Updated October 2026. Illinois Property Tax Code Article 31, the Counties Code, the City of Chicago Department of Finance and the Cook County Clerk’s transfer tax list checked on October 31, 2026.
Illinois charges a state real estate transfer tax of $0.50 per $500 of value under 35 ILCS 200/31-10, and counties may add $0.25 per $500. Chicago adds $5.25 per $500, split between buyer and seller. As of October 2026, a seller of a $400,000 Chicago home pays about $1,800 in transfer taxes, and the buyer pays $3,000.
Jump to: 🧱 The three layers · 🏙️ Chicago · 🏘️ Suburbs · 🤝 Who pays · 🖥️ MyDec · ❓ FAQ
Key takeaways
- Every Illinois sale pays the state tax. Most of the cost difference comes from the county and the town.
- If the buyer takes over your mortgage, the remaining balance comes out of the taxable amount.
- In Chicago, the buyer pays the $3.75 city portion and the seller pays the $1.50 transit portion, per $500.
- Dozens of Cook County suburbs add their own tax, and some make the buyer pay it.
How do the state, county and city layers stack up?
Think of an Illinois transfer tax bill in three layers.
The state. Section 31-10 taxes the privilege of transferring title at 50 cents per $500 of value, or part of $500. That’s $1 per $1,000. The value is what’s stated on the transfer declaration, minus any mortgage the buyer takes over.
The county. Under 55 ILCS 5/5-1031, a county board may add 25 cents per $500. Cook County does. Deeds exempt from the state tax are exempt from the county tax too.
The town. Many cities and villages set their own transfer taxes. The rates, who pays, and the paperwork vary a lot. That’s where most of the surprise comes from.
Together, state and Cook County come to $0.75 per $500, or $1.50 per $1,000. On a $300,000 home, that’s $450.
How much is the Chicago transfer tax, and who pays which part?
The City of Chicago’s Department of Finance lists two pieces under Municipal Code chapter 3-33:
| Chicago portion | Rate per $500 | Usually paid by | On a $400,000 sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| City portion | $3.75 | Buyer | $3,000 |
| CTA portion (transit), since April 1, 2008 | $1.50 | Seller | $1,200 |
| Total city tax | $5.25 | Split | $4,200 |
Add the state and Cook County taxes, which the Clerk lists as a seller cost, and the Chicago seller in that example pays $1,800 in all. The buyer pays $3,000.
A few Chicago details matter. The city stamp must be done online through MyDec, according to the Cook County Clerk. Chicago transfers also need a water certification from the city, and the Clerk’s list notes it’s required even for exempt deeds. And a buyer aged 65 or older who pays $250,000 or less and lives in the home for at least a year can get the CTA portion refunded.
Selling in the city? Our Chicago selling guide covers pricing and showings on MRED, the area’s MLS.
Which Chicago suburbs charge their own transfer tax?
The Cook County Clerk keeps a courtesy list of about 75 municipalities with their own transfer taxes or stamps. A sample, as listed:
| Town | Local rate | Party liable | Local tax on $400,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Park | $8.00 per $1,000 | Seller | $3,200 |
| Evanston | $5.00 per $1,000 | Seller | $2,000 |
| Skokie | $3.00 per $1,000 | Seller | $1,200 |
| Wilmette | $3.00 per $1,000 | Buyer | $1,200 |
| Park Ridge | $2.00 per $1,000 | Seller | $800 |
| Schaumburg | $1.00 per $1,000 | Seller | $400 |
The Clerk’s list was last updated in May 2024 and says it isn’t legally binding. Some towns also require an inspection or a paid water bill before they issue a stamp. Always confirm with the village before closing. Our Evanston selling guide is a good example of how local rules shape a sale.
Who pays transfer tax in Illinois, buyer or seller?
By custom and by contract, the seller pays the state and county stamps. The Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract 8.0, a standard Illinois form, says the deed comes “with real estate transfer stamps to be paid by Seller (unless otherwise designated by local ordinance).”
For local taxes, the same contract says the party named in the ordinance pays, unless the two sides agree otherwise. That’s why Chicago splits the bill and Wilmette’s tax falls on the buyer. Everything is negotiable in writing, but the default matters when you compare offers. Our guide on who pays closing costs covers the other line items.
