California Real Estate Transfer Tax (2026)
California's real estate transfer tax is 0.11% county (no state rate) at the state level, which comes to about $440 on a $400,000 home. It's customarily paid by the split / negotiable and collected at closing when the deed is recorded. No state rate, but many cities add big transfer taxes (LA's Measure ULA, SF up to 6%). Check your city.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
The transfer tax in California
- Rate: 0.11% county (no state rate) (state portion)
- On a $400,000 home: ~$440 (state-level)
- Who customarily pays: Split / negotiable
- Local county/city add-on: Yes — check your city/county
Good to know
No state rate, but many cities add big transfer taxes (LA's Measure ULA, SF up to 6%). Check your city. The transfer tax is paid once, at closing, when the deed is recorded — it's separate from your annual property tax. Because counties or cities in California add their own, your total can be higher than the state figure above — confirm the local rate for your city. Compare every state on our transfer tax by state ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the real estate transfer tax in California?
0.11% county (no state rate) at the state level (plus any local add-on) — about $440 on a $400,000 home.
Who pays the transfer tax in California?
By custom, the split / negotiable, though it's usually negotiable in the purchase contract.
Does California have local (city or county) transfer taxes?
Yes — some counties or cities in California add their own transfer tax on top of the state rate, so confirm your specific city and county.