Santa Cruz transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Santa Cruz, CA, transfer taxes come to $440 (0.11% of the price): Santa Cruz County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500) and Santa Cruz Measure C workforce housing transfer tax (0.5%–2% by price), paid by the seller.
The city's existing $0.55/$1,000 is a credit inside the county $1.10, so below $1.8M a buyer/seller pays only the county tax. Measure C is extra.
Santa Cruz transfer tax calculator
- County
- City
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz County documentary transfer taxCounty | $0.55 per $500 | Seller | $440.00 |
| Santa Cruz Measure C workforce housing transfer taxCity | 0.5%–2% by price | Split 50/50 | $0.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.11% of the price) | $440.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Santa Cruz by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $275 | 0.11% | $275 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $440 | 0.11% | $440 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $660 | 0.11% | $660 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $880 | 0.11% | $880 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $1,100 | 0.11% | $1,100 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $1,650 | 0.11% | $1,650 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $6,250 | 0.25% | $4,500 | $1,750 |
| $5,000,000 | $44,000 | 0.88% | $24,750 | $19,250 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Santa Cruz?
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 Santa Cruz?
0.11% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Santa Cruz County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500); Santa Cruz Measure C workforce housing transfer tax (0.5%–2% by price).
Who pays transfer tax in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz County documentary transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller in every California county; the purchase contract can shift it.. Santa Cruz Measure C workforce housing transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split buyer/seller (Chicago Title 2026 guide).. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Santa Cruz?
$550 in total (seller $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
- City of Santa Cruz — Measure C Workforce Housing Affordability Act of 2025
- Santa Cruz City Attorney's impartial analysis of Measure C
- 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.