Santa Monica transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Santa Monica, CA, transfer taxes come to $1,640 (0.41% of the price): Los Angeles County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500) and Santa Monica documentary transfer tax (incl. Measure GS) ($3–$56 per $1,000 by price), paid by the seller.
Charter city: on top of the full LA County $1.10/$1,000 — an $8M sale pays $448,000 city + $8,800 county.
Santa Monica transfer tax calculator
- County
- City
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County documentary transfer taxCounty | $0.55 per $500 | Seller | $440.00 |
| Santa Monica documentary transfer tax (incl. Measure GS)City | $3–$56 per $1,000 by price | Seller | $1,200.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.41% of the price) | $1,640.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Santa Monica by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,025 | 0.41% | $1,025 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $1,640 | 0.41% | $1,640 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $2,460 | 0.41% | $2,460 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $3,280 | 0.41% | $3,280 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $4,100 | 0.41% | $4,100 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $6,150 | 0.41% | $6,150 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $10,250 | 0.41% | $10,250 | $0 |
| $5,000,000 | $35,500 | 0.71% | $35,500 | $0 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Santa Monica?
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 Los Angeles County
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Santa Monica?
0.41% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Los Angeles County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500); Santa Monica documentary transfer tax (incl. Measure GS) ($3–$56 per $1,000 by price).
Who pays transfer tax in Santa Monica?
Los Angeles County documentary transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller in every California county; the purchase contract can shift it.. Santa Monica documentary transfer tax (incl. Measure GS): Seller — Customarily paid by the seller in Los Angeles County; negotiable.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Santa Monica?
$2,050 in total (seller $2,050, 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 Monica — Documentary Transfer Tax (Real Property Transfer Tax)
- LA County Registrar-Recorder — Documentary Transfer Tax Bulletin (city rates)
- Chicago Title — California Customary Practices Guide 2026 (who customarily pays; city rates)
- California Revenue & Taxation Code §11911 (county documentary transfer tax)
- LA County Registrar-Recorder — Documentary Transfer Tax Bulletin (city rates)
- 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.