Recording Fees and Taxes | Maryland Courts (2024)

NOTICE: Please note that Chapter 538 from the 2020 Session of the Maryland General Assembly provides that the current $40 surcharge on recordable instruments recorded among the land records and financing statement records will continue on and after July 1, 2020. For more information, see page 15 through 16 here.

Costs, Fees & Charges

Payment in advance - no refunds - except as expressly otherwise provided in the schedule, or by statute or rule, the prescribed costs, fees, or charges shall be collected by this office before we record the instrument, perform the service, or deliver the document for which the costs, fee, or charge is to be collected. A cost, fee, or charge is not refundable.

Recording & License Division

Advance Recording
Land Records, Financing Statements

Pursuant to Chapter 642 (HB 1179), the following fee schedule for recording financing & land instruments are as follows:

  • $10.00 For a release nine (9) pages or less in length;
  • $20.00 For a termination of a financing statement nine (9) pages or less in length;
  • $20.00 For any other instrument nine (9) pages or less in length or it involves SOLELY a principal residence;
  • $75.00 For any other instrument ten (10) pages or more in length.

Surcharges

  • $40.00 For all recordable instruments in land except:
  • Power of attorney, notice of sale, plats, financing statements to be recorded in financing only.

Recordation & Transfer Taxes

Recordation Taxes

In the case of instruments conveying title to property, the recordation tax shall be at the rate of $4.10 per $500.00 rounded, of the actual consideration paid or to be paid, in the case of instruments securing a debt, the tax shall be on the amount of the debt secured. These fees are to be paid at the Cecil County Department of Finance. Many questions, including viewing or paying property taxes and/or sewer bills on-line, can be answered by The Cecil County Department of Finance website.

Transfer Taxes

Transfer tax is at the rate of .5 percent of the actual consideration, unless they are a first-time Maryland home buyer purchasing a principal place of residence, in that case the transfer tax rate is .25 percent of the actual consideration. To qualify for this exemption, each grantee must provide a statement under oath signed by the grantee or grantees stating that the grantee or grantees is a first-time Maryland home buyer who will occupy the residence as a principal residence or is a co-maker or guarantor of the purchase money mortgage/deed of trust who will not occupy the residence as a principal residence.

If you are claiming an exemption to taxes, you must cite the specific exemption code on your document. If the document is missing the code, full taxes will be charged.

Federal Tax Liens, Releases or Waivers

  • $3.00
Plats - Subdivisions
  • Minor Subdivisions - $20.00 (per set – which is 3 copies of each page)
  • Major Subdivisions - $5.00 (per set – which is 3 copies of each page)
Request for Notice of Sale (Foreclosure)
  • $15.00

On all instruments, please type or print on the front of the last page to be recorded the name and address of whomthe instrument is to be returned to.

Refinances

According to Maryland Law under real property Article TP 12-108 (G)(3) provides as follows:

To qualify for an exemption under paragraph (2) of this section an original mortgagor shall include a statement in the recital or in the acknowledgment of the mortgage or deed of trust, an affidavit under oath, signed by the original mortgagor, stating:

  1. That the individual is the original mortgagor,
  2. That the mortgaged property is the principal residence of the original mortgagor, and
  3. The amount of unpaid principal of the original mortgage or deed of trust that is being refinanced.

This means that the original mortgagor only has to pay on the difference of the principal payoff and the new mortgage.

EXAMPLE: Original mortgage was for $100,000.00 and the principle payoff is now $79,000.00. The new mortgage is for $150,000.00

$150,000.00 - $79,000.00 leaves a difference of $71,000.00.

Therefore, the taxed amount on the refinance is on $71,000.00

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL OUR LAND RECORDS OFFICE AT 410-996-5375.

Recording Fees and Taxes | Maryland Courts (2024)

FAQs

How much is recordation and transfer taxes in Maryland? ›

Recordation & Transfer Taxes

In the case of instruments conveying title to property, the recordation tax shall be at the rate of $4.10 per $500.00 rounded, of the actual consideration paid or to be paid, in the case of instruments securing a debt, the tax shall be on the amount of the debt secured.

Who pays recording fees in South Carolina? ›

In the state of South Carolina, a deed recording fee is required when a property changes ownership. This is charged by the state for entering the transfer ownership change into public records. It is customary for the seller of the property to pay all real estate transfer taxes in South Carolina.

Who usually pays the recordation tax in Maryland? ›

Normally a Maryland contract provides who is responsible for the payment of transfer and recordation taxes. If the contract is silent, Maryland law states the presumption is that the buyer and seller shall split the taxes provided the buyer does not qualify as a First Time Maryland Homebuyer.

