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Pennsylvania transfer tax rules (2026)
About 2% in total in most of the state, commonly split between buyer and seller (both are legally liable).
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| State realty transfer tax (1%) | 1% | Split by law |
| Local realty transfer taxLocal realty transfer tax (1% in most places; Philadelphia and some towns are higher) | 1% (pre-filled) | Contract / custom |
Pennsylvania transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $750 | $750 | $1,500 | $3,000 (2%) |
| $200,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 (2%) |
| $275,000 | $1,375 | $1,375 | $2,750 | $5,500 (2%) |
| $425,000 | $2,125 | $2,125 | $4,250 | $8,500 (2%) |
| $550,000 | $2,750 | $2,750 | $5,500 | $11,000 (2%) |
| $1,000,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 (2%) |
| $1,500,000 | $7,500 | $7,500 | $15,000 | $30,000 (2%) |
10% down, principal residence, 1% local tax included. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Pennsylvania vs other states
On a $400,000 home Pennsylvania's taxes are $8,000 (2%), the 3rd highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- Delaware$16,000
- District of Columbia$11,600
- Washington$6,400
- New Hampshire$6,000
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Pennsylvania mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania.
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.
- Pennsylvania rules checked 2026-10-23: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — realty transfer tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Pennsylvania?+
On a $280,000 home (about the Pennsylvania median) the taxes come to $5,600, or 2% of the price: State realty transfer tax (1%) $2,800 (split by law), Local realty transfer tax $2,800 (contract / custom).
Who pays the transfer tax in Pennsylvania, the buyer or the seller?+
State realty transfer tax (1%): split by law; Local realty transfer tax: set by contract or local custom. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Pennsylvania?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($5,600 on a $280,000 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 Pennsylvania compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Pennsylvania's $8,000 in taxes ranks 3rd 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.