United States · Realty Transfer Tax
Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax is unusual: the state charges 1% and every county and city adds its own 1%, for a standard combined rate of 2% on the full price. Philadelphia adds more, taking the combined rate to roughly 2.28%. On a $300,000 home the standard 2% means $6,000 of transfer tax — a meaningful line in any cash-to-close budget. By state law the tax is split between buyer and seller unless the contract says otherwise.
Preset rates are indicative reference values only. Confirm current rates and any reliefs with your local tax authority.
Transfer tax / stamp duty: $6,000.00
Jurisdiction comparison at $300,000.00
Pennsylvania pays $6,000.00 (2%) vs Pennsylvania at $6,000.00 (2%).
Combined state (1%) plus local (1%) realty transfer tax — 2% in most counties, higher in Philadelphia. Bands below are the standard residential buyer schedule used by the calculator.
| Property value | Rate |
|---|---|
| All values | Flat 2% of the full value |
Indicative figures checked against official sources on — official source: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Rates are typically indexed or revised each financial year.
A USD 300,000.00 purchase in Pennsylvania attracts about USD 6,000.00 in realty transfer tax at the standard indicative rates — an effective rate of 2%. Recording fees run $100–200; the transfer tax itself is the dominant closing cost. That makes the all-in cash requirement USD 306,000.00 before you factor in any deposit, legal work, or moving costs. Adjust the price in the calculator to model your own number.
Combined state (1%) plus local (1%) realty transfer tax — 2% in most counties, higher in Philadelphia. Rates change with legislation and vary by buyer circumstances, so treat these as planning figures and confirm the current rate with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue before you commit.
At the indicative rates above, a USD 300,000.00 property attracts about USD 6,000.00 in realty transfer tax — an effective rate of 2%. Recording fees run $100–200; the transfer tax itself is the dominant closing cost. The calculator above lets you change the price and see the result instantly.
Transfers between family members and first-time purchases under some programs can qualify for exemptions. Eligibility rules change frequently and vary by buyer type, so verify your situation with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or a conveyancer.
The realty transfer tax in Pennsylvania is split between buyer and seller by default. The exact split is a standard negotiation point in the purchase contract — confirm what your deal assumes with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or your closing attorney.
How we calculate: the calculator applies the official band schedule marginally — each rate applies only to the slice of the price inside its band, exactly as the revenue authority does. Worked examples are computed with the same function.
Last reviewed: . Learn more about Nirmal Lashkari and LashkariProperties.
Disclaimer: realty transfer tax rates change with legislation and vary by buyer circumstances. These are indicative planning figures, not tax advice — confirm every number with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or a qualified local professional.
