Transfer Tax

36 M.R.S. §§ 4641-4641-N

The transfer tax is collected on the following two transactions. The rate of tax is $2.20 for each $500 or fractional part of $500 of the value of the property being transferred. The tax is imposed ½ on the grantor, ½ on the grantee.

Controlling Interest - A separate Return/Declaration must be filed for each transfer of a controlling interest in the county where real property is located.

Real Estate - The real estate transfer tax is imposed on each deed by which any real property in this state is transferred. The register of deeds will compute the tax based on the value of the property as set forth in the declaration of value.

Certain transfers are exempt from the transfer tax. Please contact our office by email prop.tax@maine.gov if you have any questions.

News Releases

• Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Exemption from Real Estate Transfer Tax (PDF), 4/8/14
• Free Online Real Estate Transfer Tax Filing Service (PDF), 8/8/11

Transfer Tax Law

• § 4641 Definitions
• § 4641-A Rate of tax; liability for tax
• § 4641-B Collection
• § 4641-C Exemptions
• § 4641-D Declaration of value
• § 4641-E Powers and duties of State Tax Assessor
• § 4641-J Recording without tax
• § 4641-K Falsifying declaration of value
• § 4641-L No effect on recordation
• § 4641-N Review