Richmond City transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Richmond City, VA, transfer taxes come to $1,733 (0.433% of the price): Virginia state recordation tax (deed) ($0.25 per $100), Virginia grantor tax ($0.50 per $500) and Richmond City recordation tax ($0.0833 per $100), 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.
Independent city (not part of any county). APA FY2025 comparative report shows $0 recordation and will tax revenue for Richmond (likely reported in another line); levy not separately confirmed from the city code.
Richmond City transfer tax calculator
- State
- City
| 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 |
| Richmond City recordation taxCity | $0.0833 per $100 | Buyer | $333.33 |
| Total transfer tax (0.433% of the price) | $1,733.33 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Richmond City by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,083 | 0.433% | $250 | $833 |
| $400,000 | $1,733 | 0.433% | $400 | $1,333 |
| $600,000 | $2,600 | 0.433% | $600 | $2,000 |
| $800,000 | $3,467 | 0.433% | $800 | $2,667 |
| $1,000,000 | $4,333 | 0.433% | $1,000 | $3,333 |
| $1,500,000 | $6,500 | 0.433% | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| $2,500,000 | $10,833 | 0.433% | $2,500 | $8,333 |
| $5,000,000 | $21,667 | 0.433% | $5,000 | $16,667 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Richmond City?
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 Richmond City?
0.433% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Virginia state recordation tax (deed) ($0.25 per $100); Virginia grantor tax ($0.50 per $500); Richmond City recordation tax ($0.0833 per $100).
Who pays transfer tax in Richmond City?
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.. Richmond City recordation tax: Buyer — Customarily paid by the buyer (grantee), with the state recordation tax.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Richmond City?
$2,167 in total (seller $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 § 58.1-801 — 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.