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District of Columbia transfer tax rules (2026)
Two taxes at the same rate: 1.1% each below $400,000, 1.45% each on the whole price at $400,000 or more — a cliff, not a bracket. Buyers usually pay the recordation tax and sellers the transfer tax.
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Deed recordation tax | 1.1%–1.45% of the whole price (by price bracket) | Buyer |
| Deed transfer tax | 1.1%–1.45% of the whole price (by price bracket) | Seller |
District of Columbia transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $2,200 | $2,200 | — | $4,400 (2.2%) |
| $375,000 | $4,125 | $4,125 | — | $8,250 (2.2%) |
| $725,000 | $10,513 | $10,513 | — | $21,025 (2.9%) |
| $1,000,000 | $14,500 | $14,500 | — | $29,000 (2.9%) |
| $1,100,000 | $15,950 | $15,950 | — | $31,900 (2.9%) |
| $1,475,000 | $21,388 | $21,388 | — | $42,775 (2.9%) |
| $1,500,000 | $21,750 | $21,750 | — | $43,500 (2.9%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
District of Columbia vs other states
On a $400,000 home District of Columbia's taxes are $11,600 (2.9%), the 2nd highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- Delaware$16,000
- Pennsylvania$8,000
- Washington$6,400
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: District of Columbia mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in District of Columbia.
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.
- District of Columbia rules checked 2026-10-23: DC Office of Tax and Revenue — recordation and transfer tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in District of Columbia?+
On a $735,000 home (about the District of Columbia median) the taxes come to $21,315, or 2.9% of the price: Deed recordation tax $10,658 (buyer), Deed transfer tax $10,658 (seller).
Who pays the transfer tax in District of Columbia, the buyer or the seller?+
Deed recordation tax: buyer; Deed transfer tax: seller. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in District of Columbia?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($21,315 on a $735,000 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 District of Columbia compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, District of Columbia's $11,600 in taxes ranks 2nd 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.