A first-time buyer is considering purchasing a property just outside Philadelphia city limits in Delaware County versus one inside Philadelphia. Both properties are priced at $275,000. The Delaware County total rate is 2% and Philadelphia's is 4.278%. How much would the buyer save on their half of the transfer tax by purchasing in Delaware County?
Correct Answer
B) $3,133
Philadelphia total tax = $275,000 × 4.278% = $11,764.50. Buyer's half = $5,882.25. Delaware County total tax = $275,000 × 2% = $5,500. Buyer's half = $2,750. Savings = $5,882.25 - $2,750 = $3,132.25 ≈ $3,133.
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More Pa Transfer Taxes Questions
A real estate licensee working in Philadelphia must be aware that the city's transfer tax rate is different from the rest of Pennsylvania. What is the approximate total transfer tax rate (state + Philadelphia local) that applies in Philadelphia?
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A buyer in Philadelphia asks their agent whether the high transfer tax can be financed into the mortgage. What is the correct advice?
A government agency in Pennsylvania (e.g., a redevelopment authority) is selling a property to a private buyer. Is the transfer tax due on this sale?
A PA property sells for $460,000 with a total 2% transfer tax. The contract requires the seller to pay 60% and the buyer to pay 40%. What is the seller's transfer tax payment?
- → A homeowner in Philadelphia converts their primary residence to a rental property and then sells it two years later. The transfer tax rate in Philadelphia remains 4.278% regardless of property use. Does the conversion to rental affect the transfer tax?
- → What is the combined typical total realty transfer tax rate (state + local) in most Pennsylvania counties outside of Philadelphia?
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- → Under PA transfer tax law, local transfer tax revenue is used by local governments for all of the following purposes EXCEPT:
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Previous Question
A property in Philadelphia sells for $180,000 with a total 4.278% transfer tax rate. The buyer pays their half and the seller pays their half. What is the buyer's share?
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An investor buys a multi-unit property in Philadelphia for $1,500,000. The total transfer tax rate is 4.278%. The contract stipulates the buyer pays the full transfer tax. What is the buyer's total transfer tax obligation?
