Pittsburgh transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Pittsburgh, PA, transfer taxes come to $20,000 (5% of the price): Pennsylvania realty transfer tax (1%), City of Pittsburgh realty transfer tax (3%) and Pittsburgh Public Schools realty transfer tax (1%), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
Total with the 1% state tax: 5% (City 3% + Pittsburgh Public Schools 1%), in effect since 2020. Parcels in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District part of the city pay a 0.5% school share instead (4.5% total). DCED's 2026 register shows a lower city share; Allegheny County's rate is used. Local total 4%; with the 1% state tax 5%.
Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh realty transfer taxMunicipal | 3% | Split 50/50 | $12,000.00 |
| Pittsburgh Public Schools realty transfer taxSchool district | 1% | Split 50/50 | $4,000.00 |
| Total transfer tax (5% of the price) | $20,000.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Pittsburgh by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $12,500 | 5% | $6,250 | $6,250 |
| $400,000 | $20,000 | 5% | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| $600,000 | $30,000 | 5% | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| $800,000 | $40,000 | 5% | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $50,000 | 5% | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $75,000 | 5% | $37,500 | $37,500 |
| $2,500,000 | $125,000 | 5% | $62,500 | $62,500 |
| $5,000,000 | $250,000 | 5% | $125,000 | $125,000 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Pittsburgh?
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 Allegheny County
- Aleppo (Allegheny County)2%
- Aspinwall2%
- Avalon2%
- Baldwin2%
- Baldwin2%
- Bell Acres2%
- Bellevue2.5%
- Ben Avon2%
- Ben Avon Heights2%
- Bethel Park2.5%
- Blawnox2%
- Brackenridge2%
- Braddock2%
- Braddock Hills2%
- Bradford Woods2%
- Brentwood2%
- Bridgeville2%
- Carnegie2%
- Castle Shannon2%
- Chalfant2%
- Cheswick2%
- Churchill2%
- Clairton2%
- Collier2%
- Coraopolis2%
- Crafton2%
- Crescent2%
- Dormont2%
- Dravosburg2%
- Duquesne2%
- East Deer2%
- East McKeesport2%
- East Pittsburgh2%
- Edgewood2%
- Edgeworth2%
- Elizabeth2%
- Elizabeth (Allegheny County)2%
- Emsworth2%
- Etna2%
- Fawn (Allegheny County)2%
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Pittsburgh?
5% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Pennsylvania realty transfer tax (1%); City of Pittsburgh realty transfer tax (3%); Pittsburgh Public Schools realty transfer tax (1%).
Who pays transfer tax in Pittsburgh?
Pennsylvania realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split 50/50; the contract decides.. City of Pittsburgh realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split between buyer and seller; the sales agreement decides.. Pittsburgh Public Schools 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 Pittsburgh?
$25,000 in total (seller $12,500, buyer $12,500).
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
- Allegheny County – Realty Transfer Taxes (City of Pittsburgh 3% + school 1% + state 1%)
- 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.