Transfer Tax Allocation Calculator

Real estate transfer taxes vary widely by state and city — know the buyer/seller split.

Sale price

State transfer tax %

County tax %

City / mansion tax %

Buyer share %

Total transfer tax

$14,025

Buyer share

$7,013

Seller share

$7,013

How the math works

Total = price × sum of rates. Split by buyer share %.

$850k × (0.4%+0.25%+1%) = $14,025 total. 50/50: $7,012.50 each. NYC 1% mansion tax kicks in >$1M.

How to Use

Enter sale price.
Enter state transfer tax %.
Enter county tax %.
Enter city / mansion tax %.
Enter custom split buyer %.
Read allocated costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays transfer tax?

Varies by jurisdiction. Default state custom: buyer (AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, KS, MA, MI, MN, NV, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, WI), seller (CA, CO, CT, DE, LA, MD, NY, OR, RI, SD, WA), or split (AZ, HI, ME, MT, NC, NH, NJ, OK, UT, VA). Negotiable in contract. NY: state seller + county split + NYC buyer. CA: state seller + county split + some cities add seller tax.

Mansion tax?

NYC mansion tax: 1% over $1M + progressive bands up to 4.15% over $25M. Effective 2019. NJ mansion tax: 1% over $1M. Chicago: 0.75% base + higher tiers over $1M. Connecticut: 1.11% over $800k, add'l 2.25% over $2.5M. LA Measure ULA (2023): 4% over $5M, 5.5% over $10M. Major addition to deal cost in luxury segments.

Documentary stamp vs transfer tax?

Same concept, different names. Documentary stamp tax (FL, PA, GA, etc.): state imposes on recording. Transfer tax (NY, NJ, WA, etc.): typically assessed on sale. Realty transfer fee (NJ): state + supplemental fees. All are percentage-based on sale price or consideration. Some states exempt gift transfers, related-party transfers, or transfers at specific values.

Deductibility and basis?

Transfer tax paid by buyer: adds to property basis (not immediately deductible). Paid by seller: reduces amount realized (reducing gain). For owner-occupants: generally non-deductible as itemized expense. For investment property: deductible as selling expense (seller) or capitalized in basis (buyer). Keep documentation — transfer tax is scrutinized in IRS audits of real estate transactions.