ABSD must be paid within 14 days from the date of signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement if signed in Singapore, or within 30 days if signed overseas. Late payment incurs penalties of 5% per annum on the unpaid amount, plus a fine of up to 4 times the duty unpaid.
When ABSD is payable
The trigger event for ABSD is the date of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (typically the OTP exercise date for resale, or the booking date for new launches). Source: IRAS ABSD.
Payment is due within 14 days of the trigger event for documents signed in Singapore, or 30 days for documents signed overseas.
How to pay ABSD
Stamp duty (BSD + ABSD) is paid through myTax Portal via:
- e-Stamping Service: Direct online filing and payment using SingPass.
- GIRO: Pre-arranged from a Singapore bank account.
- NETS / Credit Card: Up to specified limits at IRAS payment counters.
- Cheque: Posted to IRAS; processing time longer.
Most conveyancing lawyers handle stamp duty filing on behalf of buyers as part of the property completion service.
Penalties for late payment
| Delay | Penalty |
|---|---|
| ≤ 3 months | $10 or 4× duty unpaid, whichever higher |
| > 3 months | $25 or 4× duty unpaid, whichever higher |
| Additional | 5% per annum on the unpaid duty |
For a S$300,000 ABSD that is late by 1 month, the penalty is S$1,200,000 (4× duty) or larger — making late payment a catastrophic financial error.
Worked example: Payment timeline for a resale purchase
| Date | Event | ABSD action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jun 2026 | OTP signed (1% cash) | None |
| 15 Jun 2026 | OTP exercised (4% top-up) | Triggers 14-day countdown |
| 29 Jun 2026 | ABSD payment deadline | Filed via myTax Portal |
| 1 Aug 2026 | Completion | — |
For the broader Singapore ABSD framework see the complete ABSD guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can ABSD payment be delayed pending loan approval?
No. ABSD is payable on the trigger date regardless of loan disbursement timing.
What if the lawyer makes a late filing?
The buyer is ultimately responsible for stamp duty payment. Late-filing penalties may be recoverable from the lawyer if negligence is proven.
Can I pay in instalments?
No. Stamp duty is payable in full by the deadline. There is no instalment plan.