Scranton transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Scranton, PA, transfer taxes come to $14,800 (3.7% of the price): Pennsylvania realty transfer tax (1%), City of Scranton realty transfer tax (2.2%) and Scranton School District realty transfer tax (0.5%), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
We couldn't fully confirm this rate from an official source. Treat it as an estimate and check with the local tax office.
Lackawanna County's older rate chart lists the City of Scranton at 2.5%; DCED's 2026 register shows 2.2% effective 2024-01-01. Confirm with the Recorder of Deeds before closing. Local total 2.7%; with the 1% state tax 3.7%.
Scranton 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 Scranton realty transfer taxMunicipal | 2.2% | Split 50/50 | $8,800.00 |
| Scranton School District realty transfer taxSchool district | 0.5% | Split 50/50 | $2,000.00 |
| Total transfer tax (3.7% of the price) | $14,800.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Scranton by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $9,250 | 3.7% | $4,625 | $4,625 |
| $400,000 | $14,800 | 3.7% | $7,400 | $7,400 |
| $600,000 | $22,200 | 3.7% | $11,100 | $11,100 |
| $800,000 | $29,600 | 3.7% | $14,800 | $14,800 |
| $1,000,000 | $37,000 | 3.7% | $18,500 | $18,500 |
| $1,500,000 | $55,500 | 3.7% | $27,750 | $27,750 |
| $2,500,000 | $92,500 | 3.7% | $46,250 | $46,250 |
| $5,000,000 | $185,000 | 3.7% | $92,500 | $92,500 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Scranton?
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 Lackawanna County
- Archbald2%
- Benton (Lackawanna County)2%
- Blakely2%
- Carbondale2%
- Carbondale2%
- Clarks Green2%
- Clarks Summit2%
- Clifton2%
- Covington (Lackawanna County)2%
- Dalton2%
- Dickson City2%
- Dunmore2%
- Elmhurst2%
- Fell2%
- Glenburn2%
- Greenfield (Lackawanna County)2%
- Jefferson (Lackawanna County)2%
- Jermyn2%
- Jessup2%
- Laplume2%
- Madison (Lackawanna County)2%
- Mayfield2%
- Moosic2%
- Moscow2%
- Newton2%
- North Abington2%
- Old Forge2%
- Olyphant2%
- Ransom2%
- Roaring Brook2%
- Scott (Lackawanna County)2%
- South Abington2%
- Spring Brook2%
- Taylor2%
- Thornhurst2%
- Throop2%
- Vandling2%
- Waverly2%
- West Abington2%
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Scranton?
3.7% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Pennsylvania realty transfer tax (1%); City of Scranton realty transfer tax (2.2%); Scranton School District realty transfer tax (0.5%).
Who pays transfer tax in Scranton?
Pennsylvania realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split 50/50; the contract decides.. City of Scranton realty transfer tax: Split 50/50 — Customarily split between buyer and seller; the sales agreement decides.. Scranton 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 Scranton?
$18,500 in total (seller $9,250, buyer $9,250).
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
- 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.