{"id":102094,"date":"2025-06-26T12:00:20","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T19:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=102094"},"modified":"2025-07-16T09:35:01","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T16:35:01","slug":"what-are-transfer-taxes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-are-transfer-taxes\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Transfer Taxes? Everything Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transfer taxes are one-time fees that can add thousands to a real estate deal, depending on your location. Whether you&#8217;re purchasing a brownstone in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/new-york\/brooklyn-houses\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brooklyn, NY<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or selling a ranch-style home in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/apartments\/Arizona\/Tucson\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tucson, AZ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, understanding how transfer taxes work can help you avoid unexpected costs and negotiate smarter. I<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">n this Redfin guide, we\u2019ll answer the question &#8220;what are transfer taxes?&#8221; by detailing who pays them, how much they cost, and how they vary by state and situation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-transfer-taxes-in-real-estate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are transfer taxes in real estate?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A transfer tax is a government-imposed fee on the transfer of property ownership from one person or entity to another. In real estate, it\u2019s typically assessed when a home or parcel of land is sold and legally changes hands. While most commonly associated with real estate, transfer taxes can also apply to other assets like stocks, bonds, or vehicles in certain jurisdictions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transfer taxes are usually charged at the state, county, or municipal level, and are based on the property\u2019s sale price or assessed value. These taxes are also referred to by other names like deed tax, stamp tax, conveyance tax, or real estate transfer tax, depending on the jurisdiction.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>In some jurisdictions, real estate transfer taxes are classified as excise taxes, meaning they are imposed on the privilege of selling or transferring property. This classification can affect how the tax is administered and whether it qualifies for exemptions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-when-do-transfer-taxes-apply\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When do they apply?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transfer taxes most commonly apply during:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Residential home sales<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial property transactions<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gifts of real estate<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inheritance of property<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While many buyers and sellers assume these taxes are built into other fees, transfer taxes are usually charged separately and vary widely depending on where the property is located.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-who-pays-the-transfer-tax-buyer-or-seller\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who pays the transfer tax \u2013 buyer or seller?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most states, the seller is responsible for paying the transfer tax. However, the responsibility can vary by location and may be split or negotiated between buyer and seller.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few examples::<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>California:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Sellers usually pay the county transfer tax, while some cities add an additional tax that may be negotiated.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Pennsylvania:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Both buyers and sellers usually split the tax equally.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Texas or Montana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: no real estate transfer tax is charged at all.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to review your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-a-purchase-and-sale-agreement\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">purchase agreement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and local regulations to determine who\u2019s on the hook.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"wp-image-102095\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/House-model-on-growth-of-stack-of-coins-and-wooden-blocks-text-TAX.-Background-for-prepare-budget-for-reduce-property-tax-Land-transfer-taxation-and-Investment-income-tax-from-asset.jpg\" alt=\"House model on growth of stack of coins and wooden blocks text TAX. Background for prepare budget for reduce property tax, Land transfer taxation and Investment income tax from asset.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/House-model-on-growth-of-stack-of-coins-and-wooden-blocks-text-TAX.-Background-for-prepare-budget-for-reduce-property-tax-Land-transfer-taxation-and-Investment-income-tax-from-asset.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/House-model-on-growth-of-stack-of-coins-and-wooden-blocks-text-TAX.-Background-for-prepare-budget-for-reduce-property-tax-Land-transfer-taxation-and-Investment-income-tax-from-asset-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/House-model-on-growth-of-stack-of-coins-and-wooden-blocks-text-TAX.-Background-for-prepare-budget-for-reduce-property-tax-Land-transfer-taxation-and-Investment-income-tax-from-asset-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/House-model-on-growth-of-stack-of-coins-and-wooden-blocks-text-TAX.-Background-for-prepare-budget-for-reduce-property-tax-Land-transfer-taxation-and-Investment-income-tax-from-asset-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/House-model-on-growth-of-stack-of-coins-and-wooden-blocks-text-TAX.-Background-for-prepare-budget-for-reduce-property-tax-Land-transfer-taxation-and-Investment-income-tax-from-asset-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/House-model-on-growth-of-stack-of-coins-and-wooden-blocks-text-TAX.-Background-for-prepare-budget-for-reduce-property-tax-Land-transfer-taxation-and-Investment-income-tax-from-asset-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/House-model-on-growth-of-stack-of-coins-and-wooden-blocks-text-TAX.-Background-for-prepare-budget-for-reduce-property-tax-Land-transfer-taxation-and-Investment-income-tax-from-asset-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-calculate-real-estate-nbsp-transfer-tax\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to calculate real estate transfer tax<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of a transfer tax depends on your location and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/what-is-my-home-worth\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">value of the property<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Rates are typically expressed as:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A percentage of the sale price (e.g., 0.5% to 2.0%), or<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fixed amount per $100 or $500 of value.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order to calculate how much you will pay in transfer taxes, follow these steps:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>Know the sale price<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the property.