Closings glossary

Transfer tax (RPTT and NYS)

Taxes on the conveyance itself, one City and one State. Rates step up at higher prices, and who pays is set by custom and then confirmed by the contract.

Who pays transfer tax in New York City?

Quick Answer

The seller customarily pays both transfer taxes on a resale: the New York City Real Property Transfer Tax and the New York State transfer tax. Sponsor sales in new developments frequently shift them to the buyer by contract, which adds a meaningful amount to a new-construction purchase.

The full definition

Taxes on the conveyance itself, one City and one State. Rates step up at higher prices, and who pays is set by custom and then confirmed by the contract.

Also called: RPTT, Real Property Transfer Tax.

Where does transfer tax (rptt and nys) come up in a New York City closing?

A $1,500,000 Brooklyn resale carries City transfer tax at 1.425 percent and State transfer tax at 0.4 percent, both paid from the seller's proceeds.

What else should you read before closing?

In the glossary

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