Enter your home sale price and state to instantly calculate transfer tax owed. Compare rates across every state side by side.
Estimates based on 2025 state statutory rates. Local surcharges, exemptions, and city taxes vary — always verify with your title company or escrow officer.
A real estate transfer tax (also called a deed transfer tax or documentary stamp tax) is a one-time fee charged by a state, county, or city when ownership of real property changes hands. It is calculated as a percentage of the sale price and typically appears as a line item on your closing disclosure.
It depends on the state. In most states the seller pays. In some states (like New Hampshire and Delaware) it is split equally. In a few states like New York, the buyer pays an additional "mansion tax" on high-value sales. The "Who Pays" column in the Compare tab shows each state's default.
Results are based on 2025 statutory state-level rates. Local surcharges (city and county add-ons), graduated thresholds, and specific exemptions can change your actual tax. Always confirm the final amount with your title company, escrow officer, or real estate attorney before closing.
Yes — 13 states have no real estate transfer tax at the state level: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. However, some of these states may still charge recording fees or have limited local taxes.
In most states, the party who pays transfer tax can be negotiated in the purchase contract. While conventions exist (e.g., seller pays in California), buyers and sellers can agree to a different split. This is common in buyer's markets or when sellers want to attract offers.
| State | State Rate | Est. Tax on $400K | Who Pays | Notes |
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Delaware tops the list for combined state + county rates at roughly 3.5–4% total (split between buyer and seller). Washington D.C. and New Hampshire also charge notable rates. Within states, cities like New York City and San Francisco add significant local surcharges on top of state rates.
Colorado has the lowest rate at just 0.01% ($0.01 per $100). Georgia and Alabama charge 0.1% (state level). Wyoming, Texas, and Montana have no transfer tax at all. These low or zero-tax states can save thousands at closing on high-value homes.
The rate column shows the base state-level rate only. City and county surcharges are described in the Notes column. Use the Calculator tab to include local add-ons for states like New York, California, Delaware, and Massachusetts where local taxes are significant.
It applies the state statutory rate to a $400,000 sale price: Tax = $400,000 × state rate. This is a simplified estimate using only the state rate and does not include county, city, or graduated surcharges. Use the Calculator tab for a more complete estimate.
Quick reference for every state. Rates are statutory state-level rates — local surcharges may apply.
A documentary transfer tax is the specific name used in California and many other states for the real estate transfer tax. The term "documentary" refers to the physical recording of the deed document. The rate is applied to the consideration (sale price) listed on the deed.
Real estate transfer taxes are not deductible as a standalone expense on your federal income tax return. However, transfer taxes paid by the buyer are added to the property's cost basis, and transfer taxes paid by the seller reduce the net proceeds. This can affect capital gains taxes when you eventually sell. Always consult a tax professional.
Common exemptions include: transfers between spouses (divorce settlements), gifts to family members, transfers to a trust or LLC you control, first-time homebuyer exemptions (Maryland, DC), foreclosure sales, and government entity transfers. Exemption rules vary significantly by state — check with your title company.
Generally no — transfer taxes only apply when real property ownership changes hands (a sale). A refinance is a new mortgage on property you already own, so no deed transfer occurs. However, some states charge a mortgage recording tax or recordation fee on refinances. Check your state's rules.
Use our calculator above to see transfer tax for any state. Always confirm with your title company.
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