19
Dec 2019
Pittsburgh Transfer Tax

Pittsburgh Transfer Tax Increase Effective January 1, 2020

By Marc Shaw

Effective January 1, 2020, the total transfer tax for properties in the City of Pittsburgh will increase from 4.5% to 5%, giving Pittsburgh the dubious honor of having the highest total combined real estate transfer tax rate in the US, surpassing Philadelphia, which sits at 4.1%.

Key Takeaways

  • Transfer tax is imposed when recording an instrument, like a deed, which transfers an interest in real property.
  • The Allegheny County Department of Real Estate will use the date your documents are notarized to determine whether the tax rate on the transfer will be 4.5 or 5%. 
  • If the document is notarized on or after January 1, 2020, you will pay 5%. 
  • If your document is notarized before January 1, 2020 but may not be recorded until after January 1, 2020, your title agent will reach out to the Department of Real Estate to confirm whether it will accept your documents for recording at the 4.5% tax rate.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

About World Wide Land Transfer

World Wide Land Transfer is a service-oriented PA title company with offices in Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C. With a record of going above and beyond, we are trusted to close everything from complex commercial transactions to residential refinance and purchase transactions.

Contact us today to see how we can bring value to your next transaction.