<\/span>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Check your local transfer tax rate.<\/b>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Apply the rate.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If your state charges 1.25%, multiply the sale price by 0.0125.<\/span>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Add any municipal surcharges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (some cities add their own rates).<\/span>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Check exemptions or discounts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as those for first-time buyers or family transfers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-where-are-transfer-taxes-not-charged\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where are transfer taxes not charged?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fourteen states <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/narfocus.com\/publication-issue\/view\/2023-07-05-state-and-local-issues-real-estate-transfer-tax\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">do not have a statewide transfer tax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><b>Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon (most counties), Texas, Utah and Wyoming.<\/b><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These states either prohibit such taxes or have never enacted them. However, they may still charge recording fees or other administrative costs at closing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-are-transfer-taxes-deductible\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are they deductible?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transfer taxes are not deductible on your federal income tax return. However, they can be added to the cost basis of the property, which may reduce the capital gains tax you owe when you sell. This is particularly helpful for investors or homeowners selling after a long period of ownership.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-are-transfer-taxes-deductible\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generation-skpping transfer tax<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>One important example when asking what are transfer taxes is the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GST). This federal tax applies when property or assets are transferred to a beneficiary who is two or more generations younger than the donor, such as a grandchild. The GST tax prevents individuals from avoiding estate taxes by bypassing their children in inheritance plans. As of 2025, the federal GST exemption is $13.99 million, the same as the estate tax, meaning this tax generally impacts only high-net-worth estates.<\/p>\r\n<p>First enacted in 1976 and later revised by the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the GST tax was designed to close loopholes that allowed wealth to skip generations without incurring estate tax. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 temporarily increased the exemption amount, but this is scheduled to sunset in 2026, when the threshold will drop to around $6 million, indexed for inflation. This looming change could significantly impact long-term estate planning strategies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-transfer-taxes-on-inheritances-and-gifts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are transfer taxes on inheritances and gifts?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While traditional transfer taxes apply at the time of sale, other types of taxes may apply when property changes hands through inheritance or gifting.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the types to be aware of:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/real-estate-tax-vs-property-tax\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>Estate Tax<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Paid by the estate of the deceased. Only applies if the estate exceeds the federal exemption. ($13.99 million in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2025\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2025)\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Inheritance Tax: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paid by the beneficiary. Only in some states like Maryland, Iowa, and Kentucky.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Gift Tax: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applies to property or money given during a person\u2019s lifetime. You can give up to $19,000 per recipient in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2025\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2025<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without triggering this tax.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applies when property skips a generation (e.g., grandparent to grandchild). Same <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2025\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">federal exemption<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as the estate tax.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These taxes aim to prevent avoidance of estate taxes by passing assets across generations outside of a traditional will.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"2174\" data-end=\"2460\">These high federal exclusion amounts mean that most Americans will not owe federal estate or GST taxes. However, 12 states and the District of Columbia impose their own estate taxes, and 6 states impose inheritance taxes, often with much lower exemption thresholds. For example:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"2465\" data-end=\"2794\">\r\n<li data-start=\"2465\" data-end=\"2607\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2467\" data-end=\"2607\"><strong data-start=\"2467\" data-end=\"2483\">Estate Taxes<\/strong>: Imposed by states like Oregon, Massachusetts, New York, and Minnesota, with exemption thresholds as low as $1 million.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2610\" data-end=\"2792\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2792\"><strong data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2633\">Inheritance Taxes<\/strong>: Charged to beneficiaries in Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Maryland uniquely levies both estate and inheritance taxes.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"2797\" data-end=\"3019\">These state-level taxes vary widely in rates and exemptions, so it\u2019s essential to review local laws when planning an inheritance or estate transfer. In many cases, these taxes apply even if the federal estate tax does not.<\/p>\r\n<p>Historically, the federal estate tax exemption has risen sharply \u2014 from $5.49 million in 2017 to $13.99 million in 2025 \u2014 due to legislation like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, unless Congress takes further action, the exemption is scheduled to revert to around $6 million (adjusted for inflation) in 2026. This pending change may impact estate planning strategies in the coming years.<\/p>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-transfer-taxes-on-inheritances-and-gifts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How transfer taxes differ from estate, gift, and property taxes<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>While they all involve the movement or ownership of property, these taxes serve different legal and financial purposes:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Transfer taxes:<\/strong> One-time fees paid when ownership changes (e.g., at real estate closings).<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Estate taxes:<\/strong> Charged on the total value of a person\u2019s estate after death.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Gift taxes:<\/strong> Imposed on lifetime transfers of money or property above the annual exclusion.