What is MyDec, and when is the declaration due?
Every Illinois deed needs a transfer declaration. Section 31-25 says it’s due when the deed is presented for recording, or within 3 business days after the transfer, whichever comes first. At least one seller and one buyer sign it, or their attorneys or agents.
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Buy a home →The declaration reports the price, the parcel number, the legal description, the type of deed, any personal property sold with the home, and whether the sale was between relatives. The state’s electronic system is called MyDec. The law phased out paper revenue stamps by December 31, 2025. Counties now issue electronic stamps or other proof of payment.
Your title company or closing attorney usually files it. If you’re selling without one, our paperwork checklist helps you track it.
Which Illinois transfers are exempt?
Section 31-45 lists the exemptions. Common ones include:
- Deeds where the actual price is less than $100.
- Deeds that only secure a loan, or release one.
- Deeds that correct or confirm an earlier deed, with no new money.
- Deeds to or from a government body, or a charitable, religious or educational group.
- Deeds to a mortgage holder after a foreclosure, or in lieu of one.
- Tax deeds and deeds of partition.
Some exempt deeds still need a filed declaration. Chicago keeps its own exemption list, and each exemption must be explained on the declaration with proof.
Where does Beycome fit in an Illinois sale?
Beycome lists Illinois homes on the major home search sites and the MLS for a flat fee, with $0 at closing. Beycome Title starts closing sales in Illinois on November 2, 2026; see where Beycome Title closes and what it costs. You still choose your own title company and keep every decision. See Beycome in Illinois.
Illinois transfer stamps: quick answers
What is the Illinois real estate transfer tax rate?
The state rate is $0.50 per $500 of value. Counties may add $0.25 per $500, and many towns add their own tax.
How much is the Chicago transfer tax?
$5.25 per $500: $3.75 city portion, usually paid by the buyer, and $1.50 CTA portion, usually paid by the seller.
Who pays transfer tax in Illinois?
The seller usually pays state and county stamps. Local taxes fall on whoever the ordinance names, unless the contract says otherwise.
What is the Cook County transfer tax?
$0.25 per $500, listed by the Cook County Clerk as a seller cost. It comes on top of the state’s $0.50.
Is the mortgage deducted from the Illinois transfer tax?
Only a mortgage the buyer takes over. If the deed says the home transfers subject to a mortgage, the remaining balance is left out.
What is MyDec in Illinois?
The state’s online system for the real estate transfer declaration, which is filed with every deed. Chicago’s city stamp is also done through MyDec.
Can seniors get the Chicago CTA tax back?
A buyer aged 65 or older can get the CTA portion refunded if the price is $250,000 or less and they live in the home for at least a year.
Reviewed by Beycome Brokerage Realty LLC, licensed real estate brokerage (IL #481.013794). Licenses: beycome.com/faq/how-to/are-you-a-licensed-broker/.
Rates read on October 31, 2026 from the Illinois General Assembly, the City of Chicago Department of Finance and the Cook County Clerk. Suburban rates come from the Clerk’s courtesy list (updated May 2024), which says it isn’t legally binding. Examples are our own arithmetic.
Beycome prices change from time to time; the current Illinois price is on beycome.com/flat-fee-mls/illinois. “$0 at closing” means no Beycome fee at closing; transfer taxes, title charges and other closing costs still apply.
This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm local amounts with your title company or attorney before closing.
Sources
- 35 ILCS 200/31-10 (state tax): ilga.gov, read October 31, 2026.
- 35 ILCS 200/31-15, 31-25, 31-45 (stamps, declaration, exemptions): ilga.gov, read October 31, 2026.
- 55 ILCS 5/5-1031 (county tax): ilga.gov, read October 31, 2026.
- City of Chicago Department of Finance, Real Property Transfer Tax (7551), read October 31, 2026.
- Cook County Clerk, Transfer Fees and municipal list (updated May 2024), read October 31, 2026.
- Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract 8.0, highlighted training copy, Chicago Association of REALTORS, read October 31, 2026.
- Beycome, Flat Fee MLS Illinois, read October 31, 2026.
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