Missouri does not impose a state-level real estate transfer tax — one less closing cost for sellers and buyers.
State Transfer Tax Rate
None
2025 statutory rate
Who Typically Pays
N/A
may be negotiated
Est. Tax on $400,000 Sale
$0
state rate only
Local Add-On
No transfer tax
verify with title company
Calculate Transfer Tax for Missouri
Missouri has no state real estate transfer tax.
Estimated Missouri Transfer Tax
Estimates based on 2025 state statutory rates. Local surcharges vary — verify with your title company.
Does Missouri Have a Transfer Tax?
Missouri does not impose a state-level real estate transfer tax. Missouri has no state real estate transfer tax. No transfer tax. Home sellers and buyers in Missouri are not required to pay a deed transfer tax at the state level, though normal recording fees and closing costs still apply.
Good news for home sellers in Missouri: you will not owe a state deed transfer tax at closing. You will still pay standard recording fees and other closing costs.
Who Pays Transfer Tax in Missouri?
Since Missouri has no transfer tax, neither buyer nor seller owes this particular fee at closing. Standard recording fees still apply.
Are There Exemptions in Missouri?
There are no transfer tax exemptions to worry about in Missouri because no transfer tax exists. Review your closing disclosure carefully for recording fees and other standard charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer taxes are not directly deductible. However, if you are the buyer, the transfer tax adds to your cost basis and reduces taxable capital gains when you sell. If you are the seller, it reduces your net proceeds. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Transfer tax is paid at closing (settlement). It appears as a line item on your Closing Disclosure (CD) or HUD-1 statement. Your title company or escrow officer collects it and remits it to the appropriate government authority when the deed is recorded.
Yes — in most states, who pays transfer tax is a negotiable term of the purchase contract, even if there is a customary default (usually seller pays). In competitive markets buyers sometimes agree to cover it; in slow markets sellers may offer to pay the buyer's share as an incentive.
Generally no — transfer taxes apply only when ownership changes hands. A refinance keeps the same owner, so no deed transfer occurs. However, some states charge a mortgage recording tax or recordation fee when a new mortgage is recorded, which is a separate charge.
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