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Property taxes:<\/strong> Ongoing, annual taxes based on the assessed value of your home or land.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"wp-image-102096\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-millennial-Black-business-woman-calculating-finance-money-using-calculator-laptop-computer-at-home-workplace-table-counting-budget-paying-bills-taxes-rent-mortgage-fees.jpg\" alt=\"Focused millennial Black business woman calculating finance, money, using calculator, laptop computer at home workplace table, counting budget, paying bills, taxes, rent, mortgage fees\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-millennial-Black-business-woman-calculating-finance-money-using-calculator-laptop-computer-at-home-workplace-table-counting-budget-paying-bills-taxes-rent-mortgage-fees.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-millennial-Black-business-woman-calculating-finance-money-using-calculator-laptop-computer-at-home-workplace-table-counting-budget-paying-bills-taxes-rent-mortgage-fees-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-millennial-Black-business-woman-calculating-finance-money-using-calculator-laptop-computer-at-home-workplace-table-counting-budget-paying-bills-taxes-rent-mortgage-fees-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-millennial-Black-business-woman-calculating-finance-money-using-calculator-laptop-computer-at-home-workplace-table-counting-budget-paying-bills-taxes-rent-mortgage-fees-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-millennial-Black-business-woman-calculating-finance-money-using-calculator-laptop-computer-at-home-workplace-table-counting-budget-paying-bills-taxes-rent-mortgage-fees-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-millennial-Black-business-woman-calculating-finance-money-using-calculator-laptop-computer-at-home-workplace-table-counting-budget-paying-bills-taxes-rent-mortgage-fees-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Focused-millennial-Black-business-woman-calculating-finance-money-using-calculator-laptop-computer-at-home-workplace-table-counting-budget-paying-bills-taxes-rent-mortgage-fees-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-transfer-taxes-impact-affordability-in-2025\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How they impact affordability in 2025<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With mortgage rates fluctuating and home prices rising in many U.S. markets, closing costs\u2014including transfer taxes\u2014are taking a bigger bite out of buyer and seller budgets.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/us-housing-market\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Redfin data<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the median sale price of a U.S. home in Q1 2025 is $432,500. In a state with a 1% transfer tax, this adds $4,325 to the cost of selling\u2014on top of agent commissions and other charges.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond real estate<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While transfer taxes are most commonly associated with real estate transactions, they can also apply to the transfer of other types of assets. Broadly defined, a transfer tax is a legal transaction fee imposed by a government when ownership of property changes hands. This includes both tangible and intangible assets.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to homes and land, transfer taxes may be levied on:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Securities, such as stocks or bonds<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business interests, like shares in a privately held company<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investment property, including intellectual property or other valuable holdings<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These taxes are typically imposed to formally record ownership changes and generate revenue from high-value transactions. However, their rules and rates vary widely depending on the asset type and jurisdiction. Understanding the broader legal scope of transfer taxes can be helpful for investors, business owners, or anyone transferring significant assets.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-why-it-pays-to-understand-transfer-taxes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why it pays to understand transfer taxes<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re buying a home in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/illinois\/chicago-houses\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or inheriting a property in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/apartments_townhomes_condos_houses\/California\/San-Diego\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">San Diego<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, knowing what transfer taxes are can help you better estimate your total transaction costs. These fees vary widely by state, and in high-value markets, they can significantly affect your bottom line.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re unsure how transfer taxes apply to your specific situation, talk to a local <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or real estate attorney before closing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-faqs-about-transfer-taxes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\">\r\n<div id=\"faq-question-1750276191237\" class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are transfer taxes when selling a house?<\/strong>\r\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">They\u2019re one-time fees charged by your local government when the deed or title is transferred to a new owner.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"faq-question-1750276223784\" class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are transfer taxes the same as property taxes?<\/strong>\r\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No \u2014 property taxes are recurring, annual fees. Transfer taxes are charged once at the time of sale.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"faq-question-1750276249876\" class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How can I avoid paying transfer tax?<\/strong>\r\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some transfers, like those between spouses or to a revocable trust, may be exempt. Check your state\u2019s rules or consult a real estate attorney.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"faq-question-1750276273837\" class=\"schema-faq-section\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are transfer taxes included in closing costs?<\/strong>\r\n<p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but they are typically itemized separately and not bundled with your mortgage-related costs.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Transfer taxes are one-time fees that can add thousands to a real estate deal, depending on your location. Whether you&#8217;re purchasing a brownstone in Brooklyn, NY, or selling a ranch-style home in Tucson, AZ, understanding how transfer taxes work can help you avoid unexpected costs and negotiate smarter. In this Redfin guide, we\u2019ll answer the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":825,"featured_media":102097,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34277],"tags":[36541],"coauthors":[36441],"class_list":["post-102094","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-finance","tag-transfer-taxes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Are Transfer Taxes? - Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how real estate transfer taxes work, who pays them, and how much they cost when buying or inheriting property.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-are-transfer-taxes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What are Transfer Taxes? 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