How to Claim ABSD Remission From IRAS: Step-by-Step 2026
By Winfred Quek · CEA R073319H · 7-minute read · Last reviewed May 2026
Quick answer: SC married couples buying a replacement matrimonial home in joint names must pay ABSD upfront at stamping, then claim remission after selling the existing home within 6 months of the new property's completion. Miss the 6-month window and the ABSD is forfeited. IRAS takes 4–8 weeks to refund. No interest is paid on the held ABSD.
Facts verified: May 2026 · Sources linked below
Who Is Eligible for ABSD Remission?
ABSD remission for married couples applies when ALL of these conditions are met:
- At least one spouse is a Singapore Citizen (SC). The other spouse can be SC or PR.
- The new property is purchased jointly in both spouses' names.
- Both spouses must be named on the existing matrimonial home that will be sold.
- Neither spouse owns any other residential property at the time of the new purchase.
- The existing matrimonial home is disposed of within 6 months of the new property's completion date (TOP for new launches; legal completion for resale).
If only one spouse's name is on the existing property, or if one spouse has a share in a third property, remission may not be granted. Always verify eligibility with a property lawyer before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Remission Claim Process
Step 1 Pay ABSD upfront at stamping. ABSD cannot be deferred. When you exercise the OTP or sign the S&P for the new property, ABSD is due within 14 days. Pay it in full. For a $1.5M property with 20% ABSD, that is $300,000 cash locked up until the refund.
Step 2 Complete the sale of your existing matrimonial home. Ensure the sale is completed meaning legal completion, not just OTP exercise within 6 months of the new property's TOP (for new launches) or its legal completion date (for resale). Buyer delays on your existing property count against your 6-month window, so begin marketing early.
Step 3 Submit the remission claim to IRAS. Log in to myTax Portal at mytax.iras.gov.sg and navigate to "Stamp Duty" → "Claim Remission." Submit within 6 months of the new property's completion. The claim must be made within this window there is no extension for late applications.
Step 4 Compile and attach all required documents. A complete document set is essential. Incomplete submissions are returned and may miss the deadline.
Step 5 IRAS processes the claim. Processing takes approximately 4–8 weeks. IRAS may contact you for additional information. Ensure your contact details on myTax Portal are current.
Step 6 Receive the ABSD refund. Refund is credited to your bank account registered with IRAS. Register or update your bank account on myTax Portal before submitting the claim to avoid delays.
Documents Checklist for ABSD Remission Claim
| Document | Purpose | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp certificate for new property | Proves ABSD was paid | Your conveyancing lawyer / IRAS portal |
| OTP or S&P Agreement for new property | Shows purchase details, both names on title | Lawyer's file |
| Completion account or Notice of Vacant Possession (new launch) for new property | Establishes the completion date / start of 6-month clock | Developer or lawyer |
| OTP or S&P Agreement for sold property | Shows disposal details | Lawyer's file |
| Completion account for sold property | Proves legal completion occurred within 6 months | Lawyer's file |
| Marriage certificate | Proves married couple status | ICA / ROM |
| NRIC / Passport of both spouses | Identity verification | Personal document |
Timeline: When to File Based on Property Type
| New Property Type | Completion Event | 6-Month Clock Starts | Latest Sale Completion of Old Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| New launch (BUC) | TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit) | Date of TOP | Within 6 months of TOP date |
| Resale (completed property) | Legal completion of purchase | Date of legal completion | Within 6 months of legal completion |
The hidden cost of ABSD remission: IRAS refunds the ABSD principal only no interest is paid. If ABSD was $300,000 and it was tied up for 3 years during construction plus a 6-month sell window, you effectively lost ~$9,000–$13,500 in foregone interest (at 3–4.5% p.a. in a high-rate environment). This is a real cost of the "upgrader" strategy and should be factored into the decision.
Common Errors That Cause Rejection
- Only one spouse submits the claim. IRAS requires the claim to be filed jointly or on behalf of both spouses with authorisation.
- New property not in both names. If the new property is in one spouse's name only, the remission does not apply. Both names must be on title.
- Sold property was not the matrimonial home. If you owned an investment property (not lived in) and sold that instead of the matrimonial home, the condition is not met.
- One spouse had a share in another property. Even a 1% share in a third property including inherited shares disqualifies you.
- Missing the 6-month deadline. IRAS does not grant extensions. If you miss the window by one day, the ABSD is forfeited.
Related reading
- ABSD remission for married couples full eligibility guide
- ABSD Singapore 2026 complete rates by profile
- How to calculate your net proceeds when selling Singapore property
- HDB upgrader guide complete timeline
Winfred Quek is an Associate Marketing Consultant at Crestbrick Pte Ltd. CEA R073319H. Information on this page is general and does not constitute financial, investment, or mortgage advice.
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