Michigan Real Estate Transfer Tax (2026)
Michigan's real estate transfer tax is 0.86% ($4.30/$500 combined), which comes to about $3,440 on a $400,000 home. It's customarily paid by the seller and collected at closing when the deed is recorded. State 0.75% + county 0.11%. Principal-residence sellers can sometimes get the state portion refunded.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
The transfer tax in Michigan
- Rate: 0.86% ($4.30/$500 combined)
- On a $400,000 home: ~$3,440 (state-level)
- Who customarily pays: Seller
- Local county/city add-on: No
Good to know
State 0.75% + county 0.11%. Principal-residence sellers can sometimes get the state portion refunded. 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 Michigan?
0.86% ($4.30/$500 combined) — about $3,440 on a $400,000 home.
Who pays the transfer tax in Michigan?
By custom, the seller pays it, though it's usually negotiable in the purchase contract.
Does Michigan have local (city or county) transfer taxes?
No — Michigan has no meaningful local transfer tax; the state figure is the whole story.