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Maine transfer tax rules (2026)
Split equally between buyer and seller. The extra tier over $1 million took effect November 1, 2025.
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate transfer tax ($2.20 per $500) | 0.44% | Split by law |
| Additional tax on value over $1 million ($3.80 per $500) | 0.76% above $1,000,000 (graduated) | Split by law |
Maine transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $175,000 | $385 | $385 | — | $770 (0.44%) |
| $200,000 | $440 | $440 | — | $880 (0.44%) |
| $350,000 | $770 | $770 | — | $1,540 (0.44%) |
| $500,000 | $1,100 | $1,100 | — | $2,200 (0.44%) |
| $675,000 | $1,485 | $1,485 | — | $2,970 (0.44%) |
| $1,000,000 | $2,200 | $2,200 | — | $4,400 (0.44%) |
| $1,500,000 | $5,200 | $5,200 | — | $10,400 (0.69%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Maine vs other states
On a $400,000 home Maine's taxes are $1,760 (0.44%), the 16th highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- Tennessee$1,892
- Massachusetts$1,824
- Virginia$1,733
- New York$1,600
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Maine mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Maine.
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
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- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
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- Hawaii
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- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
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- New Jersey
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- Ohio
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- 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.
- Maine rules checked 2026-10-23: Maine Revenue Services — transfer tax; 36 M.R.S. § 4641-A.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Maine?+
On a $340,000 home (about the Maine median) the taxes come to $1,496, or 0.44% of the price: Real estate transfer tax ($2.20 per $500) $1,496 (split by law).
Who pays the transfer tax in Maine, the buyer or the seller?+
Real estate transfer tax ($2.20 per $500): split by law; Additional tax on value over $1 million ($3.80 per $500): split by law. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Maine?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($1,496 on a $340,000 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 Maine compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Maine's $1,760 in taxes ranks 16th 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.