Upon the recording of the deed conveying the property, Pennsylvania and the county where the property is located collect a realty transfer tax based on the purchase price for the property. Buyers and sellers usually each pay half of the realty transfer tax assessed on the transaction.

Does the buyer pay transfer taxes?

There are some jurisdictions that dictate who pays the tax, but for the most part, there is no mandate and it’s up to the buyer and seller to negotiate who makes the payment. In California, the seller traditionally pays the transfer tax.

Who pays transfer tax in PA at closing?

Who Pays Transfer Taxes in Pennsylvania: the Buyer or the Seller? According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, both the seller and buyer are held jointly liable for the payment of transfer tax. What that means is that the two parties often split the cost equally between themselves.

How much is realty transfer tax in PA?

Think of the transfer tax (or tax stamp) as a sales tax on real estate. The State of Pennsylvania charges 1% of the sales price and the municipality and school district USUALLY charge 1% between them for a total of 2% (i.e. 2% X 100,000 = $2,000). By custom, the buyer and seller split the cost.

How much are closing costs in PA for seller?

How Much Are Closing Costs in Pennsylvania? As mentioned above, Pennsylvania has one of the highest closing costs in the country, between 1%-7%, but it generally is around the 5%-6% range. Sellers will typically pay 1%-3% of the closing costs, but that is up to the negotiation of the sale.

How much is the transfer tax in Pennsylvania?

Do you have to pay deed transfer tax in PA?

The PA deed transfer tax is not charged on refinance transactions . . . only on property transfers (i.e. sales). Pennsylvania DOES NOT have a mortgage tax or revenue stamps.

What are real estate transfer taxes in Allegheny County PA?

Bellevue, in Allegheny County, charges 1.5% in transfer taxes. The exact amount that you’ll pay in transfer tax will depend on the county or city in which you’re located. A local real estate agent will be able to tell you about the taxes you can expect in the area where you’re located.

What kind of real estate transactions are not taxed in PA?

In Pennsylvania, there are a few different kinds of real estate transactions that are exempt from transfer taxes. Certain sales made to or by government organizations, between religious entities, and involving a nonprofit development agency don’t require the payment of a transfer tax.