Reading transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Reading, PA, transfer taxes come to $20,000 (5% of the price): Pennsylvania realty transfer tax (1%), City of Reading realty transfer tax (3.5%) and Reading School District realty transfer tax (0.5%), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
Local total 4%; with the 1% state tax 5%.
Reading 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 Reading realty transfer taxMunicipal | 3.5% | Split 50/50 | $14,000.00 |
| Reading School District realty transfer taxSchool district | 0.5% | Split 50/50 | $2,000.00 |
| 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 Reading 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 Reading?
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 Berks County
- Albany (Berks County)2%
- Alsace2%
- Amity (Berks County)2%
- Bally2%
- Bechtelsville2%
- Bern2%
- Bernville2%
- Bethel (Berks County)2%
- Birdsboro2%
- Boyertown2%
- Brecknock (Berks County)2%
- Caernarvon (Berks County)2%
- Centerport2%
- Centre (Berks County)2%
- Colebrookdale2%
- Cumru2%
- District2%
- Douglass (Berks County)2%
- Earl (Berks County)2%
- Exeter (Berks County)2%
- Fleetwood2%
- Greenwich2%
- Hamburg2%
- Heidelberg (Berks County)2%
- Hereford2%
- Jefferson (Berks County)2%
- Kenhorst2%
- Kutztown2%
- Laureldale2%
- Leesport2%
- Lenhartsville2%
- Longswamp2%
- Lower Alsace2%
- Lower Heidelberg2%
- Lyons2%
- Maidencreek2%
- Marion (Berks County)2%
- Maxatawny2%
- Mohnton2%
- Mount Penn2%
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Reading?
5% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Pennsylvania realty transfer tax (1%); City of Reading realty transfer tax (3.5%); Reading School District realty transfer tax (0.5%).
Who pays transfer tax in Reading?
Pennsylvania realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split 50/50; the contract decides.. City of Reading realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split between buyer and seller; the sales agreement decides.. Reading 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 Reading?
$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
- 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.