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Washington DC Closing Cost Calculator
Get a DC title and settlement estimate from Pruitt Title's live quote tool, then check the recordation and transfer tax with the worked examples below.
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Use the live Pruitt Title quote tool for title insurance, settlement charges and DC closing taxes. Final figures are confirmed after the contract and transaction details are reviewed.
The quote tool stays embedded on DMV Title Guy. Results are estimates until Pruitt Title reviews the contract and transaction details.
DC Recordation and Transfer Tax Rates
| Tax | Below $400,000 | $400,000 or more | Paid by | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recordation tax | 1.1% | 1.45% | Buyer, by custom | D.C. Code § 42-1103 |
| Transfer tax | 1.1% | 1.45% | Seller | D.C. Code § 47-903 |
| First-time buyer recordation rate | 0.725%, for qualifying first-time DC homebuyers | Buyer | D.C. Code § 42-1103(e) | |
DC has no county layer, so these District rates are the whole closing tax. Each rate applies to the full price, not in brackets: a $399,000 sale is taxed at 1.1% and a $400,000 sale at 1.45%. Deeds are recorded by the DC Recorder of Deeds.
Worked Examples of DC Closing Taxes
Recordation and transfer tax only. Title insurance, settlement fees, lender charges and prepaid items come on top.
$350,000 DC condo
- Buyer's recordation tax: $3,850
- Seller's transfer tax: $3,850
- Total: $7,700
$700,000 DC rowhouse
- Buyer's recordation tax: $10,150
- Seller's transfer tax: $10,150
- Total: $20,300
$500,000 purchase by a qualifying first-time DC buyer
- Buyer's recordation tax: $3,625
- Seller's transfer tax: $7,250
- Total: $10,875
Who Pays Closing Costs in DC
Buyer closing costs
- DC recordation tax (customarily the buyer's)
- Lender's title insurance policy
- Owner's title insurance policy, if purchased
- Settlement fee, title search and recording charges
- Lender origination, appraisal and credit report fees
- Prepaid interest, homeowner's insurance, taxes and escrow deposits
Seller closing costs
- DC transfer tax (owed by the seller)
- Broker commission
- Mortgage payoff and lien releases
- Deed preparation by a DC-licensed attorney
- Prorated real property taxes and condo or HOA dues
- Condo resale package or HOA documents
Sellers can estimate their proceeds with the seller net sheet calculator.
DC Closing Cost FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are closing taxes in DC?
DC charges a recordation tax and a transfer tax, each 1.1% of the price below $400,000 and 1.45% at $400,000 or more (D.C. Code §§ 42-1103 and 47-903). On a $700,000 sale that is $10,150 each, or $20,300 together. Title insurance, settlement fees and lender charges come on top.
Who pays the recordation and transfer tax in DC?
The seller owes the transfer tax, and the buyer customarily pays the recordation tax. The purchase contract can shift either one.
What is the DC first-time homebuyer recordation rate?
Qualifying first-time DC homebuyers pay a reduced recordation tax rate of 0.725% instead of 1.1% or 1.45% (D.C. Code § 42-1103(e)). It is a reduced rate, not a full exemption. On a $500,000 purchase it saves $3,625.
Does the 1.45% rate apply to the whole price?
Yes. The rate is set by the price: below $400,000 the whole price is taxed at 1.1%, and at $400,000 or more the whole price is taxed at 1.45%. It is not charged in brackets.
Do I need an attorney to close on a house in DC?
A notary or a title company's settlement agent can conduct the closing. Preparing the deed and other documents that affect title is the practice of law in DC (D.C. Court of Appeals Rule 49), so DC title companies work with a DC-licensed attorney for that part.
Who pays for title insurance in DC?
The buyer customarily pays for both the owner's and lender's title insurance policies, though the contract can change that. Each insurer files its own rates.
Is this DC closing cost calculator exact?
The quote comes from Pruitt Title's TitleCapture tool using the details you enter. It is an estimate until Pruitt Title reviews the signed contract, the lender's figures, payoffs and the closing date.