El Cerrito transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in El Cerrito, CA, transfer taxes come to $5,240 (1.31% of the price): Contra Costa County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500) and El Cerrito real property transfer tax ($12 per $1,000), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
Charter city: on top of the full Contra Costa County $1.10/$1,000.
El Cerrito transfer tax calculator
- County
- City
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contra Costa County documentary transfer taxCounty | $0.55 per $500 | Seller | $440.00 |
| El Cerrito real property transfer taxCity | $12 per $1,000 | Split 50/50 | $4,800.00 |
| Total transfer tax (1.31% of the price) | $5,240.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in El Cerrito by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $3,275 | 1.31% | $1,775 | $1,500 |
| $400,000 | $5,240 | 1.31% | $2,840 | $2,400 |
| $600,000 | $7,860 | 1.31% | $4,260 | $3,600 |
| $800,000 | $10,480 | 1.31% | $5,680 | $4,800 |
| $1,000,000 | $13,100 | 1.31% | $7,100 | $6,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $19,650 | 1.31% | $10,650 | $9,000 |
| $2,500,000 | $32,750 | 1.31% | $17,750 | $15,000 |
| $5,000,000 | $65,500 | 1.31% | $35,500 | $30,000 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in El Cerrito?
Transfer tax is usually the second-biggest closing cost after the agent's commission. Comparing agents' fees often saves more than any exemption.
Exemptions in California
- Transfers between spouses or registered domestic partners
- Divorce transfers
- Gifts and inheritances (no consideration)
- Transfers to a revocable living trust
- Deeds in lieu of foreclosure (to the extent of the debt)
- Transfers to government entities
Local exemptions can differ; see California transfer tax.
Elsewhere in Contra Costa County
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in El Cerrito?
1.31% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Contra Costa County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500); El Cerrito real property transfer tax ($12 per $1,000).
Who pays transfer tax in El Cerrito?
Contra Costa County documentary transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller in every California county; the purchase contract can shift it.. El Cerrito real property transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split 50/50 between buyer and seller (Chicago Title 2026 guide).. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in El Cerrito?
$6,550 in total (seller $3,550, buyer $3,000).
What is the county transfer tax in California?
$1.10 per $1,000 of value ($0.55 per $500 or fraction), in every county.
Who pays transfer tax in California?
Customarily the seller, though the purchase contract can change it.
Sources
- CaliforniaCityFinance.com — California City Documentary and Property Transfer Tax Rates (rev. 1 Dec 2025)
- Chicago Title — California Customary Practices Guide 2026 (who customarily pays; city rates)
- California Revenue & Taxation Code §11911 (county documentary transfer tax)
- CaliforniaCityFinance.com — California City Documentary and Property Transfer Tax Rates (rev. 1 Dec 2025)
- Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §11911 (leginfo)
- Riverside County Ordinance 516 (documentary transfer tax)
Last checked October 13, 2026. Rates in effect for residential sales; commercial, leasehold and entity transfers can differ. Always confirm with your title company or closing attorney before closing.