Clearance Certificate for Selling Property
Selling your home or investment property? Without a clearance certificate, the buyer must hold back 15% of the sale price at settlement. As a registered tax agent, UV TAX can apply for your clearance certificate for you – quickly and correctly.
✔ Registered tax agent✔ We apply for you✔ Australia-wide
⏰ Don’t leave it late. Clearance certificates can take up to 28 days to be issued. Apply as soon as you are thinking of selling – before you list or sign a contract.
Why you need a clearance certificate
Since 1 January 2025, buyers must withhold 15% of the purchase price on all Australian property sales – whatever the price – unless every seller gives them a valid clearance certificate at or before settlement. This rule is called foreign resident capital gains withholding. It applies even if you are an Australian resident and even if you are selling your family home.
Example
You sell a property for $800,000 but don’t have your clearance certificate by settlement. The buyer must withhold $120,000 (15%) and pay it to the tax office. You would generally have to wait until your tax return for that year is lodged and processed to get it back – which could delay buying your next home.
Key facts – in simple terms
Free to apply
There is no government fee for a clearance certificate.
Up to 28 days
Processing can take up to 28 days – longer if your details don’t match.
Valid 12 months
One certificate covers any sale within 12 months, if your residency doesn’t change.
Each owner needs one
Every person or entity on the title needs their own certificate.
Who needs one?
- Australian residents selling a home, investment property, vacant land or commercial property
- Every owner on the certificate of title – for example, both members of a couple
- Companies, trusts and super funds that own property (the trustee or company applies)
- People transferring property to family members – transfers can also be caught
Some situations don’t need a certificate – for example, certain transfers under family law court orders or to beneficiaries of a deceased estate. Ask us if you are unsure.
Common reasons for delays
- Your name on the title doesn’t match your name on tax records (for example, after marriage)
- You haven’t lodged tax returns recently
- Your residency has changed – for example, you lived overseas
- The property is owned through a trust or company
How UV TAX helps
1. Quick check
We confirm your details, residency and the names on your title.
2. We apply for you
As a registered tax agent, we lodge the application on your behalf.
3. Certificate issued
We send you the certificate to give your conveyancer or lawyer.
4. Tax time
We help with any capital gains tax on the sale – or claim back money that was withheld.
Foreign resident selling property?
If you are not an Australian resident for tax purposes, you can’t get a clearance certificate, but you may be able to apply for a variation to reduce the amount withheld. See our pages on tax residency and foreign income, or call us.
⚠️ General information only – not legal advice. This page is a simple overview of clearance certificates and foreign resident capital gains withholding as at November 2026. It does not cover every situation and does not consider your personal circumstances. Processing times, exemptions and rules can change. Whether a certificate is issued, and when, is decided by the tax office – UV TAX cannot guarantee a certificate will be issued by your settlement date. Please speak with us, your conveyancer or your lawyer about your sale.
Selling soon? Get your clearance certificate sorted
Call us today – we’ll check your details and apply for you.
0466 268 405Frequently asked questions
What is a clearance certificate?
A clearance certificate confirms you are an Australian resident for tax purposes. When you give it to the buyer at or before settlement, they don’t need to withhold 15% of the sale price.
Do I need one if I am selling my home?
Yes. Since 1 January 2025, every Australian resident selling Australian property needs a clearance certificate – including your family home – no matter what it sells for.
How long does it take?
It can take up to 28 days. Apply as soon as you are thinking of selling – you don’t have to wait until you sign a contract.
How long is it valid?
A clearance certificate is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued, as long as your residency doesn’t change.
Do both owners need one?
Yes. Every person or entity named on the certificate of title needs their own clearance certificate.
Can my conveyancer apply for me?
Conveyancers who aren’t lawyers can’t apply on your behalf – they can only help you apply yourself. Registered tax agents (like UV TAX) and lawyers can apply for you.
What if 15% was already withheld?
You can generally claim the amount back as a credit when you lodge your tax return for the income year the contract was signed. We can help you do this.
Related
General information current as at November 2026.