How CGT applies in Queensland
Queensland doesn’t have its own capital gains tax. The ATO’s rules apply: work out the gain, subtract losses, apply the 50% discount if you held the property for at least 12 months, and include the result in your tax return. Use our property CGT calculator.
Queensland transfer duty
Transfer duty paid to the Queensland Revenue Office on purchase forms part of your cost base. The general rate scale (for example $17,325 plus $4.50 per $100 over $540,000, up to $1 million) differs from the home concession rates, so use your settlement statement for the actual amount paid. Foreign buyers’ additional foreign acquirer duty (8% since 1 July 2024) is also included.
Queensland land tax
For a rental property, land tax is deductible each year and not added to the cost base. Non-deductible land tax on land never used to produce income may be included as a holding cost.
Brisbane worked example
A Brisbane house bought in September 2017 for $520,000 with $16,625 transfer duty (Queensland general rate, without the home concession) and $2,000 legal fees, sold in May 2026 for $890,000 with $19,000 selling costs. Owner’s other income: $120,000.
- Cost base $557,625 → capital gain $332,375
- Net capital gain after the 50% discount: $166,188
- Estimated tax: $71,458
- Including transfer duty in the cost base saves about $3,907 in tax.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate capital gains tax in Queensland?
No. CGT is a federal tax administered by the ATO and the rules are identical in every state and territory. State taxes such as stamp duty and land tax only affect your CGT through the cost base.
Is stamp duty part of the cost base?
Yes. Transfer duty paid on buying the property (including any foreign purchaser surcharge duty) is an incidental cost of acquisition and is included in the cost base, reducing your capital gain.
Can I include land tax in the cost base?
Only if it wasn’t deductible. For a rental property, land tax is a deduction each year and is not added to the cost base. For vacant land or a holiday home not rented, non-deductible land tax may form part of the third element for assets acquired after 20 August 1991.
References
Every figure on this page was checked against these primary sources on 16 October 2026.
General information only – not financial or tax advice. See our disclaimer. Spotted an error? Email hello@cgtcalculatoraustralia.com.