Philadelphia imposes the highest real estate transfer tax of any city in Pennsylvania. Unlike most PA municipalities where the tax is split between buyer and seller, Philadelphia's city portion is paid entirely by the buyer — making it a significant closing cost item that buyers must plan for.
Philadelphia's city transfer tax rate is set by City Council and adjusted periodically — always verify the current rate at the Philadelphia Revenue Department before closing.
The PA state 1% is technically split 50/50, but the city 3.278%+ is entirely on the buyer — buyers shoulder the vast majority of transfer taxes in Philadelphia.
No school district transfer tax in Philadelphia (the city IS the school district), unlike most PA municipalities which have a three-layer system (state + municipality + school district).
Transfers between family members (parent-child, siblings) may qualify for reduced tax. First-time homebuyers do NOT get a Philadelphia city tax exemption (unlike some other PA municipalities).
The city portion (3.278%) is paid entirely by the buyer. The Pennsylvania state portion (1.0%) is split evenly: 0.5% buyer and 0.5% seller. In practice, buyers pay roughly 87% of the total combined tax.
The state rate (1%) is fixed by Pennsylvania law. The city rate is set by Philadelphia City Council and is subject to change. It was 3.278% effective July 1, 2025. Always confirm the current rate on the Philadelphia Department of Revenue website before closing.
Both are significantly higher than other PA cities. Philadelphia: 4.278% combined (mostly buyer). Pittsburgh: 5% combined (1% state + 3% city + 1% school district), split more evenly.
Enter any address — we apply all applicable tax layers automatically.
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