Sacramento transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Sacramento, CA, transfer taxes come to $1,540 (0.385% of the price): Sacramento County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500) and City of Sacramento real property transfer tax (0.275%), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
Charter city: on top of the full Sacramento County $1.10/$1,000 (total $3.85/$1,000).
Sacramento transfer tax calculator
- County
- City
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento County documentary transfer taxCounty | $0.55 per $500 | Seller | $440.00 |
| City of Sacramento real property transfer taxCity | 0.275% | Split 50/50 | $1,100.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.385% of the price) | $1,540.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Sacramento by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $963 | 0.385% | $619 | $344 |
| $400,000 | $1,540 | 0.385% | $990 | $550 |
| $600,000 | $2,310 | 0.385% | $1,485 | $825 |
| $800,000 | $3,080 | 0.385% | $1,980 | $1,100 |
| $1,000,000 | $3,850 | 0.385% | $2,475 | $1,375 |
| $1,500,000 | $5,775 | 0.385% | $3,713 | $2,063 |
| $2,500,000 | $9,625 | 0.385% | $6,188 | $3,438 |
| $5,000,000 | $19,250 | 0.385% | $12,375 | $6,875 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Sacramento?
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 Sacramento?
0.385% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Sacramento County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500); City of Sacramento real property transfer tax (0.275%).
Who pays transfer tax in Sacramento?
Sacramento County documentary transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller in every California county; the purchase contract can shift it.. City of Sacramento real property transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split buyer/seller in escrow; if unpaid, the city looks to the buyer.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Sacramento?
$1,925 in total (seller $1,238, buyer $688).
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
- City of Sacramento — Real Property Transfer Tax
- 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.