Pennsylvania Real Estate Transfer Tax Calculator

Built from the statute and cross-checked against what the revenue department currently applies.

Verified September 21, 2026 · statute and revenue department cross-checked

The statute and the actual bill do not match.
Philadelphia raised its city rate from 3.278 to 3.578 percent on July 1, 2025. Guides written before then show a 4.278 percent total, which is now wrong.

Sale price (USD) Location or property type

Who pays

Buyer and seller are jointly liable. Custom is to split it evenly.

What to know about Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is the most expensive place to sell a home in the United States by this measure, at 5 percent. Philadelphia is close behind at 4.578 percent. Most of Pennsylvania pays 2 percent. Transfers between family members are exempt.

Sources

Statute: 72 P.S. § 8101-C; Act 511 local authority

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Realty Transfer Tax
“Pennsylvania realty transfer tax is imposed at a rate of 1 percent on the value of real estate ... Both grantor and grantee are held jointly and severally liable for payment of the tax.”

City of Philadelphia, Realty Transfer Tax
“The current rates for the Realty Transfer Tax are: 3.578% (City) + 1% (Commonwealth) = 4.578% (total)”

Allegheny County, Local Realty Transfer Tax Rates
“Pittsburgh, City of | 3% | Pittsburgh School District | 1% ... It does not include the 1% tax owed to the Commonwealth.”

Last verified: September 21, 2026.

Estimates only. Your closing agent or the county recorder issues the final figure, and exemptions can change what you owe. This page does not collect or store anything you enter.