Pennsylvania Real Estate Transfer Tax (2026)
Pennsylvania's real estate transfer tax is 1.0% state (+ ~1% local) at the state level, which comes to about $4,000 on a $400,000 home. It's customarily paid by the split 50/50 and collected at closing when the deed is recorded. Almost everywhere adds a ~1% local tax, so 2% is the real baseline. Philadelphia is ~4.3% total.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
The transfer tax in Pennsylvania
- Rate: 1.0% state (+ ~1% local) (state portion)
- On a $400,000 home: ~$4,000 (state-level)
- Who customarily pays: Split 50/50
- Local county/city add-on: Yes — check your city/county
Good to know
Almost everywhere adds a ~1% local tax, so 2% is the real baseline. Philadelphia is ~4.3% total. 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
1.0% state (+ ~1% local) at the state level (plus any local add-on) — about $4,000 on a $400,000 home.
Who pays the transfer tax in Pennsylvania?
By custom, the split 50/50, though it's usually negotiable in the purchase contract.
Does Pennsylvania have local (city or county) transfer taxes?
Yes — some counties or cities in Pennsylvania add their own transfer tax on top of the state rate, so confirm your specific city and county.