US Home Sales Tax

Taxes when buying a house in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania buyer usually pays half of the realty transfer tax: 1% of the price in most of the state, about 2.3% in Philadelphia and 2.5% in Pittsburgh.

$
%

Loan amount: $320,000. Some states tax the mortgage, so the loan size changes the result there. Paying cash? Enter 100.

Estimated taxes when you buyPennsylvania ยท Rates verified November 2026
Pay to the order ofState and county tax offices$4,000

Four thousand and 00/100 dollars

On a $400,000 purchase with a $320,000 loan

Taxes the buyer pays
Transfer tax, buyer's share2% in most places (1% state plus 1% local)$4,000
Total buyer taxes$4,000

Taxes only. Lender fees, title insurance, flat recording fees and prepaid property tax are separate closing costs.

What a Pennsylvania home buyer is taxed on

Buyer's taxes
Transfer tax: 2% in most places (1% state plus 1% local). Buyer and seller usually split it evenly, 1% each in most of the state. Both are legally liable for the full amount.
Transfer tax
Buyer and seller usually split it evenly, 1% each in most of the state. Both are legally liable for the full amount.
Sales tax
None. A home is real estate, and sales tax does not apply to it.
Official source
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
Last verified

Pennsylvania buyer taxes at common prices

Purchase priceLoan with 20% downBuyer's taxes
$150,000$120,000$1,500
$250,000$200,000$2,500
$400,000$320,000$4,000
$600,000$480,000$6,000
$1,000,000$800,000$10,000

At the "Most of Pennsylvania (2% total)" rate. Other locations are in the next table.

Buyer taxes by location in Pennsylvania

LocationBuyer's taxes on a $400,000 home
Most of Pennsylvania (2% total)$4,000
Philadelphia (4.578% total)$9,156
Pittsburgh (5% total)$10,000

Questions Pennsylvania buyers ask

Do buyers pay transfer tax in Pennsylvania?

Buyer and seller usually split it evenly, 1% each in most of the state. Both are legally liable for the full amount.

Is there a mortgage tax in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania does not tax the recording of a mortgage. The county charges only a flat fee to record it.

Is there sales tax when you buy a house in Pennsylvania?

No. Sales tax applies to goods and some services, and a house is real estate, which no state taxes that way. The one-time taxes a Pennsylvania buyer does pay are listed on this page.

How much tax does a buyer pay at closing in Pennsylvania?

On a $400,000 home bought with 20% down, a Pennsylvania buyer pays about $4,000 in state and local taxes: $4,000 in transfer tax, buyer's share. Lender fees, title insurance and prepaid property tax come on top.

Selling in Pennsylvania? Use the Pennsylvania transfer tax calculator.

Buyer taxes in other states