Allentown transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Allentown, PA, transfer taxes come to $10,000 (2.5% of the price): Pennsylvania realty transfer tax (1%), City of Allentown realty transfer tax (1%) and School district realty transfer tax (0.5%), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
Split among Allentown City School District, Parkland School District; the rates are the same in each part. Local total 1.5%; with the 1% state tax 2.5%.
Allentown transfer tax calculator
- State
- Municipal
- School district
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania realty transfer taxState | 1% | Split 50/50 | $4,000.00 |
| City of Allentown realty transfer taxMunicipal | 1% | Split 50/50 | $4,000.00 |
| School district realty transfer taxSchool district | 0.5% | Split 50/50 | $2,000.00 |
| Total transfer tax (2.5% of the price) | $10,000.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Allentown by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $6,250 | 2.5% | $3,125 | $3,125 |
| $400,000 | $10,000 | 2.5% | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| $600,000 | $15,000 | 2.5% | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| $800,000 | $20,000 | 2.5% | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $25,000 | 2.5% | $12,500 | $12,500 |
| $1,500,000 | $37,500 | 2.5% | $18,750 | $18,750 |
| $2,500,000 | $62,500 | 2.5% | $31,250 | $31,250 |
| $5,000,000 | $125,000 | 2.5% | $62,500 | $62,500 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Allentown?
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 Pennsylvania
- Transfers between spouses
- Transfers between parent and child (or child's spouse), siblings, or grandparent and grandchild
- Transfers to a living trust
- Transfers by will or intestacy
- Transfers to the U.S., the Commonwealth or its instrumentalities
- Correction deeds and transfers for no or nominal consideration to confirm title
Local exemptions can differ; see Pennsylvania transfer tax.
Elsewhere in Lehigh County
- Alburtis2%
- Bethlehem (Lehigh County)2%
- Catasauqua2%
- Coopersburg2%
- Coplay2%
- Emmaus2%
- Fountain Hill2%
- Hanover (Lehigh County)2%
- Heidelberg (Lehigh County)2%
- Lower Macungie2%
- Lower Milford2%
- Lowhill2%
- Lynn2%
- Macungie2%
- North Whitehall2%
- Salisbury (Lehigh County)2%
- Slatington2%
- South Whitehall2%
- Upper Macungie2%
- Upper Milford2%
- Upper Saucon2%
- Washington (Lehigh County)2%
- Weisenberg2%
- Whitehall2%
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Allentown?
2.5% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Pennsylvania realty transfer tax (1%); City of Allentown realty transfer tax (1%); School district realty transfer tax (0.5%).
Who pays transfer tax in Allentown?
Pennsylvania realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split 50/50; the contract decides.. City of Allentown realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split between buyer and seller; the sales agreement decides.. School district realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split between buyer and seller; the sales agreement decides.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Allentown?
$12,500 in total (seller $6,250, buyer $6,250).
Who pays transfer tax in Pennsylvania?
By custom buyer and seller split it 50/50, but the agreement of sale decides.
What is the total transfer tax in Philadelphia?
4.578%: 3.578% city plus 1% state.
Sources
- City of Allentown – Realty Transfer Tax increase effective January 1, 2026
- PA DCED Municipal Statistics – Municipal Tax Database (2026 reporting year, Realty Transfer)
- DCED 2026 municipal tax export (Excel)
- Pennsylvania Department of Revenue – Realty Transfer Tax
- Pennsylvania Department of Revenue – Tax Rates
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.