Stamp Duty Guide
Stamp Duty Refund When a Property Purchase Falls Through
If a sale and purchase agreement is rescinded or aborted after stamp duty has been paid, IRAS can remit the BSD, ABSD and SSD in excess of $50, but only if you apply within six months and the deal was not rescinded to help the seller sell to someone else. Missing the deadline can leave you without a refund.
The conditions
IRAS says BSD, ABSD and SSD remission "in excess of $50" applies to rescinded or aborted sale and purchase agreements if:
- The agreement or contract was rescinded on or after 18 February 2005.
- The purchaser did not rescind or abort the agreement to facilitate the disposal of the property by the vendor to another person.
- The application is made within 6 months from the date of the rescission.
The relief is set out in the Stamp Duties (Aborted Sale and Purchase Agreements) (Remission) Rules.
What "in excess of $50" means
IRAS keeps the first $50 of duty and remits the rest. It does not refund your deposit or other costs, such as legal fees or an option fee, which depend on your contract. For how much duty is typically involved, see the BSD guide and the ABSD guide.
How to apply
- Log in to myTax Portal with Singpass (as an Individual or Business User), via the Stamp Duty login.
- Go to Request, then Apply for Refund. This service is available only on desktop, not on mobile.
- Keep and submit, when IRAS asks, the original Option to Purchase or Sale and Purchase Agreement, and documentary evidence supporting the cancellation of the document.
Related situations
- You pay late on a document you still need: see stamp duty deadlines and penalties.
- You have bought a second property and plan to sell the first: ABSD refund conditions are different; see the 6-month remission clock.
- An HDB resale that does not complete has HDB's own consequences, including the OTP's option fee forfeiture; see OTP explained and option fee vs exercise fee.
- A refund claim in general: IRAS has a separate page on how to claim stamp duty refunds if you overpaid for other reasons.
FAQ
Can I get my stamp duty back if the sale falls through?
Possibly. IRAS can remit BSD, ABSD and SSD above $50 if the agreement was rescinded, you did not rescind it to help the vendor sell to someone else, and you apply within 6 months.
How long do I have to apply?
Six months from the date of the rescission of the contract or agreement.
Do I get all the duty back?
IRAS remits the amount in excess of $50.
Do I get my option fee or deposit back from IRAS?
No. IRAS's remission concerns stamp duty only. Deposits depend on the contract and the circumstances.
Where do I apply?
Through myTax Portal's Stamp Duty login, using Request and then Apply for Refund, on a desktop browser.
Related guides
- Stamp Duty Deadlines, Late Penalties and Mortgage Duty
- Stamp Duty Relief: Family and Divorce Transfers
- Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD): Rates and Holding Period
Figures current as of October 2026, from IRAS pages. The remission rules are set out in legislation, and your facts may raise issues this page does not cover. This guide is general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Get legal advice if a purchase is being cancelled.
Deal in trouble and unsure about the money trail? Message us on WhatsApp, and speak to a lawyer about your contract.