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Massachusetts transfer tax rules (2026)
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Deeds excise tax ($4.56 per $1,000) | 0.456% | Seller |
| Barnstable CountyBarnstable County (Cape Cod) is higher: $6.48 per $1,000 — add 0.192% | Varies — enter yours | Contract / custom |
Massachusetts transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $0 | $912 | — | $912 (0.46%) |
| $300,000 | $0 | $1,368 | — | $1,368 (0.46%) |
| $600,000 | $0 | $2,736 | — | $2,736 (0.46%) |
| $900,000 | $0 | $4,104 | — | $4,104 (0.46%) |
| $1,000,000 | $0 | $4,560 | — | $4,560 (0.46%) |
| $1,200,000 | $0 | $5,472 | — | $5,472 (0.46%) |
| $1,500,000 | $0 | $6,840 | — | $6,840 (0.46%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Massachusetts vs other states
On a $400,000 home Massachusetts's taxes are $1,824 (0.46%), the 15th highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Massachusetts mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Massachusetts.
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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- 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
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- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
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- 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.
- Massachusetts rules checked 2026-10-23: Barnstable County — history of the county excise tax; Salem Deeds — excise fees.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Massachusetts?+
On a $605,000 home (about the Massachusetts median) the taxes come to $2,759, or 0.46% of the price: Deeds excise tax ($4.56 per $1,000) $2,759 (seller). That doesn't include the barnstable county, which varies by location.
Who pays the transfer tax in Massachusetts, the buyer or the seller?+
Deeds excise tax ($4.56 per $1,000): seller; Barnstable County: set by contract or local custom. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Massachusetts?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($2,759 on a $605,000 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 Massachusetts compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Massachusetts's $1,824 in taxes ranks 15th 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.