US Home Sales Tax

Taxes when buying a house in District of Columbia

A buyer in Washington, D.C. pays a deed recordation tax of 1.1% when the price is under $400,000 and 1.45% of the whole price at $400,000 or more. The seller pays a separate transfer tax at the same rates.

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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 buyDistrict of Columbia ยท Rates verified November 2026
Pay to the order ofState and county tax offices$5,800

Five thousand eight hundred and 00/100 dollars

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

Taxes the buyer pays
Deed recordation tax1.1% under $400,000, 1.45% at $400,000 or more$5,800
Total buyer taxes$5,800

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

What a District of Columbia home buyer is taxed on

Buyer's taxes
Deed recordation tax: 1.1% under $400,000, 1.45% at $400,000 or more, charged on the purchase price.
Transfer tax
The seller pays the transfer tax. The buyer pays a separate recordation tax at the same rates.
Sales tax
None. A home is real estate, and sales tax does not apply to it.
Official source
D.C. Code 42-1103
Last verified

District of Columbia buyer taxes at common prices

Purchase priceLoan with 20% downBuyer's taxes
$150,000$120,000$1,650
$250,000$200,000$2,750
$400,000$320,000$5,800
$600,000$480,000$8,700
$1,000,000$800,000$14,500

Questions District of Columbia buyers ask

Do buyers pay transfer tax in District of Columbia?

The seller pays the transfer tax. The buyer pays a separate recordation tax at the same rates.

Is there a mortgage tax in District of Columbia?

Not on an ordinary purchase. The deed of trust that secures the purchase loan is exempt when it is recorded within 30 days of the deed.

Is there sales tax when you buy a house in District of Columbia?

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 District of Columbia buyer does pay are listed on this page.

How much tax does a buyer pay at closing in District of Columbia?

On a $400,000 home bought with 20% down, a District of Columbia buyer pays about $5,800 in state and local taxes: $5,800 in deed recordation tax. Lender fees, title insurance and prepaid property tax come on top.

Selling in District of Columbia? Use the District of Columbia transfer tax calculator.

Buyer taxes in other states