Virginia transfer tax
Virginia charges a state recordation tax on deeds of $0.25 per $100 (paid by the buyer) and a grantor tax of $0.50 per $500 (0.1%, paid by the seller). Nearly every city and county adds a local recordation tax equal to one-third of the state rate, and Northern Virginia sellers pay extra regional fees.
Most cities and counties levy a local recordation tax equal to one-third of the state tax ($0.0833 per $100) under § 58.1-814, paid by the buyer. Northern Virginia (NVTA member localities such as Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, Alexandria) sellers also pay the regional WMATA capital fee of $0.10 per $100 (§ 58.1-802.3), and a regional congestion relief fee of $0.10 per $100 (§ 58.1-802.4) applies in the qualifying planning district.
Highest totals in Virginia on a $400,000 sale
Find your city or county
Total includes the state tax. Click a column to sort.
Virginia state transfer tax calculator
- State
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia state recordation tax (deed)State | $0.25 per $100 | Buyer | $1,000.00 |
| Virginia grantor taxState | $0.50 per $500 | Seller | $400.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.35% of the price) | $1,400.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it. State taxes only — pick your place above to add local taxes.
Transfer tax in Virginia by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $875 | 0.35% | $250 | $625 |
| $400,000 | $1,400 | 0.35% | $400 | $1,000 |
| $600,000 | $2,100 | 0.35% | $600 | $1,500 |
| $800,000 | $2,800 | 0.35% | $800 | $2,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $3,500 | 0.35% | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| $1,500,000 | $5,250 | 0.35% | $1,500 | $3,750 |
| $2,500,000 | $8,750 | 0.35% | $2,500 | $6,250 |
| $5,000,000 | $17,500 | 0.35% | $5,000 | $12,500 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Virginia?
Transfer tax is usually the second-biggest closing cost after the agent's commission. Comparing agents' fees often saves more than any exemption.
Common exemptions
- Deeds of gift and transfers without consideration between family members
- Transfers between spouses or ex-spouses under divorce
- Deeds to or from the Commonwealth, localities or the US (grantor tax)
- Deeds of partition among co-owners
- Deeds of correction or confirmation without consideration
- Deeds to a trust/entity where beneficial ownership does not change
Questions
Who pays transfer taxes in Virginia?
By custom the buyer pays the state and local recordation taxes, and the seller pays the grantor tax and any Northern Virginia regional fees.
How much are Virginia deed taxes on a $400,000 home?
State recordation $1,000 (buyer), local recordation about $333 (buyer, most localities), grantor tax $400 (seller) — plus regional fees in Northern Virginia.
Does Virginia tax the mortgage too?
Yes. The deed of trust securing a loan is subject to recordation tax of $0.25 per $100 of the loan, plus the local one-third, usually paid by the buyer.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Virginia?
The state part is $1,750; local taxes can add more — pick your city or county above.
Sources
- Va. Code § 58.1-801 — State recordation tax on deeds
- Va. Code § 58.1-802 — Grantor tax
- Va. Code § 58.1-814 — City or county recordation tax
- Va. Code § 58.1-802.3 — Regional WMATA capital fee
- Va. Code § 58.1-802.4 — Regional congestion relief fee
- Va. Code § 58.1-803 — Deeds of trust or mortgages
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.