Riverside transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Riverside, CA, transfer taxes come to $880 (0.22% of the price): Riverside County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500) and City of Riverside real property transfer tax ($0.55 per $500), paid by the seller.
Charter city: unlike other Riverside County cities (which share the county's $1.10), Riverside adds its own $1.10, for $2.20/$1,000 total. One older title list shows $1.10 per $500 — the 2025 and 2026 sources agree on $1.10 per $1,000.
Riverside transfer tax calculator
- County
- City
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside County documentary transfer taxCounty | $0.55 per $500 | Seller | $440.00 |
| City of Riverside real property transfer taxCity | $0.55 per $500 | Seller | $440.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.22% of the price) | $880.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Riverside by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $550 | 0.22% | $550 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $880 | 0.22% | $880 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $1,320 | 0.22% | $1,320 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $1,760 | 0.22% | $1,760 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $2,200 | 0.22% | $2,200 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $3,300 | 0.22% | $3,300 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $5,500 | 0.22% | $5,500 | $0 |
| $5,000,000 | $11,000 | 0.22% | $11,000 | $0 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Riverside?
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.
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Riverside?
0.22% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Riverside County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500); City of Riverside real property transfer tax ($0.55 per $500).
Who pays transfer tax in Riverside?
Riverside County documentary transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller in every California county; the purchase contract can shift it.. City of Riverside real property transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Riverside?
$1,100 in total (seller $1,100, buyer $0).
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.