Kennebec County transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Kennebec County, ME, transfer taxes come to $1,760 (0.44% of the price): Maine real estate transfer tax ($2.20 per $500) and Maine additional transfer tax above $1 million (0.76% above a threshold), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
No county transfer tax here — only the statewide tax applies, collected when the deed is recorded with the county.
Kennebec County transfer tax calculator
- State
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine real estate transfer taxState | $2.20 per $500 | Split 50/50 | $1,760.00 |
| Maine additional transfer tax above $1 millionState | 0.76% above a threshold | Split 50/50 | $0.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.44% of the price) | $1,760.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Kennebec County by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,100 | 0.44% | $550 | $550 |
| $400,000 | $1,760 | 0.44% | $880 | $880 |
| $600,000 | $2,640 | 0.44% | $1,320 | $1,320 |
| $800,000 | $3,520 | 0.44% | $1,760 | $1,760 |
| $1,000,000 | $4,400 | 0.44% | $2,200 | $2,200 |
| $1,500,000 | $10,400 | 0.693% | $5,200 | $5,200 |
| $2,500,000 | $22,400 | 0.896% | $11,200 | $11,200 |
| $5,000,000 | $52,400 | 1.048% | $26,200 | $26,200 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Kennebec 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 Maine
- Deeds between spouses, parent and child, or grandparent and grandchild without actual consideration
- Deeds between spouses in divorce proceedings
- Transfers to or by the U.S. or the State of Maine and their agencies
- Mortgage deeds, discharges and partial releases
- Deeds confirming or correcting a previous deed without added consideration
- Tax deeds and deeds of partition without consideration
Local exemptions can differ; see Maine transfer tax.
Other counties in Maine
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Kennebec County?
0.44% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Maine real estate transfer tax ($2.20 per $500); Maine additional transfer tax above $1 million (0.76% above a threshold).
Who pays transfer tax in Kennebec County?
Maine real estate transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Imposed 1/2 on the grantor (seller) and 1/2 on the grantee (buyer) by statute.. Maine additional transfer tax above $1 million: Split 50/50 — Split 1/2 seller, 1/2 buyer.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Kennebec County?
$2,200 in total (seller $1,100, buyer $1,100).
How much is the Maine transfer tax?
$2.20 per $500 of value (0.44%), half from the seller and half from the buyer. On a $400,000 sale the total is $1,760, or $880 each.
Is there a Maine 'mansion tax'?
Yes. Since Nov 1, 2025, value above $1 million owes an extra $3.80 per $500 (0.76%), also split. A $1.5M sale owes $6,600 base plus $3,800 extra, for $10,400 total.
Sources
- 36 M.R.S. §4641-A – Rate of tax; liability for tax
- Maine Revenue Services – Real Estate Transfer Tax
- 36 M.R.S. §4641-A – Rate of tax; liability for tax
- Maine Revenue Services – Real Estate 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.