Registration charges are paid in addition to stamp duty when a document such as a sale deed is registered. They vary by state.
Example
Budgeting the extras
A buyer in Bengaluru budgets ₹95 lakh for a flat. On top of stamp duty, the sub-registrar collects a registration fee — at an illustrative 1% (not any state’s actual rate) that would be ₹95,000 — plus small scanning and document fees. Checking the actual fee on the state’s registration portal before the appointment avoids a last-minute shortfall.
Figures are illustrative, not market rates.
Across India
- Each state sets its own registration fee; some cap the fee at a fixed rupee amount, others charge a flat percentage.
- Maharashtra and Karnataka let parties book appointments and pay fees online through their registration portals.
- Rental agreements usually attract a much smaller fixed registration fee than sale deeds.
Questions about Registration charges
Are registration charges the same as stamp duty?
No. Stamp duty is a tax on the document, set under the stamp laws. Registration charges are fees for registering the document under the Registration Act, 1908, set by the state. Both are paid when a sale deed is registered.
Can registration charges be paid online?
In many states, yes. Maharashtra’s Department of Registration and Stamps and Karnataka’s Kaveri portal accept online payment and appointments. The parties still usually appear before the sub-registrar to sign and give biometrics, unless the state allows fully online registration for that document.
Are registration charges refundable if the deal falls through?
Fees paid for a registration that was completed are not refunded. If the document was not registered, states have their own refund procedures and time limits for unused stamp duty and fees. Apply quickly and keep the payment receipts.
Sources
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