16/08/2025
Here is some helpful information that will help you when buying property, in a company name.
In Trinidad and Tobago, if a person buys the shares of a company that already owns a house (instead of buying the house directly in their own name), then stamp duty on the property transaction itself is not usually triggered — because, legally, the property hasn’t changed ownership; only the shares in the company have.
Here’s why:
Stamp duty is charged on the transfer of real property when the deed changes hands.
If the company remains the legal owner of the house, and you’re just taking over the company by buying its shares, there is no deed transfer — so in most cases, no property stamp duty is payable.
BUT —
The government can still charge stamp duty on the transfer of shares, depending on the value of the company and its assets.
If the company is considered a “landholding company”, there may be specific rules where buying shares is treated as indirectly buying property, and stamp duty can still apply (this depends on how the legislation is applied at the time — so legal advice is essential).
You’ll also inherit all the company’s liabilities, so full due diligence is critical.
In practice, in T&T, this structure has been used to minimize or avoid property stamp duty, but it’s a legal grey area that requires careful handling and a good property lawyer.
1. Buying Shares versus Property – What Triggers Stamp Duty?
A. Stamp Duty on Property (Deed of Conveyance)
If you buy the property directly (i.e., the deed is transferred), stamp duty applies progressively based on value:
First TT$850,000: 0% (for residential with dwelling)
Trinidad and Tobago Real Estate
caribsurf.net
Next TT$400,000: 3%
Following TT$500,000: 5%
Any amount above TT$1,750,000: 7.5%
Trinidad and Tobago Real Estate
caribsurf.net
trinidadlaw.com
Stamp duty can reach up to around 10% in certain conveyance cases
PwC Tax Summaries
Oxford Business Group
B. Stamp Duty on Share Transfers
Even when the property isn’t directly transferred, stamp duty still applies—but on the shares being transferred:
If the company is publicly listed, stamp duty is 5% of the higher of: Market value of the shares, or
Consideration paid
trinidadlaw.com
caribsurf.net
If the company is not listed, stamp duty is TT$5 per TT$1,000 of the higher of: Share value, or Consideration paid.
Do You “Avoid” Stamp Duty by Buying Shares?
Not Exactly—
Here’s the breakdown:
Yes, you avoid direct stamp duty on the property since there's no deed transfer.
But you still pay stamp duty, just in a different form—on the share transfer.
The amount payable depends on whether the company is listed or private.
Comparison Table
Scenario Stamp Duty Triggers Rate/Calculation
Direct Property Purchase Deed Conveyance 0% first TT$850k → 3% next TT$400k → 5% next TT$500k → 7.5% above
Share Purchase (Listed Co.) Transfer of Shares 5% of higher of market value or consideration
Share Purchase (Private Co.) Transfer of Shares TT$5 per TT$1,000 of higher of value or consideration.
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