Iowa transfer tax calculator
Iowa charges the real estate transfer tax at $1.60 per $1,000 ($0.80 per $500) on the amount over $500. On a $215,000 home, that comes to $343. By custom, the seller pays it.
Below is every Iowa transfer tax rate, state, county and city, and who pays it by custom. Rates checked 2026-09-29.
Free Iowa seller net sheet calculator
Change any number and the local costs update.
| Real estate commission (5%) | −$10,750 |
| First mortgage payoff | −$130,000 |
| Real estate transfer tax | −$343 |
| Release / satisfaction recording | −$12 |
| Title insurance and settlement | −$425 |
| Other closing fees | −$40 |
| Estimated net to seller | $73,430 |
How much is the transfer tax in Iowa?
On a $215,000 home, it is about $343 at statewide rates. The table lists the state rules, with who pays each one by custom.
| Tax | Level | Rate | Who pays by custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate transfer tax | State | $1.60 per $1,000 ($0.80 per $500) on the amount over $500 | Seller |
Who pays the transfer tax in Iowa?
By custom, the seller pays it. Real estate transfer tax: paid by the seller. The purchase contract can change who pays.
How does the Iowa transfer tax change with price?
It goes up with the price. On a $1,000,000 home, it is about $1,599 at statewide rates.
| Sale price | Seller pays | Buyer pays | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $215,000 typical home | $343.20 | $0 | $343.20 |
| $250,000 | $399.20 | $0 | $399.20 |
| $500,000 | $799.20 | $0 | $799.20 |
| $1,000,000 | $1,599.20 | $0 | $1,599.20 |
Are there transfer tax exemptions in Iowa?
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. 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.
Iowa transfer tax questions
How much is the transfer tax in Iowa?
Iowa charges the real estate transfer tax at $1.60 per $1,000 ($0.80 per $500) on the amount over $500. On a $215,000 home, that comes to $343. By custom, the seller pays it.
Who pays the transfer tax in Iowa?
Real estate transfer tax: paid by the seller. The purchase contract can change who pays.
How much is the transfer tax on a $500,000 home in Iowa?
About $799 at statewide rates.
Does the buyer pay transfer tax in Iowa?
Not by custom. The seller usually pays the Iowa 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 real estate transfer tax on a seller net sheet.
Free to use. No account needed to try it.