Highland Park transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Highland Park, IL, transfer taxes come to $2,600 (0.65% of the price): Illinois real estate transfer tax ($0.50 per $500), Lake County real estate transfer tax ($0.25 per $500) and Highland Park real estate transfer tax ($5 per $1,000), paid by the seller.
We couldn't fully confirm this rate from an official source. Treat it as an estimate and check with the local tax office.
Code confirms payer but the rate itself is in the fee resolution, confirmed only by title charts.
Highland Park transfer tax calculator
- State
- County
- Municipal
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois real estate transfer taxState | $0.50 per $500 | Seller | $400.00 |
| Lake County real estate transfer taxCounty | $0.25 per $500 | Seller | $200.00 |
| Highland Park real estate transfer taxMunicipal | $5 per $1,000 | Seller | $2,000.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.65% of the price) | $2,600.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Highland Park by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,625 | 0.65% | $1,625 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $2,600 | 0.65% | $2,600 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $3,900 | 0.65% | $3,900 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $5,200 | 0.65% | $5,200 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $6,500 | 0.65% | $6,500 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $9,750 | 0.65% | $9,750 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $16,250 | 0.65% | $16,250 | $0 |
| $5,000,000 | $32,500 | 0.65% | $32,500 | $0 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Highland Park?
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 Illinois
- Transfers to or from governments or charitable, religious or educational organizations
- Deeds securing a debt, or releasing property that secures a debt
- Deeds that confirm or correct a recorded deed without added consideration
- Actual consideration under $100
- Tax deeds and deeds of partition
- Deeds to a mortgage holder in lieu of foreclosure
- Exchanges of real estate (except any cash difference)
Local exemptions can differ; see Illinois transfer tax.
Elsewhere in Lake County
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Highland Park?
0.65% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Illinois real estate transfer tax ($0.50 per $500); Lake County real estate transfer tax ($0.25 per $500); Highland Park real estate transfer tax ($5 per $1,000).
Who pays transfer tax in Highland Park?
Illinois real estate transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller.. Lake County real estate transfer tax: Seller — Neither the statute nor the county ordinance fixes the payer; by Illinois custom the seller pays the state and county stamps unless the contract says otherwise.. Highland Park real estate transfer tax: Seller — Code puts the tax on the seller (grantor) unless the contract shifts it; the buyer is liable if it goes unpaid.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Highland Park?
$3,250 in total (seller $3,250, buyer $0).
What is the Illinois transfer tax rate?
The state charges $0.50 per $500 and the county $0.25 per $500, which is $1.50 per $1,000 (0.15%) combined. A $300,000 sale owes $450 before any city tax.
Who pays transfer tax in Illinois?
By custom the seller pays the state and county tax. City taxes vary; Chicago's main city tax is charged to the buyer.
Sources
- Highland Park Code ch. 97 art. X Real Estate Transfer Tax
- Highland Park - Real Estate Transfer Tax
- Chicago Title - Transfer Taxes, Chicago Metropolitan Area (as of July 1, 2026)
- ATG - Highland Park real estate transfer tax ordinance summary
- 55 ILCS 5/5-1031 - County real estate transfer tax
- Illinois Department of Revenue - Real Estate Transfer Tax
- Chicago Title - Transfer Taxes, Chicago Metropolitan Area (as of July 1, 2026)
- Illinois Department of Revenue – Form PTAX-203 and instructions
- 35 ILCS 200/31-10 (state rate)
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.