A property sells for $800,000 in NYC. The transfer tax (state + city) is approximately:
Audio Lesson
Duration: 2:58
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
$3,200
A is incorrect because $3,200 represents only 0.4% of the sale price, which is just the state transfer tax rate. This option ignores NYC's additional city transfer tax, making it too low for a property in this price range.
$14,000
$8,000
C is incorrect because $8,000 represents 1% of the sale price, which doesn't correspond to any standard NYC transfer tax rate. This option may result from averaging different tax rates incorrectly.
$20,000
D is incorrect because $20,000 represents 2.5% of the sale price, which exceeds the maximum combined transfer tax rate in NYC. This rate might apply to luxury properties with additional surcharges, but not to this $800,000 property.
Why is this correct?
B is correct because NYC's combined state and city transfer tax for properties over $500,000 is approximately 1.75%. Calculating 1.75% of $800,000 equals $14,000, which matches option B. This rate reflects both the state transfer tax (0.4%) and NYC's additional tax (1.4%) for properties above $500,000.
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
Transfer taxes are crucial in real estate transactions as they directly impact closing costs for both buyers and sellers. In NYC, understanding the combined state and city transfer tax is essential for accurate calculations during transactions. This question tests knowledge of NYC's specific transfer tax structure, which differs from other states. The $800,000 sale price places it in a higher tax bracket. The correct calculation involves applying the NYC combined rate of approximately 1.75% ($14,000) rather than the lower rate for properties under $500,000. This question challenges students because it requires knowing that NYC has its own transfer tax in addition to the state tax, and that the rate varies based on the sale price. Understanding this concept connects to broader knowledge of closing costs, transaction calculations, and regional real estate practices.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
Transfer taxes are government fees imposed on the transfer of real property ownership. In New York State, a basic transfer tax of 0.4% applies to all property sales. However, New York City imposes an additional transfer tax that varies based on the sale price. For properties under $500,000, the city tax is 1%, making the combined rate 1.4%. For properties between $500,000 and $1 million, the city tax increases to 1.425%, making the combined rate approximately 1.825%. These taxes are typically the seller's responsibility and are calculated based on the sales price.
Think of NYC transfer tax as a two-layer cake - the bottom layer is the state tax (0.4%), and the top layer varies depending on the price. For properties over $500K, you add more 'frosting' (city tax) on top.
When calculating NYC transfer tax, always remember to add both layers. For properties over $500K, the top layer is bigger, making the total cake taller (higher tax).
For NYC transfer tax questions, remember the two-tier system: state tax (0.4%) plus city tax (1% under $500K, 1.425% above). For properties over $500K, use approximately 1.75% as the combined rate for quick calculations.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
As a listing agent in Manhattan, you're preparing closing statements for a $850,000 co-op sale. Your seller questions why their closing costs seem higher than expected. You explain that the $14,900 combined transfer tax (1.75% of $850,000) is standard for this price range in NYC. You provide a breakdown showing the $3,400 state tax and $11,500 city tax, helping the seller understand these unavoidable government fees. This knowledge allows you to properly advise clients about their net proceeds and avoid last-minute surprises at closing.
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