What is real estate transfer tax?

There is a state tax and a municipal tax (0.5% to the municipality and 0.5% to the school district) each amounting to 1% of the value of the property or interest being conveyed (that is 2% total). For properties located in Wilkes-Barre City, the municipal tax is 2.5% (that is 3.5% total); for properties located in Kingston Borough, the municipal tax is 1% (that is a total of 2,5%) and for properties located in Pittston City the municipal tax is 2.5% (that is 3.5% total). This value is not necessarily the sale price of the property; it may be computed on the fair market value of the property if the property is a gift, or under other special circumstances.

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1. What kinds of documents are filed in your office? Just deeds?
2. How far back do the records date in your office?
3. Are all of your documents kept in books? What if there was an accident and the books were destroyed?
4. As a member of the public, how can I access the records in your office?
5. What information do I need to check a deed or mortgage?
6. Can I contact your office for legal advice regarding real estate issues?
7. Can your office perform a title search for me?
8. Can I get information over the phone?
9. Can I obtain a blank deed or power of attorney form from the office and just fill in the information?
10. If I bring a signed document to your office, can I have my signature notarized in your office?
11. Is it necessary for me to file my deed in the Recorder of Deeds Office?
12. I would like to pick up my deed. Can I come to the Recorder of Deeds for it?
13. I just completed having a home built on my lot. Do I get a new deed?
14. I just sold my home. Can I keep the selling price of the transfer out of the newspaper?
15. Can I prepare my own deed?
16. If I find a mistake in my deed, how do I correct it?
17. If I find a mistake in my deed or I would like to add a spouse’s name or my children’s names to my deed, how do I get the deed changed?
18. Is it necessary to delete a deceased spouse’s name?
19. If a woman marries, must she change her name on her deed?
20. If I sell a portion of my land, do I get a deed for the remainder?
21. What is real estate transfer tax?
22. Who pays the real estate transfer tax?
23. Are any transactions tax-exempt?
24. What is a Statement of Value?
25. When is a Statement of Value necessary?
26. Do you record deeds for cemetery plots?
27. I recently completed paying off my mortgage loan on my house. Isn’t the Recorder of Deeds Office supposed to send me my deed?
28. Who satisfies my mortgage?
29. If I receive an unrecorded satisfaction piece in the mail from my lender, what do I do?
30. Must a mortgage be satisfied?
31. How can I check for liens against my property?
32. How can I determine the boundaries of my property line?
33. How can I determine the age of my house?
34. How can I trace the ownership of my property?
35. How can I determine the owner of a property?
36. How do I become a notary public?
37. As a notary, what do I do if I change my address?
38. As a notary, what do I do if I change my name?
39. Are there certain rules for subdivision plans?
40. Are subdivision plans required?