Stamp Duty Reimbursement Scheme

Stamp Duty Reimbursement Scheme helps startups, incubators, and accelerators in Goa by capping stamp duty costs at ₹ 100 for land or property transactions. Any excess stamp duty paid gets reimbursed to support business growth and infrastructure development.

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa runs this scheme under the Goa Startup Policy framework. Eligible entities can claim reimbursement for stamp duty paid during purchase or lease of land or developed areas for their operations.

Stamp Duty Reimbursement Scheme Details

This initiative specifically targets local startups registered with the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC). When your startup, incubator, or accelerator buys or leases land or a developed area for business operations, the stamp duty for the transaction stays at ₹ 100 maximum. Whatever you pay above this limit gets refunded to you after verification.

The Goa Startup Policy 2025 continues to support the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem with various incentives. While the newer policy introduced fresh schemes, the Stamp Duty Reimbursement Scheme remains available for eligible applicants who meet the prescribed conditions.

Benefits

The scheme offers clear financial relief for businesses setting up operations in Goa. Here is how the benefits work:

• If your organization purchases or leases land or a developed area, you only pay a maximum stamp duty of ₹ 100. The authorities reimburse any excess amount you have already paid to the concerned departments.
• You can avail of these benefits only once in your entity's lifetime. No second claims are allowed under this scheme.
• For incubators and accelerators, payment generally happens after three years of successful operation. The SITPC may relax this timeline if your company operates specifically in the business of creating incubators.
• Up to 100 startups can benefit from this scheme each year. Selection follows guidelines set by the SITPC.

Please note: Benefits under this scheme are not an entitlement. The SITPC reserves the sole right to accept or reject applications based on due diligence.

Eligibility

To qualify for the reimbursement, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a startup certified by the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) with a valid certificate number, or an incubator/accelerator enlisted with the cell.
• You should apply for this benefit only once in your entity's lifetime.
• The bank accounts of your company directors must be linked to their Aadhaar cards.
• The expenditure must have been incurred within one year before the notification of the Goa Start-up Policy 2017 and within the policy's valid duration. Payments made digitally get priority consideration.
• If digital payment was not possible, the SITPC conducts due diligence to decide whether your expenditure qualifies for reimbursement.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Visit the official Goa Startup Portal at startup.goa.gov.in. Navigate to the Incentives section to find information about the Stamp Duty Reimbursement Scheme and download the application form.

STEP 2 - Fill in all required fields in the application form accurately. Attach copies of the Transaction Deed, original proof of stamp duty payment, Memorandum of Understanding (for incubators/accelerators only), and your Startup Certificate Number (for startups only).

STEP 3 - Email the signed application form along with all supporting documents to the SITPC at spc-dit.goa@gov.in. Alternatively, you can submit the documents through the web portal if the option is available. Make sure to submit your application within 6 months of the expenditure date.

STEP 4 - After submission, the SITPC evaluates your documents and verifies the expenses. You can expect a status update — approval or rejection — within 45 days of receiving your application. Once approved, the approved amount gets disbursed within 60 days.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before starting your application:

• Copy of the Transaction Deed showing the property purchase or lease agreement
• Original proof showing the payment of stamp duty to the concerned authority
• Copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (required only for incubators or accelerators)
• Startup Certificate Number issued by the SITPC (required only for startups)

References

• Stamp Duty Reimbursement Scheme Official Guidelines
• Goa Startup Policy 2025 Notification
• Goa Government Schemes Compilation
• SITPC Contact Information

FAQ's

What is the maximum stamp duty I need to pay for property transactions?

The stamp duty is capped at ₹ 100. You pay this fixed amount and receive reimbursement for whatever you paid above this total to the authorities.

Can the three-year waiting period for incubators be changed?

Yes, the SITPC can relax this requirement for companies specifically engaged in the business of building or operating incubators.

How many startups can receive this benefit annually?

The scheme supports up to 100 startups every year. Selection follows SITPC guidelines.

Is it guaranteed that I will receive the reimbursement?

No, the benefits are not considered an automatic entitlement. The SITPC reviews each application and decides whether to approve or reject it.

Can I apply for this twice?

No, each startup entity is eligible to receive reimbursement benefits only once in its lifetime.

What payments qualify for this scheme?

Eligible expenditures include stamp duty paid digitally from one year before the Goa Startup Policy 2017 was notified, provided they fall within the policy's validity period.

What if I did not make the payment digitally?

If you made a manual payment, the SITPC performs due diligence to determine whether your transaction qualifies for reimbursement.

What happens if I give incorrect information?

If the SITPC finds any misrepresentation or fraud in your application, it can reject your claim and take further action as per policy guidelines.