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Vermont · 32 V.S.A. §9602Vermont property transfer tax: 1.25%, with a lower rate for a primary home

Vermont taxes a transfer by deed at 1.25% of the value (32 V.S.A. §9602). For the buyer's principal residence the first $200,000 is taxed at 0.5% and the rest at 1.25%; a year-round home that will be neither the buyer's principal residence nor rented under a landlord certificate is taxed at 3.4%. A clean water surcharge of 0.22% is added, except on the first $200,000 of a principal residence (§9602a). On a $400,000 primary home that is $3,500 tax plus $440 surcharge – $3,940. The tax is due within 30 days after the transfer (§9605).

Rate, who pays and an example

  1. Standard rate

    1.25% of the value transferred, at least $1 (§9602).

  2. Principal residence

    0.5% on the first $200,000, 1.25% above (§9602(1)).

  3. Not a principal residence or rental

    3.4% for a year-round home without a landlord certificate (§9602(4)).

  4. Clean water surcharge

    0.22% of value; the first $200,000 of a principal residence is exempt (§9602a).

  5. Example

    $400,000 primary home → $1,000 + $2,500 + $440 = $3,940. As a second home → $13,600 + $880 = $14,480.

Good to know

  • A property transfer return goes to the town clerk with the deed (§9606); the tax is paid within 30 days after transfer (§9605).
  • Transfers between spouses, parent and child or grandparent and grandchild without consideration are exempt (§9603(5)).
  • Buyers with a qualifying homeland grant or VHFA/USDA purchase mortgage pay no tax on the first $250,000 (§9602(1)).

What the TC checks

  • The tax line on the closing statement against the statutory rate.
  • Who pays it – the statute, the contract or local custom.
  • The value or consideration stated on the deed or declaration.

Questions about this tax

What is the Vermont property transfer tax rate?

1.25% of value; 0.5% on the first $200,000 of the buyer's principal residence; 3.4% on a year-round home that is neither a principal residence nor rented.

How much is the tax on a $400,000 primary home in Vermont?

$3,500 transfer tax plus $440 clean water surcharge – $3,940.

When is Vermont transfer tax due?

Within 30 days after the transfer of title (32 V.S.A. §9605).

Related guides

Add the transfer tax check to the closing statement review as a task with an owner and due date in ClosingCode.

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Source: 32 V.S.A. §§9602, 9602a, 9603, 9605 and 9606, as amended through 2026 (legislature.vermont.gov, read October 25, 2026).

General information, not legal or tax advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage.