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Kevin is a licensed salesperson in Michigan who is helping his seller client, Donna, understand her closing costs. Donna asks Kevin who actually pays the Michigan real estate transfer tax and whether it can be negotiated. Kevin correctly advises Donna that under Michigan law, the transfer tax is the seller's obligation, but that the parties may address it in the purchase agreement. Which of the following additional statements by Kevin would be CORRECT?

Correct Answer

A) The state transfer tax is $7.50 per $1,000 and the county transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000, and both are typically the seller's responsibility

Kevin's correct statement is that the state transfer tax rate is $7.50 per $1,000 and the county transfer tax rate is $1.10 per $1,000, with both being the seller's default obligation under Michigan law (MCL 207.502 and the County Real Estate Transfer Tax Act). These rates are distinct and must not be confused or combined into a single flat rate.

Answer Options
A
The state transfer tax is $7.50 per $1,000 and the county transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000, and both are typically the seller's responsibility
B
The state transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000 and the county transfer tax is $7.50 per $1,000, and both are typically the seller's responsibility
C
The state transfer tax is $7.50 per $1,000, and the county transfer tax is waived if the seller is selling a primary residence
D
The total Michigan transfer tax rate is a flat $8.60 per $1,000, which is divided equally between state and county governments

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

transfer_taxstate_tax_ratecounty_tax_rateseller_obligationagent_advice

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