Hawaii transfer tax calculator
Hawaii charges the conveyance tax (buyer qualifies for homeowner exemption) at $0.10 to $1.00 per $100 by bracket (whole price). On a $900,000 home, that comes to $1,800. By custom, the seller pays it.
Below is every Hawaii transfer tax rate, state, county and city, and who pays it by custom. Rates checked 2026-09-29.
Free Hawaii seller net sheet calculator
Change any number and the local costs update.
| Real estate commission (5%) | −$45,000 |
| First mortgage payoff | −$540,000 |
| Conveyance tax (buyer qualifies for homeowner exemption) | −$1,800 |
| Release / satisfaction recording | −$41 |
| Title insurance and settlement | −$2,950 |
| Other closing fees | −$50 |
| Estimated net to seller | $310,159 |
How much is the transfer tax in Hawaii?
On a $900,000 home, it is about $1,800 at statewide rates. The table lists the state rules, with who pays each one by custom.
| Tax | Level | Rate | Who pays by custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conveyance tax (buyer qualifies for homeowner exemption)Applies: primary residence | State | $0.10 to $1.00 per $100 by bracket (whole price) | Seller |
| Conveyance tax (no homeowner exemption)Applies: single family, condo, townhome; secondary, investment residenceHRS 247-2: higher schedule applies to condominiums and single-family residences where the buyer is ineligible for a county homeowner exemption. | State | $0.15 to $1.25 per $100 by bracket (whole price) | Seller |
| Conveyance tax (other property)Applies: multi family, commercial, land, coop; secondary, investment residenceHRS 247-2: property other than a condo or single-family residence uses the lower schedule. | State | $0.10 to $1.00 per $100 by bracket (whole price) | Seller |
Who pays the transfer tax in Hawaii?
By custom, the seller pays it. Conveyance tax (buyer qualifies for homeowner exemption): paid by the seller. The purchase contract can change who pays.
How does the Hawaii transfer tax change with price?
It goes up with the price. On a $1,000,000 home, it is about $3,000 at statewide rates.
| Sale price | Seller pays | Buyer pays | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $250 | $0 | $250 |
| $500,000 | $500 | $0 | $500 |
| $900,000 typical home | $1,800 | $0 | $1,800 |
| $1,000,000 | $3,000 | $0 | $3,000 |
Are there transfer tax exemptions in Hawaii?
Often, yes. Transfers between spouses, to a living trust, and by gift or inheritance are often exempt or taxed less. So are some first-time buyer and low-price sales. In Hawaii, the special rules in the table above apply only in the cases they name. The calculator covers an ordinary home sale. Check an exemption with the title company or the county recorder before you count on it.
Sources
Checked 2026-09-29. These are estimates, not tax advice. The title or escrow company confirms the final figures.
Hawaii transfer tax questions
How much is the transfer tax in Hawaii?
Hawaii charges the conveyance tax (buyer qualifies for homeowner exemption) at $0.10 to $1.00 per $100 by bracket (whole price). On a $900,000 home, that comes to $1,800. By custom, the seller pays it.
Who pays the transfer tax in Hawaii?
Conveyance tax (buyer qualifies for homeowner exemption): paid by the seller. The purchase contract can change who pays.
How much is the transfer tax on a $500,000 home in Hawaii?
About $500 at statewide rates.
Does the buyer pay transfer tax in Hawaii?
Not by custom. The seller usually pays the Hawaii transfer tax.
Is the transfer tax deductible?
Not as a tax. For a seller, the transfer tax is a selling expense that lowers the gain on the sale. A buyer who pays it adds it to the home's cost basis (IRS Publications 523 and 551). Ask a tax adviser about your sale.
When is the transfer tax paid?
At closing. The title or escrow company collects it from the side that owes it. It pays the tax when the deed is recorded.
Put the conveyance tax on a seller net sheet.
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