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An agent is explaining Maryland taxes to her client who is purchasing a home. The agent correctly explains that Maryland imposes two separate taxes at the time of recording a deed: the state transfer tax and the county recordation tax. Which of the following best distinguishes these two taxes from each other?

Correct Answer

B) The state transfer tax rate is uniform statewide at 0.5%, while the county recordation tax rate varies by jurisdiction.

Under Md. Code Ann., Tax-Prop. §§ 12-101 et seq. and §§ 13-101 et seq., the Maryland state transfer tax is set at a uniform statewide rate (0.5% standard, 0.25% for first-time homebuyers), while the county recordation tax rate is set by each individual county and varies significantly across Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City. This distinction is a key Maryland-specific concept.

Answer Options
A
The state transfer tax is paid only once at settlement, while the county recordation tax is paid annually like a property tax.
B
The state transfer tax rate is uniform statewide at 0.5%, while the county recordation tax rate varies by jurisdiction.
C
The state transfer tax applies only to commercial properties, while the county recordation tax applies to all real property transfers.
D
The state transfer tax is based on the assessed value of the property, while the county recordation tax is based on the purchase price.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

transfer_taxrecordation_taxtax_distinctionmaryland_specific

Related Concepts

In the context of foreclosure, a deed transfers ownership of the foreclosed property to the new owner, typically the buyer at a foreclosure sale.

Discount points are upfront fees paid to a lender at closing to reduce (buy down) the interest rate on a mortgage loan. One point equals 1% of the loan amount and typically reduces the rate by approximately 0.25%.

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration that allows lower down payments and credit scores than conventional loans. It is designed to help first-time homebuyers and borrowers with limited resources.

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