Transfer tax in Richmond, California: local rates and cost

In short

Richmond charges 2 local taxes on a home sale: Richmond documentary stamp tax, County documentary transfer tax. California has no state transfer tax. On the median owner-occupied home ($663,900), local taxes come to $5,378, or 0.81% of the price.

Median value: $663,900 median value of owner-occupied homes, Richmond city, California (Census ACS 2024 1-year, table B25077). It is an owner estimate, not a sale price.

What you pay at different prices

Before exemptions and credits (first-time buyers, transfers between relatives…), which are listed below when the source gives them. The tax due on your deed is the one the recorder computes.

The rates, tax by tax

Richmond documentary stamp tax (RMC Ch. 13.40)

Per $1,000 or fraction: <$1M: $7.00 (0.7%); $1M-$3M: $12.50 (1.25%); >$3M-$10M: $25.00 (2.5%); >$10M: $30.00 (3%). Encoded as applying to the whole price (see notes).

In force: Ord. No. 31-18 N.S., §1, 11-6-2018 (Measure H, Nov. 2018).. Source: Richmond Municipal Code §13.40.020 — Imposition of tax (Municode).

County documentary transfer tax

$0.55 per $500 of consideration or fraction thereof (= $1.10 per $1,000, 0.11%) when consideration exceeds $100; value is net of liens/encumbrances remaining on the property (assumed loans excluded).

Exemptions: Statutory exemptions in R&T Code §§11921-11930 (e.g. security for debt, gifts, certain trust transfers, divorce transfers, changes in method of holding title).

In force: Statute in force; rate unchanged.. Source: California Legislative Information — Revenue and Taxation Code §11911.

Questions

How much local transfer tax do you pay on a median home in Richmond?

$5,378 on $663,900, the median value of owner-occupied homes (Census ACS). Payotte computes it from the rates published by the official sources cited on the page.

Is the local tax on top of the California tax?

Yes. The local taxes listed here are added to the California state transfer tax.