When property in the City of Chicago changes hands, three governments collect a transfer tax. Chicago's is the largest, and unlike most places, the buyer pays most of it.
Estimate your transfer taxes
| Tax | Paid by | Estimate |
|---|
Estimate only, at standard rates in effect September 2026, rounded up to each $500. Exemptions and suburban municipal taxes are not included.
How the taxes are split
| Tax | Rate per $500 | Customarily paid by |
|---|---|---|
| City of Chicago | $3.75 | Buyer |
| Chicago CTA portion | $1.50 | Seller |
| State of Illinois | $0.50 | Seller |
| Cook County | $0.25 | Seller |
Taxes are calculated on each $500 of price or fraction of $500. Some transfers are exempt, and the city, county and state each have their own exemption rules. Suburban municipalities such as Evanston and Oak Park charge their own transfer taxes at different rates, and some suburbs require a separate water or compliance certificate.
What the calculator doesn't include
This estimate covers transfer taxes only. It doesn't include title insurance, recording fees, lender charges, attorney fees or tax prorations. Rates shown are those in effect as of September 2026 and can change. Your attorney will confirm the actual figures on your settlement statement.
By Attorney Shara Kamal. General information for Chicago-area readers; not legal advice for a specific situation.