How much is the recordation fee in Maryland? ›

The tax is applied to instruments that transfer an interest in real property (deed, lease, easem*nt, contract, etc.). The tax is one half of 1 % (0.5%) of the consideration, except for deeds to a first time MARYLAND home buyer, in which case the tax is one fourth of 1 % (0.25%).

How is recordation tax calculated in Maryland? ›

Recordation tax stamps are paid on the difference between the outstanding principal balance the existing loan and the principal balance of the new loan. For example, if the current loan balance is $200,000 and the new loan is $300,000, the State Revenue Stamps would be paid on $100,000 ($300,000 - $200,000 = $100,000).

What is recordation and local transfer tax? ›

Transfer tax is a charge levied on the transfer of a property's title, while recordation tax is defined as a charge levied for registering the purchase or sale of property in the public domain.

How much is the recording fee in South Carolina? ›

The deed recording fee is one dollar and eighty-five cents for each five hundred dollars, or fractional part of five hundred dollars, of the realty's “value” as determined by S.C. Code § 2-24-30.

Who is likely to be charged recording fees in a typical transaction? ›

In most cases, the buyer will pay the recording fee. However, it is possible for the seller to cover the recording fees for the transaction.

Can I sue someone for recording me without my permission in South Carolina? ›

Illegal recording is punishable by imprisonment and can also be the basis for civil damages. South Carolina law provides that it is a felony to record an in-person or telephone conversation without the consent of at least one party. Illegal recording can also give rise to civil liability.

Are transfer taxes split in MD? ›

-The buyer is exempt from the state transfer tax if they are a first-time homebuyer in the state of Maryland. It is typical to split all the transfer taxes 50/50 between buyer and seller. The buyer's half of the state transfer tax is waived if a 'first time buyer'.

What is required to be recorded in Maryland? ›

Maryland law requires all deeds to include the names of the grantor (the seller) and grantee (the buyer), a description of the property, and the interest that you intend to convey. All deeds must be recorded with the Department of Land Records in the county where the property is located.

Who has to pay Maryland taxes? ›

Generally, you are required to file a Maryland income tax return if: You are or were a Maryland resident; You are required to file a federal income tax return; and.

Who pays for state transfer and country recordation fees in Maryland? ›

In Maryland, you are responsible for the state and county transfer taxes, as well as the county recordation tax. It is customary for the seller and the buyer to split the total transfer and recordation tax amount equally (if no exemptions apply). The Maryland state transfer tax rate is 0.5%.

How much are recording fees in Baltimore MD? ›

Baltimore County Transfer Tax Rate—1.5 percent of consideration. State Recordation—$2.50 each $500 (or fraction thereof) of the consideration noted or for an instrument of writing securing a debt or the principal amount of the debt secured.

Are finders fees legal in Maryland? ›

Maryland law allows mortgage brokers to charge a finder's fee up to 8 percent of the amount of the loan, and allows brokers also to charge borrowers for appraisals, credit reports and other goods or services required to complete a loan application.

Who pays recordation tax in Montgomery County MD? ›

This tax is imposed at . 5% of the purchase price and customarily split 50/50 between buyer and seller. Thus, typically, the buyer pays . 25% and the seller pays .

What percentage does Maryland take out for taxes? ›

For tax year 2021, Maryland's personal tax rates begin at 2% on the first $1000 of taxable income and increase up to a maximum of 5.75% on incomes exceeding $250,000 (or $300,000 for taxpayers filing jointly, heads of household, or qualifying widow(ers).

How much is recordation tax in Baltimore City? ›

The City transfer tax is 1.5% multiplied by the amount of consideration. The State transfer tax is 0.5% multiplied by the amount of the consideration. Together the total transfer tax on the property is 2% multiplied by the amount of the consideration paid for the property.

What are the three types of transfer taxes? ›

Transfer taxes are different from and in addition to income taxes. There are three types of transfer taxes. They are: gift taxes, estate taxes and generation-skipping-transfer taxes.

Who pays transfer tax in or? ›

The payment of the transfer tax can be negotiated between the Buyer and the Seller. Normally, in Southern California, the Seller pays. In Northern California, the Buyer pays.

Who pays state and local transfer taxes? ›

Depending on the location of the property, the transfer tax can be paid either by the buyer or seller. The two parties must determine which side will cover the cost of the transfer tax as part of the negotiation around the sale.

How much are recording fees in Miami? ›

The recording fee for most documents is $10 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page. The recording fee for a Lis Pendens is $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page. Copies are $1 per page plus $2 for the certification of the document.

