Lake Forest transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Lake Forest, IL, transfer taxes come to $2,200 (0.55% of the price): Illinois real estate transfer tax ($0.50 per $500), Lake County real estate transfer tax ($0.25 per $500) and Lake Forest real estate transfer tax ($4 per $1,000), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
Lake Forest 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 |
| Lake Forest real estate transfer taxMunicipal | $4 per $1,000 | Buyer | $1,600.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.55% of the price) | $2,200.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Lake Forest by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,375 | 0.55% | $375 | $1,000 |
| $400,000 | $2,200 | 0.55% | $600 | $1,600 |
| $600,000 | $3,300 | 0.55% | $900 | $2,400 |
| $800,000 | $4,400 | 0.55% | $1,200 | $3,200 |
| $1,000,000 | $5,500 | 0.55% | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $8,250 | 0.55% | $2,250 | $6,000 |
| $2,500,000 | $13,750 | 0.55% | $3,750 | $10,000 |
| $5,000,000 | $27,500 | 0.55% | $7,500 | $20,000 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Lake Forest?
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 Lake Forest?
0.55% 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); Lake Forest real estate transfer tax ($4 per $1,000).
Who pays transfer tax in Lake Forest?
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.. Lake Forest real estate transfer tax: Buyer — Code: buyer (grantee) unless negotiated by contract.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Lake Forest?
$2,750 in total (seller $750, buyer $2,000).
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
- Lake Forest Code 39.155-39.166 Real Estate Transfer Tax
- Lake Forest - Real Estate Transfer Tax
- Chicago Title - Transfer Taxes, Chicago Metropolitan Area (as of July 1, 2026)
- 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.