EstatePass
Transfer Of PropertyRecording_and_taxesEASY

In California residential real estate transactions, who is customarily responsible for paying the county documentary transfer tax?

Correct Answer

B) The seller, as the party conveying title, though the allocation is negotiable

By longstanding custom in most California counties, the seller pays the county documentary transfer tax because the tax is imposed on the act of conveying title. However, California law does not mandate which party must pay — the allocation is a negotiable term of the purchase agreement and can vary by local custom or mutual agreement.

Answer Options
A
The buyer, as the party acquiring title to the property
B
The seller, as the party conveying title, though the allocation is negotiable
C
Both parties split the tax equally by statute
D
The escrow company, which absorbs the cost as part of its closing services

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Transfer Of Property Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Transfer Of Property

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Transfer Of Property

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Transfer Of Property Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

documentary_transfer_taxseller_responsibilitylocal_customnegotiable

Related Concepts

A deed is a written legal document that conveys (transfers) ownership of real property from one party to another. It must be delivered to and accepted by the grantee to be effective.

For a deed to be valid, it must contain several essential elements including a competent grantor, identifiable grantee, consideration, legal description, granting clause, signature of the grantor, and delivery and acceptance.

Escrow is an arrangement in which a neutral third party holds documents, funds, or other items on behalf of the buyer and seller until all conditions of the transaction are met.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Transfer Of Property Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing