Transfer Tax Calculator: Tax on a Property Transfer
Work out the real estate transfer tax owed on a property sale — the one-time tax governments charge when ownership changes hands.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Transfer tax | Price net of tax |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5% of $350k | 5,250 | 344,750 |
| 0.4% of $400k | 1,600 | 398,400 |
| 2.0% of $250k | 5,000 | 245,000 |
| 1.0% of $750k | 7,500 | 742,500 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the sale price of the property and the transfer tax rate that applies. The calculator multiplies the two to find the transfer tax, and shows the price net of the tax for context.
The Formula
Percentage of an Amount
Amount is the base value, Percentage is the rate applied to it
Worked Example
A $350,000 sale at a 1.5% transfer tax rate carries $5,250 of tax. Transfer taxes are a one-time cost at closing, paid by the buyer, seller, or split — depending on local custom and the contract.
Key Insight
Transfer tax rates vary widely between states and even between counties or cities. In some places it is a fraction of a percent; in others it can exceed two percent — a meaningful sum on a high-priced home.
State vs local transfer tax stacking
Many U.S. jurisdictions have both state AND local transfer taxes. Combined burden can be significant.
Examples 2024. New York City: 0.4% state + 1.0% city = 1.4% on residential property + 'mansion tax' 1-2.9% on $1M+ purchases. Total on $2M home: 1.4% + 1% (mansion tier 1) = 2.4% = $48K. Substantial closing cost.
Connecticut: 0.75% state. Plus 'conveyance tax' 0.25%. Total 1%. Hartford: $400K home pays $4K. New Jersey: 0.4% on most property; up to 2.5% on commercial.
Washington DC: 1.45% recordation + 1.45% transfer = 2.9% total. Among highest U.S. effective rates.
Maryland: variable by county; typically 0.5-1.0% state + local. Montgomery County 1.0% state + 1.0% county = 2.0%.
For high-tax jurisdictions, transfer tax often exceeds traditional closing costs. Always research jurisdiction-specific rates before purchase.
Mansion tax and high-value surcharges
Many states have 'mansion tax' — additional transfer tax tier on high-value properties. Typically threshold $1M or $2M; additional 0.5-3.0% applied above threshold.
New York mansion tax 2024 (added by 2019 reform): $1M-$1.999M: 1.0% additional; $2M-$2.999M: 1.25%; $3M-$4.999M: 1.5%; $5M-$9.999M: 2.25%; $10M-$14.999M: 3.25%; $15M-$19.999M: 3.5%; $20M-$24.999M: 3.75%; $25M+: 3.9%. On $5M NYC purchase: 0.4% + 1.0% + 2.25% = 3.65% transfer tax = $182K.
Other states with similar high-value surcharges: NJ (1% above $1M); Washington state (3.0% above $3M); Vermont (additional rates).
Implication for high-value real estate transactions: transfer tax can substantially affect net proceeds for sellers. Sellers should plan for transfer tax cost when calculating net from sale. For buyers, transfer tax adds to total transaction cost. Always negotiate who pays — convention varies by state.
State transfer tax rates — selected states (2024)
Reference state real estate transfer tax rates.
| State | State rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | 0% (some county only) | Documentary transfer tax some counties |
| Texas | 0% | No state transfer tax |
| Florida | 0.70% | Plus 0.45% surtax some counties |
| New York | 0.4% + mansion tax up to 3.9% | Highest combined rates |
| New Jersey | 0.4% to 2.5% | Higher on commercial |
| Connecticut | 0.75% + 0.25% | Combined 1% |
| Washington | 1.28-3.0% | Tiered |
| Maryland | 0.5-1.0% + local | Variable by county |
| Pennsylvania | 1.0% + local | Combined typically 2% |
| DC | 1.45% + 1.45% | Combined 2.9% |
| Arizona | 0% | Property recording fee only |
| Oregon | 0% | Some local mortgage tax |
13 U.S. states have no state transfer tax. For high-value transactions, jurisdiction differences matter substantially. NYC $5M condo: $182K transfer tax. Phoenix $5M home: <$100 recording fee only. For substantial real estate transactions, factor transfer tax into purchase decision and negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a real estate transfer tax?
It is a one-time tax charged by a state, county, or city when real property changes hands. The rate is set locally and varies widely.
Who pays the transfer tax?
It depends on the jurisdiction and the sale contract. Some places charge the seller, some the buyer, and some split it between the two.
What price is the tax charged on?
Usually the sale price, though some jurisdictions tax a fair-market value or net consideration instead. Confirm the basis with the local recorder or title agent.
Are state and local rates separate?
They can be. Some places charge a state rate on top of a county or city rate. Enter the combined rate that actually applies to the sale.
Are there exemptions?
Sometimes. Transfers between spouses, certain non-sale transfers, or low-value sales may be exempt or reduced. Check local rules before applying the full rate.
When is this calculator unreliable?
When ignoring local transfer taxes layered on state tax (NYC adds 1% city tax to 0.4% state tax). Also unreliable when not accounting for mansion tax tiers (NY mansion tax up to 3.9% on $25M+ properties; smaller tiers on $1M+). For accurate transfer tax estimate, research jurisdiction-specific rates including all local additions and high-value surcharges.
References & Authoritative Sources
- National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) — Real Estate Transfer Tax Database · consulted June 1, 2026 · Authoritative state transfer tax data
- Tax Foundation — Real Estate Transfer Tax Research · consulted June 1, 2026 · Industry research on U.S. transfer taxes
- American Land Title Association (ALTA) — Transfer Tax Resources · consulted June 1, 2026 · Title industry resources
Related Calculators
Data Sources & Benchmarks
This calculator draws on 1 independent, dated source.
Methodology & Review
Real estate transfer tax equals property sale price × transfer tax rate. The calculator returns transfer tax amount. U.S. transfer taxes vary substantially by state and locality. State transfer tax rates 2024: 0% in 13 states (CA, ID, IN, KS, LA, MS, MO, MT, NM, ND, OR, TX, UT, WY); modest 0.01-0.5% in most states; high 1-2.5% in NY, CT, NJ, NH, PA, VT, MD, DC. Plus local transfer taxes in many jurisdictions. Typically paid by seller; sometimes split. RELIABILITY: Reliable for documented rate and price. Less reliable when (a) local transfer taxes layer on state tax; (b) some states have mansion tax (additional rate on high-value properties — NY 1-2.9% additional above $1M); (c) exemptions for first-time buyers, transfers between spouses, certain types of conveyances.
Updated