.00 | S$504.00 |
Why it matters
Singapore's tax system is simple by global standards, but the progressive bands, reliefs and the 9% GST still trip people up. A quick calculation helps you set aside the right amount before IRAS sends your notice of assessment, or check that a bill has been worked out correctly.
The Goods and Services Tax rose from 8% to 9% on 1 January 2024. Businesses with taxable turnover above S$1 million must register, and GST-registered retailers must quote prices to consumers inclusive of GST, so most shelf prices already include it.
Singapore taxes individuals on income earned in Singapore, with progressive rates for residents that start at 0% on the first S$20,000 of chargeable income and rise to 24% on income above S$1 million. Tax is assessed a year in arrears: income earned in 2025 is assessed in Year of Assessment 2026.
Tax planning in Singapore is mostly about timing and reliefs rather than complex structures. Topping up CPF, contributing to SRS and claiming every relief you qualify for can lower your marginal rate band, and the savings are larger for higher earners.
Related calculations
- Non-Resident Income Tax Calculator: Non-resident employees pay the higher of 15% flat or progressive resident rates on employment income, without personal reliefs.
- GST Calculator (9%): Adds Singapore's 9% Goods and Services Tax to a price.
- Remove GST Calculator (Reverse GST): Works backwards from a GST-inclusive price to show how much of it is GST.
- Service Charge & GST Calculator: Restaurant bills in Singapore often show '++': a 10% service charge, then 9% GST on the subtotal.
Use the Rental (Lease) Stamp Duty Calculator to plug in your own numbers.
Run your own numbers: Rental (Lease) Stamp Duty Calculator