What is the primary basis for calculating transfer tax?

The primary basis for calculating transfer tax is the sale price minus any assumed loan amount. Transfer taxes are generally levied on the total consideration exchanged in a real estate transaction. In this case, the consideration is the sale price of the property, which reflects the agreed-upon value between the buyer and seller.

When calculating transfer tax, it is important to deduct any loan amount that the buyer assumes from the seller, as this amount does not directly benefit the seller in the context of the sale transaction. The remaining amount after removing the assumed loan amount typically represents the portion of the sale price that is subject to the transfer tax.

This method aligns with the principle that transfer taxes are based on the actual value exchanged in the transaction, ensuring that only the net economic benefit to the seller is considered for tax purposes. Thus, focusing on the sale price minus the assumed loan amount provides an accurate reflection of the true value that is transferring, which is essential for fair tax assessment.