What is this service?
An official determination of the stamp duty chargeable on an instrument.
Where the stamp duty payable on an instrument is uncertain - for example unusual transactions or combined documents - the Karnataka Stamp Act provides for adjudication by the designated authority, who determines the proper duty before execution or registration.
Why and when you need it
- Why
- It removes the risk of under-stamping, which can make a document inadmissible and attract penalties.
- Who needs it
- Parties whose documents have uncertain or complex stamp duty treatment.
- When
- Before executing or registering a document whose duty is unclear.
Required documents
- Draft of the instrument to be adjudicated
- Transaction particulars and supporting documents
- Property or consideration details as applicable
- Applicant identity proof
Identity and supporting documents
- PAN card of each applicant or party
- Aadhaar card or another government photo identity and address proof
- Passport-size photographs
- For companies and associations: incorporation documents, board resolution and authorisation letter
Step-by-step procedure
- Prepare the draft instrument and transaction summary
- Apply for adjudication with the supporting documents
- The authority determines the proper stamp duty
- Pay the determined duty and proceed to execution or registration
Fees, stamp duty and timelines
- Government fee
- Government fees, where applicable, are paid only on the official portal or at the government office. Confirm the current amount on the official portal before payment.
- Assistance charges
- Professional assistance charges are quoted after understanding your requirement. Government fees and SRCHN service charges are always shown separately. Confirm the final quote before work begins.
- Processing time
- Processing time varies by office and case. No completion timeline is guaranteed.
Government fees and SRCHN assistance charges are always kept separate. Nothing here is an invented price - confirm current amounts on the official portal or with our team before paying.
Legal requirements
- Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957 - adjudication of stamp duty
Common rejection reasons
- Incomplete draft or missing transaction particulars
Important cautions
Under-stamped documents face impounding and penalties - adjudicate when in doubt
FAQs
When should I apply for adjudication?
Whenever the correct stamp duty on your instrument is genuinely uncertain - for example unusual consideration structures or composite documents.
