Rhode Island Real Estate Transfer Tax (2026)
Rhode Island's real estate transfer tax is 0.75% ($3.75/$500), which comes to about $3,000 on a $400,000 home. It's customarily paid by the seller and collected at closing when the deed is recorded. The rate rose to $3.75/$500 on July 1, 2026. A surtax applies to value over $800k.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
The transfer tax in Rhode Island
- Rate: 0.75% ($3.75/$500)
- On a $400,000 home: ~$3,000 (state-level)
- Who customarily pays: Seller
- Local county/city add-on: No
Good to know
The rate rose to $3.75/$500 on July 1, 2026. A surtax applies to value over $800k. 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.
How Rhode Island compares nationally
Across the 35 states that charge for transfer tax on a $400,000 home, the average is about $2,162 (median $1,400). At $3,000, Rhode Island ranks #27 of 35 from the cheapest — above the national average.
Most expensive states
- Delaware — $16,000
- New Hampshire — $6,000
- Washington — $4,400
Frequently asked questions
How much is the real estate transfer tax in Rhode Island?
0.75% ($3.75/$500) — about $3,000 on a $400,000 home.
Who pays the transfer tax in Rhode Island?
By custom, the seller pays it, though it's usually negotiable in the purchase contract.
Does Rhode Island have local (city or county) transfer taxes?
No — Rhode Island has no meaningful local transfer tax; the state figure is the whole story.