Stephenson County transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Stephenson County, IL, transfer taxes come to $600 (0.15% of the price): Illinois real estate transfer tax ($0.50 per $500) and Stephenson County real estate transfer tax ($0.25 per $500), 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.
Statute authorises a $0.25 per $500 county tax and Illinois Realtors says every Illinois county levies it, but no Stephenson County ordinance or recorder page was reachable to confirm adoption.
Stephenson County transfer tax calculator
- State
- County
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois real estate transfer taxState | $0.50 per $500 | Seller | $400.00 |
| Stephenson County real estate transfer taxCounty | $0.25 per $500 | Seller | $200.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.15% of the price) | $600.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Stephenson County by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $375 | 0.15% | $375 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $600 | 0.15% | $600 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $900 | 0.15% | $900 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $1,200 | 0.15% | $1,200 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $1,500 | 0.15% | $1,500 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $2,250 | 0.15% | $2,250 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $3,750 | 0.15% | $3,750 | $0 |
| $5,000,000 | $7,500 | 0.15% | $7,500 | $0 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Stephenson County?
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.
Other counties in Illinois
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Stephenson County?
0.15% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Illinois real estate transfer tax ($0.50 per $500); Stephenson County real estate transfer tax ($0.25 per $500).
Who pays transfer tax in Stephenson County?
Illinois real estate transfer tax: Seller — Customarily paid by the seller.. Stephenson 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.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Stephenson County?
$750 in total (seller $750, 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
- 55 ILCS 5/5-1031 - County real estate transfer tax
- Illinois Department of Revenue - Real Estate Transfer Tax
- Illinois Realtors - Municipal Real Estate Transfer Taxes (Jan 2024)
- 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.