Real Estate Transfer Tax

If you sell your house, or gift it, a real estate transfer tax, also called a Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) is due.

Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 4.20 Real Property Transfer Tax

Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) Refund Request Form

Posted: August 31st, 2018 3:44 PM

Last Updated: January 20th, 2021 7:52 PM

REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX

Pursuant to O.M.C. Chapter 4.20, all transfers of real property within the city limits of Oakland are subject to real property transfer tax. The tax is due upon sale or transfer of an interest of real property and is payable at the time of recordation with the Alameda County Recorder. Prior to January 2019, the tax rate was 1.50 percent of the total value of the consideration transferred, with some exceptions as provided in the municipal code. Effective January 2019, the tax rate is tiered based on the amount of transfer, with some exceptions as provided in the municipal code.

The seller and buyer are jointly and severally liable for payment of the tax as stated in O.M.C Chapter 4.20.

Amount of Transfer	Tax Rate	Low-Moderate Income First Time Homebuyer's Tax Rate After Applying 0.5% Discount
$300,000 or less	1.00%	0.50%
$300,001- $2,000,000	1.50%	1.00%
$2,000,001- $5,000,000	1.75%	n/a 1.75%
More than $5,000,000	2.50%	n/a 2.50%