LankaLaw has launched its new Stamp Duty Calculator, a digital tool designed to simplify the calculation of stamp duty applicable to a wide range of property, land, legal and commercial instruments in Sri Lanka.
The new calculator expands beyond conventional property-transfer calculations, providing users with a single digital interface covering property and land transactions as well as a broad range of general instruments that may attract stamp duty.
Covering Property & Land Transactions
The calculator provides dedicated options for several important property-related instruments, including:
- Deed of Transfer — Sale
- Deed of Gift
- Lease / Rent Agreement
- Mortgage Deed
These instruments are particularly relevant to property buyers, sellers, landowners, investors, landlords and parties involved in financing or transferring property.
By entering the relevant transaction details, users can obtain an indicative calculation of the stamp duty associated with the selected instrument.
Beyond Property Transactions
A key feature of the LankaLaw calculator is its coverage of General Instruments, extending its usefulness to individuals, businesses and professionals dealing with a variety of legal and commercial documents.
The calculator includes instruments such as Affidavits, Insurance Policies, Warrants to Act as Notary Public, Trade/Business/Profession/Vocation Licences and Liquor Trade/Business Licences.
It also incorporates specific categories including Arrack AFL1–AFL4 / Bottled Toddy Licences, qualifying foreign merchant credit card transactions and share certificates.
Other instruments covered include Bonds/Mortgages, Promissory Notes, Lease/Hire Agreements, Hire Purchase Agreements and Receipts/Discharges.
Stamp Duty Calculator
Sri Lanka · Property, Land & General Instruments
Select Instrument
Stamp Duty Calculation
Calculation Breakdown
| Description | Basis | Rate / Rule | Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | Rs. 0 | — | Rs. 0 |
| TOTAL STAMP DUTY | Rs. 0 | ||
Stamp Duty Rate Reference
| Instrument | Rate |
|---|---|
| Deed of Transfer — Sale | 3% first Rs.100,000 + 4% balance |
| Deed of Gift | 3% first Rs.50,000 + 2% balance |
| Lease / Rent Agreement | 2% of aggregate rent / hire |
| Mortgage Deed | 0.1% |
| Affidavit | Rs.50 |
| Insurance Policy | Rs.1 / Rs.1,000 or part thereof |
| Warrant to Act as Notary Public | Rs.2,000 |
| Trade / Business / Profession Licence | Rs.2,000 or 10%, whichever is lower |
| Liquor Licence | Rs.20,000 |
| Arrack AFL1–AFL4 / Bottled Toddy | Rs.2,000 or 10%, whichever is higher |
| Foreign Merchant Credit Card | Rs.25 / Rs.1,000 or part thereof |
| Share Certificate | Rs.5 / Rs.1,000 or part thereof |
| Bond / Mortgage | Rs.1 / Rs.1,000 or part thereof |
| Promissory Note | Rs.1 / Rs.1,000 or part thereof |
| Lease / Hire Agreement | Rs.20 / Rs.1,000 or part thereof |
| Hire Purchase Agreement | Rs.20 / Rs.1,000 or part thereof |
| Receipt / Discharge | Exempt up to Rs.25,000; Rs.25 above |
One Digital Tool for Multiple Stamp Duty Requirements
Stamp duty calculations can be difficult to perform manually because the applicable duty may vary according to the type of instrument, transaction value and applicable rate structure.
The LankaLaw Stamp Duty Calculator is designed to bring these calculations into one accessible digital platform, allowing users to first select the relevant instrument and then calculate the applicable duty based on the information required for that category.
This can provide a useful preliminary reference for:
- Property buyers and sellers
- Landowners
- Investors and developers
- Landlords and tenants
- Businesses and entrepreneurs
- Notaries and legal professionals
- Financial institutions
- Insurance-related transactions
- Parties entering into commercial agreements
Bringing Legal Technology to Everyday Transactions
The launch forms part of LankaLaw’s broader strategy of using technology to make Sri Lankan legal and regulatory information more accessible and practical.
Rather than requiring users to locate individual stamp duty schedules, identify the relevant instrument and manually perform calculations, the platform brings multiple categories together within a single digital calculator.
The approach is particularly relevant in an environment where individuals and businesses increasingly expect legal and regulatory services to be accessible through digital platforms.
Supporting Better-Informed Decisions
The calculator can help users obtain an initial estimate of potential stamp duty liability before completing a transaction or preparing an instrument.
This may allow users to factor potential stamp duty costs into property purchases, commercial arrangements, financing transactions and other activities at an earlier stage.
However, the calculated amount should be treated as an indicative estimate. The final stamp duty payable may depend on the precise nature of the instrument, applicable legislation, exemptions, valuation requirements and other circumstances surrounding the transaction. Users should obtain appropriate professional or official confirmation where necessary.
Another Addition to LankaLaw’s Legal Technology Platform
The Stamp Duty Calculator adds another practical tool to LankaLaw’s growing portfolio of technology-driven legal services.
With coverage extending from property transfers and mortgages to leases, licences, share certificates, promissory notes, hire-purchase agreements and other instruments, the calculator is positioned as a broader digital reference tool for understanding stamp duty obligations in Sri Lanka.
LankaLaw’s Stamp Duty Calculator aims to turn a traditionally technical calculation into a simpler, more accessible digital process — helping users understand potential stamp duty costs before they proceed with their transactions.
