If your vehicle was destroyed in a specified bushfire area, relief from stamp duty was available on the transfer of registration or on the application to register a vehicle is available.
What is the specified bushfire area?
Anywhere affected by bushfires in the Local Government Areas of Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Mid-Murray, Yorke Peninsula and Kingston District.
How much was the relief?
Relief was capped at the stamp duty payable on a $50,000 vehicle. This means relief is available up to:
- $1,940 for passenger vehicles
- $1,470 for commercial vehicles
What if I purchased a vehicle valued at more than $50,000?
If you purchased a vehicle which is valued over $50,000, you will still be eligible for relief to the capped amount.
Example
A replacement passenger vehicle is purchased for $65,000. Stamp duty on the transfer of registration is $2,540.
Relief of $1,940 was available, with the purchaser required to pay the $600 difference.
Did the replacement vehicle have to be the same as the vehicle destroyed?
No, the replacement vehicle did not need to be the same type or model, nor does it need to be the same value as the vehicle destroyed.
For example, you replaced a destroyed station wagon with a dual cab utility.
Was relief only on cars?
No, relief was available for any vehicle that can be registered and where stamp duty applied. This included sedans, station wagons, people movers, vans, utilities, motor bikes, trucks and semi-trailers.
Was relief available for replacement trailers or caravan?
No. The transfer of registration on trailers and caravans does not attract stamp duty.
Could I get the relief at the time of transfer?
Yes. You could have requested the relief at the time of transfer with Service SA.
You needed to provide a copy of the police report or insurance claim evidencing that the vehicle has been destroyed. If you did not have a police report or insurance claim, other evidence or a declaration may be provided.
When does the relief end?
The relief was available up to and including 1 April 2022.
What if I purchased a vehicle from a dealer?
Vehicle dealers were unable to provide the relief. If purchasing from a dealer there were 2 ways you could claim the relief:
- Organise to undertake the transfer yourself at a Service SA branch.
- Pay the stamp duty as part of your purchase and apply for a refund with Service SA.
I’ve already purchased a replacement vehicle and paid stamp duty. Could I get a refund?
Yes. If you have already purchased a replacement vehicle and paid stamp duty you could get a refund from Service SA.
You needed to provide a copy of the police report or insurance claim evidencing that the vehicle has been destroyed. If you did not have a police report or insurance claim, other evidence or a declaration may be provided.
Did I have to live in the bushfire affected area to be eligible for the relief?
No. If the residential or garaging address for the destroyed vehicle was not in a specified bushfire area, but the vehicle was destroyed as a direct result of the bushfire, you could still apply for the relief.
You needed to provide a copy of the police report or insurance claim that evidences that the vehicle has been destroyed.
How many vehicles could I claim?
You could have claim relief for two replacement vehicles.
Relief for additional vehicles was assessed on a case-by-case basis.
My destroyed vehicle was not registered, could I get relief on its replacement?
Yes, as long as the destroyed vehicle was registered at sometime within the two years prior to being destroyed.
Is other relief available?
Yes. Relief is also available for:
My vehicle was destroyed by bushfire that is not a specified bushfire area?
If your vehicle has been destroyed by bushfire, which was not within a specified bushfire area and you have purchased a replacement vehicle, you can request for relief to be considered.
Please email returns@sa.gov.au with details of your vehicle, location vehicle was destroyed, supporting evidence and reasons why relief should be provided.
These instances will be considered on a case-by-case basis for ex gratia relief outside of this relief program.