New Jersey Realty Transfer Fee (RTF) Calculator and Fee Guide 2026

The RTF is a mandatory state tax imposed on the recording of deeds for the transfer of real property in New Jersey. Collected by County Clerks, these fees are graduated based on the property’s sale price and are used to fund state programs like neighborhood revitalization and shore protection.

Typically, the seller is legally responsible for paying the Realty Transfer Fee at the time of closing. However, for residential property transfers exceeding $1,000,000, an additional Graduated Percent Fee (formerly Mansion Tax) may apply, which was historically a buyer’s cost but has seen legislative updates in the 2026 fiscal cycle.

The fee is calculated based on the “consideration” (sale price) stated in the deed. It follows a tiered structure: a standard rate for the first $150,000, a higher rate for the next $50,000, and increasing brackets up to $1 million. Our NJ RTF Calculator automates this complex tiered math for all 21 counties.

Yes. New Jersey provides a partial exemption for senior citizens (aged 62+), blind persons, and permanently disabled individuals. To qualify, the property must be a one- or two-family residential dwelling that is owner-occupied. An RTF-1 Affidavit of Consideration must be filed to claim this reduction.

Consideration refers to the total amount paid or to be paid for the property. This includes cash, the remaining balance of any mortgages or liens assumed by the buyer, and the fair market value of any other property exchanged as part of the deal.

The Graduated Percent Fee is an additional tax on high-value real estate transactions. For residential sales over $1,000,000, a fee is applied to the entire consideration. Under the 2026 NJ statutory guidelines, it is crucial to verify if the fee is seller-paid or buyer-paid based on the specific contract execution date.

Standard New Jersey statutes do not provide a specific RTF discount for first-time homebuyers. The fee is primarily a seller’s obligation. However, buyers should check for local county-level grants or the NJ ANCHOR program for potential post-closing tax relief.

Commercial properties (Class 4A) are subject to the standard RTF rates. Additionally, commercial transfers exceeding $1 million are subject to a 1% supplemental fee, though certain exemptions may apply for industrial properties or low-income housing projects.

The RTF-1 form is a legal document required when claiming an exemption (like the senior citizen discount), when selling new construction, or when the sale price exceeds $1,000,000. It must be signed by both parties and submitted to the County Clerk with the deed.

While the base rates are state-mandated, individual counties like Bergen, Essex, and Ocean may have varying administrative recording fees. You can use our county-specific calculators or visit the NJ Division of Taxation website for the official 2026 statutory rate charts.