Chittenden County transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Chittenden County, VT, transfer taxes come to $3,940 (0.985% of the price): Vermont property transfer tax (principal residence) (0.5%–1.25% by price) and Vermont clean water surcharge (0.22% above a threshold), paid by the buyer.
No county transfer tax here — only the statewide tax applies, collected when the deed is recorded with the county.
Chittenden County transfer tax calculator
- State
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont property transfer tax (principal residence)State | 0.5%–1.25% by price | Buyer | $3,500.00 |
| Vermont clean water surchargeState | 0.22% above a threshold | Buyer | $440.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.985% of the price) | $3,940.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Chittenden County by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,735 | 0.694% | $0 | $1,735 |
| $400,000 | $3,940 | 0.985% | $0 | $3,940 |
| $600,000 | $6,880 | 1.147% | $0 | $6,880 |
| $800,000 | $9,820 | 1.228% | $0 | $9,820 |
| $1,000,000 | $12,760 | 1.276% | $0 | $12,760 |
| $1,500,000 | $20,110 | 1.341% | $0 | $20,110 |
| $2,500,000 | $34,810 | 1.392% | $0 | $34,810 |
| $5,000,000 | $71,560 | 1.431% | $0 | $71,560 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Chittenden County?
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 Vermont
- Transfers to the US, Vermont or their instrumentalities
- Transfers to immediate family (spouse, child, grandparent) or self/family trust
- Court-ordered transfers to a spouse in divorce
- Transfers between borrower and lender in foreclosure
- Corrective deeds and deeds to secure or release a debt
- Partition deeds and mere change of ownership form
- First $250,000 of a principal residence financed by VHFA, VHCB or USDA Rural Development
Local exemptions can differ; see Vermont transfer tax.
Other counties in Vermont
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Chittenden County?
0.985% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Vermont property transfer tax (principal residence) (0.5%–1.25% by price); Vermont clean water surcharge (0.22% above a threshold).
Who pays transfer tax in Chittenden County?
Vermont property transfer tax (principal residence): Buyer — The buyer (transferee) is liable by law.. Vermont clean water surcharge: Buyer — Paid with the property transfer tax.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Chittenden County?
$5,410 in total (seller $0, buyer $5,410).
Who pays the property transfer tax in Vermont?
The buyer (transferee). It is due within 30 days of closing.
How much is Vermont transfer tax on a $400,000 primary home?
0.5% of $200,000 ($1,000) plus 1.47% of $200,000 ($2,940) = $3,940.
Sources
- Vermont Department of Taxes — Property Transfer Tax
- Vermont Department of Taxes — PTT-172 Quick Reference Guide
- Vermont Department of Taxes — Property Transfer Tax
- Vermont Department of Taxes — PTT-172 Quick Reference Guide
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.