Reference Guide

City Transfer Tax

Transfer tax rates for California counties and cities. While the standard county tax is $1.10 per $1,000, many cities impose additional transfer taxes.

Standard County Tax

The standard California county documentary transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price (or portion thereof).

City Transfer Taxes

City taxes are in addition to county taxes. Some cities (like San Francisco and Oakland) have tiered rates based on sale price.

Notable Cities with Higher Rates

San Francisco

Tiered rates up to 6% for sales $25M+

Base rate: $5.00 per $1,000

Oakland

Tiered rates up to $25 per $1,000 for $5M+

Base rate: $15.00 per $1,000

Berkeley

Transfer tax rate: $15.00 per $1,000

One of the highest in California

CityCountyRateNotes
AlamedaHighAlameda$12.00 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
AlbanyHighAlameda$15.00 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
BerkeleyHighAlameda$15.00 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
Culver CityLos Angeles$4.50 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
HaywardHighAlameda$8.50 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
Los AngelesLos Angeles$4.50 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
Most CitiesOrange$1.10 / $1,000County tax only - no city tax
Most CitiesSan Diego$1.10 / $1,000County tax only - no city tax
Mountain ViewSanta Clara$3.30 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
OaklandHighAlameda$15.00 / $1,000Tiered: up to $25 for $5M+
Palo AltoSanta Clara$3.30 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
PiedmontHighAlameda$13.00 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
PomonaLos Angeles$2.20 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
Redondo BeachLos Angeles$2.20 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
RiversideRiverside$1.10 / $1,000County tax only
SacramentoSacramento$2.75 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
San FranciscoSan Francisco$5.00 / $1,000Tiered: up to 6% for $25M+
San JoseSanta Clara$3.30 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
San LeandroHighAlameda$6.00 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
San Mateo (City)San Mateo$5.00 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price
Santa MonicaHighLos Angeles$6.00 / $1,000Per $1,000 of sale price

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Disclaimer

All listed closing costs are reflective of current customary practices within the State of California. All items are subject to individual contractual negotiation and change without notice. For the most current rates and exemptions, please contact your local county assessor or escrow officer.