Falls Church transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Falls Church, VA, transfer taxes come to $2,533 (0.633% of the price): Virginia state recordation tax (deed) ($0.25 per $100), Virginia grantor tax ($0.50 per $500), Falls Church recordation tax ($0.0833 per $100), Northern Virginia regional WMATA capital fee ($0.10 per $100) and Northern Virginia regional congestion relief fee ($0.10 per $100), split between buyer and seller as shown below.
Independent city (not part of any county). Northern Virginia: sellers pay two regional fees on top of the state grantor tax (total $0.20 per $100).
Falls Church transfer tax calculator
- State
- City
- Special
| 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 |
| Falls Church recordation taxCity | $0.0833 per $100 | Buyer | $333.33 |
| Northern Virginia regional WMATA capital feeSpecial | $0.10 per $100 | Seller | $400.00 |
| Northern Virginia regional congestion relief feeSpecial | $0.10 per $100 | Seller | $400.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.633% of the price) | $2,533.33 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Falls Church by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,583 | 0.633% | $750 | $833 |
| $400,000 | $2,533 | 0.633% | $1,200 | $1,333 |
| $600,000 | $3,800 | 0.633% | $1,800 | $2,000 |
| $800,000 | $5,067 | 0.633% | $2,400 | $2,667 |
| $1,000,000 | $6,333 | 0.633% | $3,000 | $3,333 |
| $1,500,000 | $9,500 | 0.633% | $4,500 | $5,000 |
| $2,500,000 | $15,833 | 0.633% | $7,500 | $8,333 |
| $5,000,000 | $31,667 | 0.633% | $15,000 | $16,667 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Falls Church?
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 Virginia
- 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
Local exemptions can differ; see Virginia transfer tax.
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Falls Church?
0.633% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Virginia state recordation tax (deed) ($0.25 per $100); Virginia grantor tax ($0.50 per $500); Falls Church recordation tax ($0.0833 per $100); Northern Virginia regional WMATA capital fee ($0.10 per $100); Northern Virginia regional congestion relief fee ($0.10 per $100).
Who pays transfer tax in Falls Church?
Virginia state recordation tax (deed): Buyer — Customarily paid by the buyer (grantee).. Virginia grantor tax: Seller — Paid by the grantor by statute; parties may agree the grantee pays.. Falls Church recordation tax: Buyer — Customarily paid by the buyer (grantee), with the state recordation tax.. Northern Virginia regional WMATA capital fee: Seller — Paid by the grantor by statute; the parties may agree the buyer pays.. Northern Virginia regional congestion relief fee: Seller — Paid by the grantor by statute; the parties may agree the buyer pays.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Falls Church?
$3,167 in total (seller $1,500, buyer $1,667).
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.
Sources
- Va. Code § 58.1-814 — City or county recordation tax (one-third of state tax)
- Va. Code § 58.1-801 — State recordation tax $0.25 per $100
- Va. Code § 58.1-3800 et seq. — Local recordation taxes (collected by the circuit court clerk)
- Auditor of Public Accounts — Comparative Report FY2025, Exhibit B2 (recordation and will taxes by locality)
- Va. Code § 58.1-802.3 — Regional WMATA capital fee ($0.10 per $100, NVTA members)
- Va. Code § 58.1-802.4 — Regional congestion relief fee ($0.10 per $100, Planning District 8)
- Fairfax Circuit Court — Land records recordation taxes and fees
- Prince William Circuit Court — Land records fees
- Va. Code § 58.1-801 — State recordation tax on deeds
- Va. Code § 58.1-802 — Grantor tax
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.