How much is the real estate transfer tax in Iowa?

Iowa charges a real-estate transfer (deed/conveyance) tax of 0.160% of the sale price. That is about $1.60 of tax per $1,000 of value, so a $400,000.00 home would owe roughly $640.00.

Who pays the transfer tax in Iowa?

By custom the seller (grantor) pays the Iowa transfer tax, settled at closing, though the contract can assign it differently.

How is the Iowa transfer tax calculated?

It is a flat 0.160% of the consideration. Multiply the sale price by 0.0016: for example $400,000.00 x 0.0016 = $640.00.

Does the transfer tax reduce my proceeds in Iowa?

Yes, if you are the seller paying it. On a $400,000.00 sale the $640.00 transfer tax leaves about $399,360.00 before other closing costs, commissions, and your mortgage payoff.

Is this Iowa figure exact?

It is a close estimate. The 0.160% statewide rate is accurate, but county or municipal add-on transfer taxes, exemptions, and recording fees can change the exact amount. Confirm with the Iowa county recorder / Department of Revenue or your closing agent.

Iowa Real Estate Transfer Tax Calculator

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The Iowa Real Estate Transfer Tax Calculator estimates the real-estate transfer tax (also called a deed or conveyance tax) owed when property changes hands in Iowa. The state charges 0.160% of the sale price. By custom the seller (grantor) pays it at closing.

How it works

The transfer tax is a flat percentage of the sale price (the consideration):

transferTax = salePrice x 0.0016   (0.160%)
net         = salePrice - transferTax

At 0.160%, every $1,000 of sale price carries about $1.60 of transfer tax. The tool also shows the tax as a percentage of price and your net proceeds after the tax is deducted.

Example

Sell a home for $400,000.00 in Iowa:

transferTax = $400,000.00 x 0.0016 = $640.00
net         = $400,000.00 - $640.00 = $399,360.00

So the Iowa transfer tax is about $640.00, leaving roughly $399,360.00 before commissions, other closing costs, and any mortgage payoff.

Notes

This is an estimate only and not tax or financial advice. The 0.160% rate is the statewide base; county or municipal add-on transfer taxes, exemptions (gifts, spousal, government transfers), and recording fees can change the exact figure. Confirm with the Iowa county recorder / Department of Revenue or your closing agent. All math runs in your browser — nothing is sent anywhere.