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PA Property Transfer Tax Calculator

Compare the tax consequences of different ways to transfer real estate in Pennsylvania.

Property & Transfer Details

What the property would sell for today
What the owner paid for it (or inherited value)
1% state + 1% local in most areas

Tax Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of 4 transfer methods for a property with basis, transferring to a .

Inherit at Death Gift / Deed Now Add to Deed Gift Within 1 Year of Death

Recipient's Tax Basis After Transfer

These numbers are estimates. The right transfer method depends on your full financial picture. Let's discuss your specific situation.

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Risks of Adding Someone to Your Deed

Adding a child or other person to your deed creates a present ownership interest in your property. Once they are on the deed, they are a co-owner — with all the rights and risks that entails:

  • Divorce: If the person you add gets divorced, their spouse may claim an interest in your property as a marital asset.
  • Death: If the person you add dies before you, their interest may pass to their heirs or estate — not back to you — depending on how the deed is titled.
  • Bankruptcy: If the person you add files for bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee can force a sale of the property to satisfy their debts.
  • Lawsuits & judgments: If the person you add is sued and a judgment is entered against them, a lien attaches to their interest in your property.
  • Disputes: Once someone is on the deed, you cannot sell, refinance, or take a home equity loan without their consent and signature. Family disagreements can make your own home unmarketable.
  • Medicaid: Adding someone to the deed within the 5-year Medicaid lookback period is treated as a disqualifying transfer, potentially making you ineligible for benefits when you need them.

Important Disclaimer — This Is an Illustration Only

This calculator is for general informational and illustrative purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, tax advice, or a recommendation to take any specific action.

The estimates shown are simplified approximations that do not account for your specific tax situation, property improvements, depreciation, deductions, credits, exemptions, municipal variations, or other factors that may significantly affect the actual tax consequences of a real estate transfer. Pennsylvania inheritance tax is governed by 72 P.S. § 9101 et seq. Transfer tax exemptions are governed by 72 P.S. § 8102-C.3. Federal capital gains rates and exemptions are subject to change.

Do not transfer, retitle, gift, or modify the ownership of real property based on the output of this calculator. Every transfer has legal, tax, Medicaid, and liability consequences that require professional analysis.

Consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney and a certified public accountant (CPA) before making any decisions about transferring real estate. Ament Law Group, P.C. offers free consultations to discuss your specific situation: (724) 733-3500.