Iowa Real Estate Transfer Tax (2026)
Iowa's real estate transfer tax is 0.16% ($1.60/$1,000), which comes to about $639 on a $400,000 home. It's customarily paid by the seller and collected at closing when the deed is recorded. The first $500 of value is exempt, so subtract it before computing.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
The transfer tax in Iowa
- Rate: 0.16% ($1.60/$1,000)
- On a $400,000 home: ~$639 (state-level)
- Who customarily pays: Seller
- Local county/city add-on: No
Good to know
The first $500 of value is exempt, so subtract it before computing. The transfer tax is paid once, at closing, when the deed is recorded — it's separate from your annual property tax. Compare every state on our transfer tax by state ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the real estate transfer tax in Iowa?
0.16% ($1.60/$1,000) — about $639 on a $400,000 home.
Who pays the transfer tax in Iowa?
By custom, the seller pays it, though it's usually negotiable in the purchase contract.
Does Iowa have local (city or county) transfer taxes?
No — Iowa has no meaningful local transfer tax; the state figure is the whole story.