How much are recording fees in Florida? ›

Recording Fee Calculator
Recording FeesAmount
Intangible Tax on Mortgages (on actual amount)$2.00 per $1,000.00
Copies of instruments (8 1/2 x 14 or smaller)$1.00 per page
Copies of instruments (larger than 8 1/2 x 14)$5.00 per page
Certification of document$2.00
11 more rows

How much are recording fees in NC? ›

Recording and Document Fees
Document TypeFee Details
Deeds of Trust and Mortgages$64 first 35 pages $4 each additional page
Amendment to Deed of Trust$26 first 15 pages $4 each additional page
All other Documents / Instruments / Assumed Name (DBA)$26 first 15 pages $4 each additional page
3 more rows

What are typical transaction fees? ›

A per-transaction fee is an expense a business must pay each time it processes an electronic payment for a customer transaction. Per-transaction fees vary across service providers, typically costing merchants from 0.5% to 5% of the transaction amount plus certain fixed fees.

Who gets charged the transaction fee? ›

When a customer pays for something using a credit card, the business is charged a transaction fee. It's a somewhat complex process, and several parties make money on each transaction the business processes. Understood simply, the business taking the payment has to pay two sets of fees.

How much do transaction fees usually costs? ›

Key Takeaways

Per-transaction fees are an expense that businesses pay for processing electronic transactions for customers. These fees usually cost 1.5% to 4% of the payment amount, with an additional flat fee in some cases.

Do you have to tell someone you are recording them in SC? ›

South Carolina is classified as a one-party consent state, meaning that it is a criminal offense to use a device to share or record wire, oral, or electronic communications without the consent of at least one participant.

Can I record my boss at work in SC? ›

An individual who is a party to an in-person, telephone, or electronic conversation, or who has the consent of one of the parties to the conversation, can lawfully record it. S.C. Code § 17-30-30.

In what states is it illegal to record a conversation? ›

Eleven states require two-party consent, however. In other words, everyone involved in a conversation must agree to be recorded. Those states are California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington. (Don't let the phrase “two-party” throw you.

How much can you gift tax free in MD? ›

Maryland does not have a gift tax. The federal gift tax exemption is $16,000 in 2022 and $17,000 in 2023. A gift to one person worth more than that in a single year counts against your lifetime exemption of $12.92 million.

Are transfer taxes local taxes? ›

A transfer tax is charged by a state or local government to complete a sale of property from one owner to another. The tax is typically based on the value of the property. A federal or state inheritance tax or estate tax may be considered a type of transfer tax.

Are Maryland transfer taxes deductible? ›

Unlike most state and local taxes, transfer taxes are not deductible from federal income taxes.

Can you record someone in Maryland without consent? ›

Under Maryland's Wiretap Act, it is unlawful to record any private in-person conversation or any telephone or electronic communication unless you are a party to the conversation and have the permission of all the other parties. Additionally, recording with criminal or tortious purpose is illegal, regardless of consent.

Can my neighbor record me on my property in Maryland? ›

However, it is illegal to use hidden surveillance cameras in places where people expect privacy—these places include bathrooms or dressing rooms. Deliberately using video to record people in their respective private residences or in a private place without their consent is considered unlawful in the state of Maryland.

Can you sue for someone recording you in Maryland? ›

In Maryland, the Wiretap Act makes it illegal to record someone without their knowledge. As such, a person has legal grounds to sue someone who records them without permission. However, anyone who wishes to go forward with a lawsuit will need to have proof that another person recorded them without their knowledge.

At what age do you stop paying property taxes in Maryland? ›

Be at least 65 years of age.

Who is tax exempt in Maryland? ›

Only churches, religious organizations and government agencies may use an exemption certificate to purchase items for resale without paying sales and use tax. All other organizations must issue a resale certificate, with their Maryland sales and use tax license number, to purchase items tax-free for resale.

Who is exempt from Maryland estate tax? ›

Property passing to a child or other lineal descendant, spouse of a child or other lineal descendant, spouse, parent, grandparent, stepchild or stepparent, siblings or a corporation having only certain of these persons as stockholders is exempt from taxation. 10% on property passing to other individuals.

What are DC recordation fees? ›

1.1 % of consideration or fair market value for residential property transfers less than $400,000 and 1.45% of consideration or fair market value on the entire amount, if transfer is greater than $400,000.

What is the recordation tax in Charles County Maryland? ›

The recordation tax rate in Charles County is $5 for each $500 or fraction of $500 of consideration payable or of the principal amount of the debt secured for an instrument of writing.

