Hawaii’s conveyance tax stands out for its all-or-nothing tier structure: the tier bracket determines a single rate applied to the whole price, not just the excess above each threshold. A $599,999 sale (eligible) generates $600.00 in tax; a $600,000 sale generates $1,200.00 — double the tax for one additional dollar. Parties should understand these cliff effects … Read More
Oregon’s REET structure is one of the simplest among transfer-tax states: one rate, one minor local add-on in a single county, and a straightforward taxable base. The main complexity for practitioners is the Washington County two-layer calculation, the assumed-debt inclusion rule, the 15-day post-recording deadline, and the various exemptions — each of which has a … Read More
South Dakota’s transfer fee is one of the simplest real property conveyance taxes in the country. There is a single statewide rate, no county differentials, no progressive tiers, and no base exemption to navigate. The entire calculation reduces to dividing the sale price by 500, rounding up, and multiplying by $0.50. The main complexity lies … Read More
Iowa’s transfer tax is modest by national standards — a $200,000 sale generates $319.20 in tax. Understanding the three-part base calculation, the ceiling-rounding rule, and the Declaration of Value obligation covers the entire scope of an Iowa transfer tax computation. This guide works through two examples: a standard cash home sale in Johnson County and … Read More
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