Pennsylvania Real Estate Transfer Tax (2026)
The statewide real estate transfer tax rate in Pennsylvania is 1.00%, typically paid by the split.
State transfer tax calculator
Estimated state transfer tax: $2,052 (0.46% of$450,000). The seller typically pays this in Massachusetts. Deed excise tax $2.28/$500 (0.456%).
State-level figure only — county and city surtaxes add on top in many metros (e.g., NYC 1.425% + mansion tax, Chicago 0.4%, Philadelphia ~2.28% local). Confirm with a closing attorney.
State transfer tax estimate — Calculation Summary
| Input / parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Property price | $450,000 |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Result | |
| State transfer tax | $2,052 |
| Who pays | seller |
Source: State-level rate only. County/city surtaxes excluded — confirm with a closing attorney.
This is an informal planning estimate only, not legal or tax advice. Confirm all figures with the IRS, your state Department of Revenue, or a licensed estate attorney or CPA before relying on them.
Pennsylvania transfer tax details
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| State rate | 1.00% |
| Who pays | split |
| Example: $450,000 home | $4,500 |
| Notes | State realty transfer tax 1% + 1% local (split); Philadelphia ~3.28% total. |
Source: Compiled from tallyclose.com/transfer-tax (state statute-verified, 45 states) and faircalculator.com (2026). County and city surtaxes apply on top of state rates; verify with the local recorder or closing attorney. County and city surtaxes are separate and not shown here.
How transfer tax differs from estate tax
A real estate transfer tax is charged at closing when property changes hands — it is unrelated to estate or inheritance tax. Pennsylvania's estate/inheritance tax rules are covered by the Pennsylvania estate tax guide, and the federal estate tax by the federal calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Real estate transfer tax in 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
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming