San Rafael transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in San Rafael, CA, transfer taxes come to $1,240 (0.31% of the price): Marin County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500) and San Rafael real property transfer tax ($2 per $1,000), paid by the seller.
Charter city: on top of the full Marin County $1.10/$1,000.
San Rafael transfer tax calculator
- County
- City
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marin County documentary transfer taxCounty | $0.55 per $500 | Seller | $440.00 |
| San Rafael real property transfer taxCity | $2 per $1,000 | Seller | $800.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.31% of the price) | $1,240.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in San Rafael by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $775 | 0.31% | $775 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $1,240 | 0.31% | $1,240 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $1,860 | 0.31% | $1,860 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $2,480 | 0.31% | $2,480 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $3,100 | 0.31% | $3,100 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $4,650 | 0.31% | $4,650 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $7,750 | 0.31% | $7,750 | $0 |
| $5,000,000 | $15,500 | 0.31% | $15,500 | $0 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in San Rafael?
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 San Rafael?
0.31% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Marin County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500); San Rafael real property transfer tax ($2 per $1,000).
Who pays transfer tax in San Rafael?
Marin County documentary transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller in every California county; the purchase contract can shift it.. San Rafael real property transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller (Chicago Title 2026 guide).. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in San Rafael?
$1,550 in total (seller $1,550, 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.