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California transfer tax rules (2026)
Many cities add their own tax on top; Los Angeles adds a much higher tax on sales above about $5 million (Measure ULA).
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| County documentary transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000) | 0.11% | Contract / custom |
| City transfer taxCity transfer tax (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland and ~40 other cities charge their own — add your city's rate) | Varies — enter yours | Contract / custom |
California transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $0 | $0 | $220 | $220 (0.11%) |
| $375,000 | $0 | $0 | $413 | $413 (0.11%) |
| $750,000 | $0 | $0 | $825 | $825 (0.11%) |
| $1,000,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,100 | $1,100 (0.11%) |
| $1,150,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,265 | $1,265 (0.11%) |
| $1,500,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,650 | $1,650 (0.11%) |
| $1,525,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,678 | $1,678 (0.11%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
California vs other states
On a $400,000 home California's taxes are $440 (0.11%), the 31st highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: California mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in California.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-23. Rates change — we re-check every state on a schedule. Confirm with your title company or closing attorney.
Closing cost calculators for other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Assumptions
- Transfer and recording taxes use each state's published rates; exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied unless noted.
- Who pays a tax can be changed by the purchase contract; "either" means local custom or the contract decides.
- Other closing costs (lender, title, appraisal, prepaid items) vary widely — use your Loan Estimate for real numbers.
- California rules checked 2026-10-23: HomeLight — California transfer tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in California?+
On a $760,000 home (about the California median) the taxes come to $836, or 0.11% of the price: County documentary transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000) $836 (contract / custom). That doesn't include the city transfer tax, which varies by location.
Who pays the transfer tax in California, the buyer or the seller?+
County documentary transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000): contract / custom; City transfer tax: set by contract or local custom. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in California?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($836 on a $760,000 home) plus lender, title, appraisal and prepaid costs, which typically add about 2%–5% of the price nationally. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows the real numbers.
How does California compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, California's $440 in taxes ranks 31st highest of 50 states and DC. Delaware is highest at $16,000; 15 states charge no state transfer tax at all.
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Uses 2026 rules and limits. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Calculator version 1.0.0. Sources: Freddie Mac (via industry summaries) — closing costs typically 2%–5% of the purchase price. Results are estimates for educational purposes, not financial, tax or lending advice. How we check our numbers. Embed this calculator on your site for free.