The Queensland Revenue Office’s Insurance Duty Rates in Queensland page, dated 13 March 2025, says duty is charged on the premium, with GST treated as part of the premium for the stated general-insurance rates: 9% applies to Class 1 and Class 2 general insurance. The same page sets a fixed 10-cent duty on a CTP premium and 5% duty on the net WorkCover premium. Figures checked 1 October 2026.
What premium is the duty charged on?
The Queensland Revenue Office describes the premium as the total amount paid to the insurance company for the insurance. The calculation base differs between general insurance, CTP and WorkCover.
| Insurance category | Stated duty | Calculation base |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 and Class 2 general insurance | 9% | Premium paid, including GST |
| Compulsory Third Party insurance | Fixed 10 cents | Premium for CTP insurance |
| WorkCover insurance | 5% | Net premium |
The percentage alone is therefore not enough to calculate the duty. Check which category and calculation base apply to the policy.
Which policies are in Classes 1 and 2?
General insurance includes car, home and contents insurance. The Queensland Revenue Office separates it into two duty classes:
- Class 1: General insurance other than CTP or Class 2 general insurance.
- Class 2: General insurance for or relating to:
- professional indemnity;
- a motor vehicle other than CTP insurance;
- a first home mortgage;
- personal injury relating to aircraft travel; or
- a life insurance rider.
A life insurance rider is attached to a life insurance policy and provides for additional capital payments if the insured person becomes disabled or accidentally dies. All or part of the rider premium must be stated separately on the policy.
Is CTP charged at the general-insurance rate?
No. The stated CTP duty is a fixed 10 cents imposed on a premium for CTP insurance, rather than the 9% rate used for Class 1 and Class 2 general insurance.
This is a separate rule, so a CTP policy should not be assessed using the general-insurance percentage.
How is WorkCover duty calculated?
WorkCover duty is 5% of the net premium. It is not calculated using the same premium basis as the 9% Class 1 and Class 2 general-insurance rate.
The distinction matters when checking a quote or policy: identify whether the insurer has applied the WorkCover net-premium basis or treated the policy as another class of general insurance.
What should you check before applying these rates?
Check the Queensland Revenue Office’s rates page and the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). The policy classification and stated premium basis determine which duty rule applies.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice.
Sources
FAQ
Does the 9% general-insurance rate include GST?
Yes. For Class 1 and Class 2 general insurance, the duty is 9% of the premium paid, including GST.
Is CTP subject to the 9% rate?
No. The stated duty for a CTP premium is a fixed 10 cents.
What premium does the 5% WorkCover duty apply to?
It applies to the net premium, rather than the GST-inclusive basis used for the stated general-insurance rates.
Does WorkCover’s 5% rate use the same basis as term life insurance?
No. WorkCover duty is 5% of the net premium. Temporary or term life insurance also carries a 5% rate, but it applies to the first year’s premium.
Where should I confirm the rate for my policy?
Check the Queensland Revenue Office’s current rates page and the policy’s PDS.
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