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Rhode Island transfer tax rules (2026)
Rates rose on October 1, 2025. The $800,000 threshold is adjusted for inflation each year from 2026.
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Realty conveyance tax ($3.75 per $500) | 0.75% | Seller |
| Additional tax on residential value over $800,000 | 0.75% above $800,000 (graduated) | Seller |
Rhode Island transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $0 | $1,500 | — | $1,500 (0.75%) |
| $225,000 | $0 | $1,688 | — | $1,688 (0.75%) |
| $450,000 | $0 | $3,375 | — | $3,375 (0.75%) |
| $675,000 | $0 | $5,063 | — | $5,063 (0.75%) |
| $900,000 | $0 | $7,500 | — | $7,500 (0.83%) |
| $1,000,000 | $0 | $9,000 | — | $9,000 (0.9%) |
| $1,500,000 | $0 | $16,500 | — | $16,500 (1.1%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Rhode Island vs other states
On a $400,000 home Rhode Island's taxes are $3,000 (0.75%), the 11th highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- Michigan$3,440
- New Jersey$3,215
- Nevada$2,040
- Maryland$2,000
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Rhode Island mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Rhode Island.
Sources
- Rhode Island Division of Taxation — conveyance tax increase (2025)
- Town of Tiverton — copy of Notice 2025-05
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.
- Rhode Island rules checked 2026-10-23: Rhode Island Division of Taxation — conveyance tax increase (2025); Town of Tiverton — copy of Notice 2025-05.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Rhode Island?+
On a $455,000 home (about the Rhode Island median) the taxes come to $3,413, or 0.75% of the price: Realty conveyance tax ($3.75 per $500) $3,413 (seller).
Who pays the transfer tax in Rhode Island, the buyer or the seller?+
Realty conveyance tax ($3.75 per $500): seller; Additional tax on residential value over $800,000: seller. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Rhode Island?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($3,413 on a $455,000 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 Rhode Island compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Rhode Island's $3,000 in taxes ranks 11th 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.