What is Montgomery County recordation fee? ›

MONTGOMERY COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS
Document TypeBase Fee Up to 4 names, 4 pages, 1 parcel
Multiple Documents$5.00
Incomplete Check
Single Document$1.00
Multiple Documents$5.00
62 more rows

Who pays the recordation and transfer taxes in Maryland? ›

In Maryland, you are responsible for the state and county transfer taxes, as well as the county recordation tax. It is customary for the seller and the buyer to split the total transfer and recordation tax amount equally (if no exemptions apply).

How much are transfer and recordation taxes in Maryland? ›

Transfer Taxes

5 percent of the actual consideration, unless they are a first-time Maryland home buyer purchasing a principal place of residence, in that case the transfer tax rate is . 25 percent of the actual consideration.

How much are recordation fees in Maryland? ›

Before recording an instrument among the land or financing records, a clerk shall collect: $10.00 for a release nine (9) pages or less in length [this does not apply to a termination of a financing statement] $20.00 for any other instrument nine (9) pages or less in length.

What is a fair percentage for a finders fee? ›

What Is a Typical Finder's Fee? A finder's fee need not be excessive – the most common structure is between 5-15% of the deal value (agreed upon by both parties ahead of time).

What is the maximum finders fee? ›

Gen. 71). Custom and practice in California real estate is that a referral fee to a non-licensee with California's Bureau of Real Estate is no more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) per completed transaction.

What is an example of a finders fee? ›

An example of a finder's fee is a mortgage company looking to sell its old computer system. If someone connects the company with a potential buyer for the computers, that person could receive a finder's fee.

What is Baltimore County transfer and recordation tax rate? ›

Baltimore County Transfer Tax Rate—1.5 percent of consideration. State Recordation—$2.50 each $500 (or fraction thereof) of the consideration noted or for an instrument of writing securing a debt or the principal amount of the debt secured.

What is transfer and recordation tax in Baltimore City? ›

The City transfer tax is 1.5% multiplied by the amount of consideration. The State transfer tax is 0.5% multiplied by the amount of the consideration. Together the total transfer tax on the property is 2% multiplied by the amount of the consideration paid for the property.

What is the recordation tax in Harford County Maryland? ›

Recordation taxes are assessed at the rate of $6.60 per $1,000 value of recorded instruments filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Harford County.

How long does it take to record a deed in Maryland? ›

Approximately one month after your settlement date, you should have received your original recorded deed.

Who pays transfer tax in Baltimore? ›

In Maryland, you are responsible for the state and county transfer taxes, as well as the county recordation tax. It is customary for the seller and the buyer to split the total transfer and recordation tax amount equally (if no exemptions apply).

What is the transfer tax exemption in Baltimore City? ›

anytime a transfer is exempt from Transfer Tax; The reason must be clearly stated in the deed and on the intake sheet. In addition, most zero consideration deeds will require a “No Consideration” affidavit. Please call 410-396-5122 to obtain more details.

What is DC recordation tax for residential? ›

Deed Recordation

DC Code Citation: Title 42, Chapter 11. 1.45% of consideration or fair market value on the entire amount, if transfer is $400,000 or greater.

How much is recordation tax in Virginia? ›

In Virginia, transfer taxes are $3.50 per $1,000 of home sale price. This is usually split as $1 per $1,000 for the seller and $2.50 per $1,000 for the buyer. On a $300,000 home, that comes out to $1,050 total — $300 for the seller and $750 for the buyer.

What is the recordation tax in Washington County Maryland? ›

Washington County Recordation Tax is $3.80 per $500.00 or fractional part of the consideration.

What is recordation tax in Maryland Montgomery county? ›

All Services » Department of Finance

County Transfer Tax is typically computed at 1% of the selling price of a property. Recordation tax is $8.90 per thousand rounded up to the next increment of $500 up to $500,000. (Over $500,000 it is computed at 1.35%).

Can I sue someone for recording me without my permission in Maryland? ›

In Maryland, the Wiretap Act makes it illegal to record someone without their knowledge. As such, a person has legal grounds to sue someone who records them without permission. However, anyone who wishes to go forward with a lawsuit will need to have proof that another person recorded them without their knowledge.

What 2 documents do you provide to prove you are a Maryland resident? ›

Two (2) proofs of Maryland residency

Examples: Insurance Card, Vehicle Registration, Credit Card Bill, Utility Bill, Bank Statement, or Mail from a Federal, State, or Local government agency. (Which display your name, Maryland residential address and are from two (2) separate organizations.)

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Allyn Kozey

Last Updated:

Views: 5730

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Allyn Kozey

Birthday: 1993-12-21

Address: Suite 454 40343 Larson Union, Port Melia, TX 16164

Phone: +2456904400762

Job: Investor Administrator

Hobby: Sketching, Puzzles, Pet, Mountaineering, Skydiving, Dowsing, Sports

Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.