Pennsylvania Transfer Tax & REET Calculators

Pennsylvania Real Estate Transfer Tax and Deed Transfer Tax Calculators

When real estate is sold or transferred in Pennsylvania, the transaction may be subject to both state and local realty transfer taxes. The total tax depends on the property's value, the applicable local tax rates, and the circumstances of the transfer.

DeedCalculator provides Pennsylvania real estate transfer tax calculators to help estimate these costs for selected counties. Use the county calculators above to estimate your Pennsylvania deed transfer tax and understand potential property transfer expenses before closing.

Understanding Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax

Pennsylvania imposes a state realty transfer tax of 1% on the value of real estate transferred by deed or other qualifying instrument. In addition to the state tax, municipalities and school districts may impose local realty transfer taxes.

This means the total Pennsylvania property transfer tax can vary depending on where the property is located. Some areas have additional local taxes, so the combined rate may be higher than the state rate alone.

The tax is generally calculated using the actual consideration paid or payable for the transfer. When no consideration or only nominal consideration is involved, the property's actual monetary worth may be used, determined from its assessed value adjusted to reflect market value. A Pennsylvania transfer tax calculator can help estimate the potential tax based on the transaction details and applicable local rates.

Who Pays Pennsylvania Deed Transfer Tax?

Pennsylvania law makes both the grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) jointly and severally liable for the state realty transfer tax. The parties may agree to divide the expense between themselves, and it is commonly shared between buyer and seller in many transactions.

However, the agreed payment arrangement does not remove the parties' underlying legal responsibility. Local tax rules and transaction circumstances should also be considered when estimating the amount due.

Pennsylvania Realty Transfer Tax Exemptions

Certain property transfers may qualify for an exemption from Pennsylvania realty transfer tax. Examples include qualifying transfers between certain family members, certain transfers involving government entities, and eligible transfers by will or intestate succession. Other transactions may also qualify under specific statutory provisions. Exemptions depend on the precise facts and applicable statutory requirements. Not every gift, family transfer, or inheritance-related transaction is automatically exempt, so confirm eligibility before relying on an exemption in your estimate.

Official Pennsylvania Transfer Tax Information

For official information about Pennsylvania realty transfer tax rates, taxable transfers, exemptions, and filing requirements, consult the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

Official resource: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue – Realty Transfer Tax

About Our Pennsylvania Transfer Tax Estimates

DeedCalculator provides preliminary estimates of Pennsylvania real estate transfer taxes using published state and local tax information. Actual amounts may vary based on the property's location, transaction value, applicable municipal and school district taxes, exemptions, and rules in effect when the deed is recorded. Confirm final amounts with the appropriate county Recorder of Deeds or a qualified real estate professional.