Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Pennsylvania
How to sign and record a quitclaim or other deed in Pennsylvania, and whether you can use a transfer-on-death deed to avoid probate.
Short answer: Deeds are recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds. Pennsylvania imposes a state realty transfer tax of 1% of the value of the real estate, collected by the Recorder of Deeds, often together with an additional local realty transfer tax; 72 P.S. § 8101-C et seq. (Realty Transfer Tax)
| Signing and recording a deed | Deeds are recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds. Pennsylvania imposes a state realty transfer tax of 1% of the value of the real estate, collected by the Recorder of Deeds, often together with an additional local realty transfer tax; the grantor and grantee are jointly and severally liable for it. Certain transfers are exempt, including certain transfers among family members and property passing by will or intestacy. The local transfer tax rate varies by municipality and school district; check with the county Recorder of Deeds. Deeds are customarily acknowledged before a notary for recording. |
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| Transfer-on-death deed | No. Pennsylvania has not adopted a transfer on death deed for real estate. Its transfer on death law covers securities and security accounts registered in beneficiary form. Source: 20 Pa.C.S. Ch. 64 |
Free Pennsylvania quitclaim deed template — fill in and print
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FAQ
What does a quitclaim deed need to be valid in Pennsylvania?
Deeds are recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds. Pennsylvania imposes a state realty transfer tax of 1% of the value of the real estate, collected by the Recorder of Deeds, often together with an additional local realty transfer tax; the grantor and grantee are jointly and severally liable for it. Certain transfers are exempt, including certain transfers among family members and property passing by will or intestacy.
Does Pennsylvania allow transfer-on-death deeds?
No. Pennsylvania has not adopted a transfer on death deed for real estate. Its transfer on death law covers securities and security accounts registered in beneficiary form.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.