What is the Vermont property transfer tax rate?

For a principal residence, Vermont charges 0.5% on the first $100,000 of value and 1.45% on the portion above $100,000. For other property the rate is a flat 1.25% of the full price.

Who pays the transfer tax in Vermont?

The buyer is legally responsible for the Vermont property transfer tax and files the return when the deed is recorded. Parties can negotiate who covers it in the purchase contract, but the buyer remains liable to the state.

Are there exemptions to the Vermont transfer tax?

Yes. Transfers to a VHFA- or USDA-financed first-time buyer can reduce the tax, and the first $110,000 financed through certain affordable programs is exempt. Gifts, transfers between spouses, and some family transfers may also qualify.

Is the Clean Water Surcharge included?

Vermont also levies a 0.2% Clean Water Surcharge on the value above the principal-residence threshold for some transfers. This tool focuses on the core transfer tax; check Form PTT-172 for surcharge details.

Is my data sent anywhere?

No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.

Vermont Real Estate Transfer Tax Calculator

Email me this result

Get this tool's output sent to your inbox, plus one useful tool a week. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Vermont charges a property transfer tax when real estate changes hands, paid by the buyer and filed when the deed is recorded. The rate is tiered for a principal residence (0.5% on the first $100,000, 1.45% above) and a flat 1.25% for other property. This free calculator estimates the tax for any price.

How it works

The Vermont transfer tax formula depends on property type:

For a principal residence: charge 0.5% on the first $100,000 of price, then 1.45% on every dollar above $100,000.
For other property (second home, land, commercial): charge a flat 1.25% of the full price.
The buyer files Form PTT-172 and pays the tax when recording the deed.

Example

A $350,000 principal residence is taxed 0.5% × $100,000 = $500 on the first tier, plus 1.45% × $250,000 = $3,625 on the remainder, for a total of $4,125. The same $350,000 as a second home is taxed 1.25% × $350,000 = $4,375.

Notes

This estimate covers the core Vermont property transfer tax only. It does not model the Clean Water Surcharge, recording fees, or the VHFA/USDA first-time-buyer reductions, which can lower the tax substantially for qualifying buyers. Confirm exemptions on the official PTT-172 return before closing.