Michael Adegoke

Oklahoma’s documentary stamp tax is one of the older transfer levies in the region, tracing its origins to a 1967 enabling act that became operative in 1971. The current rate of $0.75 per $500 has been stable for over 25 years, making Oklahoma one of the more predictable states for real estate cost estimation. The … Read More

Utah’s approach to real estate taxation stands in stark contrast to most other states covered in this series. While states like West Virginia impose a three-layer excise totaling up to $3.85 per $500, and Minnesota charges a 0.33% deed tax on net consideration, Utah charges nothing based on sale price. The only cost a seller … Read More

At a glance West Virginia imposes a layered excise tax on real estate transfers under WV Code §11-22-2, collected at the time of recording by the County Clerk.[1] The tax has three potential layers. First, a state excise of $1.10 per $500of consideration (0.22%) applies to every taxable deed — though as of July 1, 2025, … Read More

Minnesota’s deed tax is administered by the Minnesota Department of Revenue and collected by each county recorder or registrar at the time of recording. No deed can be recorded until the tax is paid. The grantor (seller) bears the legal obligation, though closing agents typically handle collection and payment as part of the settlement. Like Kentucky and … Read More

The Kentucky real estate transfer tax is codified in KRS §142.050.[1] The “value” on which the tax is computed means the full consideration paid for the real property, including any mortgage or other lien that the buyer assumes as part of the transaction. After collection, the county clerk retains 5% of the tax as a collection commission and remits … Read More

The Arkansas transfer tax is codified in Ark. Code §§26-60-101 through 26-60-112.[1] The rate — $3.30 per $1,000 — combines two statutory millages that together equal 0.33% of the sale price. The tax is due at the time the deed is presented to the county circuit clerk for recording; no separate tax return is ever filed. Unlike … Read More

Ohio’s conveyance fee framework has been in place for decades, with the state mill authorized by ORC §319.54(G)(3) and the county permissive tax by ORC §322.02.[1][2] The maximum combined rate — state plus county — is 4 mills ($4.00 per $1,000), or 0.40% of the sale price. Nearly all 88 Ohio counties have adopted the county tax; only a … Read More

Washington’s REET is authorized by RCW 82.45.060 (state rates) and RCW 82.46.010 / 82.46.035 (local surcharges).[1][2] The current graduated thresholds — $525,000 / $1,525,000 / $3,025,000 — were CPI-adjusted and took effect January 1, 2023, replacing the prior $500,000 / $1,500,000 / $3,000,000 thresholds.[1] The seller submits DOR Form 84-0001a (the REET Affidavit) and payment to the county treasurer; the treasurer stamps the … Read More

Vermont’s PTT is authorized by 32 V.S.A. §§ 9601–9619.[1] The buyer (called the “transferee” in the statute) is the party legally responsible for payment under §9611, though the seller commonly coordinates the filing at closing.[2] The return — Form PTT-172 — must be filed with the town or city clerk in the municipality where the property is located, along with … Read More

New Jersey’s RTF is governed by N.J.S.A. 46:15 and administered by the NJ Division of Taxation.[1] Payment is made to the county clerk or register of deeds when the deed is recorded — there is no separate post-closing filing. The county clerk remits the state’s share to Trenton monthly. All deeds require Form RTF-1 (Affidavit of Consideration), even if the … Read More