Bourne transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Bourne, MA, transfer taxes come to $2,592 (0.648% of the price): Massachusetts deeds excise (Barnstable County state rate) ($1.71 per $500) and Barnstable County deeds excise ($1.53 per $500), paid by the seller.
Cape Cod town: Barnstable County deeds excise applies ($6.48 per $1,000 combined); no town transfer fee.
Bourne transfer tax calculator
- State
- County
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts deeds excise (Barnstable County state rate)State | $1.71 per $500 | Seller | $1,368.00 |
| Barnstable County deeds exciseCounty | $1.53 per $500 | Seller | $1,224.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.648% of the price) | $2,592.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Bourne by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,620 | 0.648% | $1,620 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $2,592 | 0.648% | $2,592 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $3,888 | 0.648% | $3,888 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $5,184 | 0.648% | $5,184 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $6,480 | 0.648% | $6,480 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $9,720 | 0.648% | $9,720 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $16,200 | 0.648% | $16,200 | $0 |
| $5,000,000 | $32,400 | 0.648% | $32,400 | $0 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Bourne?
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 Massachusetts
- Deeds with consideration under $100 (e.g. gifts)
- Transfers to or from the United States, the Commonwealth or its agencies
- Mortgages and deeds given only to secure a debt
- Deeds confirming or correcting a prior deed without added consideration
- Transfers into a revocable trust for no consideration
Local exemptions can differ; see Massachusetts transfer tax.
Elsewhere in Barnstable County
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Bourne?
0.648% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Massachusetts deeds excise (Barnstable County state rate) ($1.71 per $500); Barnstable County deeds excise ($1.53 per $500).
Who pays transfer tax in Bourne?
Massachusetts deeds excise (Barnstable County state rate): Seller — The seller (grantor) pays by law and custom.. Barnstable County deeds excise: Seller — The seller (grantor) pays by law and custom.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Bourne?
$3,240 in total (seller $3,240, buyer $0).
Who pays the deeds excise in Massachusetts?
The seller. The excise is collected when the deed is recorded at the registry of deeds.
How is the Massachusetts deed stamp calculated?
$2.28 for each $500 of price or fraction of $500, so the price is rounded up to the next $500 first. A $600,000 sale owes $2,736 outside Barnstable County.
Sources
- Barnstable County — A Brief History of the County Excise Tax (state $3.42 + county $3.06 = $6.48 per $1,000)
- Barnstable County Registry of Deeds — Excise tax advisory
- M.G.L. c.64D § 1 (deeds excise)
- Barnstable County — A Brief History of the County Excise Tax (state $3.42 + county $3.06 = $6.48 per $1,000)
- Barnstable County Registry of Deeds — Excise tax advisory
- M.G.L. c.64D § 1 (deeds excise)
- M.G.L. c.64D §1 (deeds excise)
- Mass. DOR – Learn about the deeds excise 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.