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Maine Conveyance Tax

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In Maine, the real estate conveyance tax is formally known as the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT). It is imposed on deeds that transfer ownership of real property within the state. The tax is split equally between the buyer (grantee) and the seller (grantor). 

Tax rate and calculation
  • Tax rate: The RETT is assessed at a rate of $2.20 for every $500 of the property’s value, or any fractional part of $500. This is equivalent to a rate of 0.44%.
  • Value of the property: The tax is based on the full value of the property being transferred, as declared in the Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration.
  • Division of tax: The total tax is typically divided equally, with the seller and buyer each paying 50%. 
Example calculation:
For a home selling for $350,000:
  1. Divide by $500: $350,000 / $500 = 700
  2. Multiply by the rate: 700 * $2.20 = $1,540 total tax
  3. Split the cost: The seller and buyer would each pay $770. 
How the tax is collected
The tax is computed and collected by the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. The tax is paid when the deed is officially recorded. The county retains 10% of the revenue to cover collection costs, with the remainder being distributed to state housing funds and the General Fund. 
 
Exemptions from the tax
Maine law provides a number of exemptions for specific types of property transfers. You can find the full list of exemptions in Title 36, §4641-C of the Maine Revised Statutes. Common exemptions include: 
  • Transfers between family members (e.g., spouses, parents, children).
  • Deeds transferred between divorcing spouses.
  • Transfers involving governmental agencies.