Closing costs add up fast, and transfer taxes are often the biggest surprise. If you are buying or selling in Calabasas, you might be asking whether the city adds its own transfer tax on top of county fees. You want a clear answer so you can budget with confidence and avoid last‑minute stress at closing. Below, you will find the short answer, exact rates, examples, and a simple checklist to keep your transaction on track. Let’s dive in.
Calabasas transfer tax at a glance
Short answer: Calabasas does not add a separate city transfer tax. For property transfers inside Calabasas, the standard Los Angeles County Documentary Transfer Tax applies. The county explains its rules, rates, and which cities charge extra on its official guidance page, and Calabasas is not listed as a city with an additional local tax. You can review the county’s documentary transfer tax details on the Los Angeles County Registrar‑Recorder’s site.
What you will pay in Calabasas
The Los Angeles County Documentary Transfer Tax rate is $0.55 per $500 of consideration, which equals $1.10 per $1,000. The tax is calculated on the value conveyed and is rounded to the nearest $500 for the county calculation. The tax amount or any claimed exemption must be shown on the deed at recording. You can confirm the county rate and calculation on the county’s documentary transfer tax page.
Sample calculations
- $1,000,000 sale price: $1,000,000 ÷ $1,000 × $1.10 = $1,100 in transfer tax.
- $4,000,000 sale price: $4,000,000 ÷ $1,000 × $1.10 = $4,400 in transfer tax.
City rules vs county rules
California law allows counties and cities to impose documentary transfer taxes, and the county recorder collects the tax when you record the deed. Some cities add their own local tax by ordinance, which the county then collects at recording. The Los Angeles County Registrar‑Recorder publishes which cities have an extra city rate. Calabasas does not appear on that list, so standard county rules apply in most cases.
ULA does not apply in Calabasas
If you are comparing Calabasas with a property inside the City of Los Angeles, be aware of the city’s Real Property Transfer Tax and Measure ULA, often called the “mansion tax.” The City of Los Angeles confirms that Measure ULA applies only within Los Angeles city limits. It does not apply to Calabasas transactions. For high‑value sales, that difference can be significant.
Who pays the transfer tax
Payment is negotiable and is typically assigned in the purchase contract. Local customs can vary by area and price point. Regardless of who pays, the county collects the tax at recording and escrow will handle the remittance as part of your closing.
Exemptions and special situations
Some transfers can qualify for exemptions, such as certain transfers to or from a revocable living trust, some no‑consideration or intra‑entity reorganizations, or qualifying government acquisitions. Exemptions are fact specific and must be claimed on the face of the deed using the correct statutory language. A 1031 exchange defers income taxes when done properly, but it typically does not remove documentary transfer tax at recording. Coordinate early with your escrow and title team to confirm whether an exemption applies in your situation and to ensure the deed language is correct.
Investor note: entity ownership changes
Los Angeles County enforces documentary transfer tax on certain changes in control of legal entities that own real property, even when no deed is recorded. If more than a controlling interest in an entity changes hands, the county may assess transfer tax. If you are planning an entity transfer, confer with your title officer and legal counsel before closing.
Quick checklist to confirm your numbers
- Confirm the property is inside Calabasas city limits. Do not rely on the mailing address. Use your title report or assessor records.
- Ask your escrow or title officer to run the exact transfer tax calculation for your deal and to confirm whether any local add‑on applies. They will also prepare the correct deed language.
- If you have complex facts, such as an entity sale or a multi‑parcel structure, consult an attorney or tax advisor familiar with L.A. County transfer tax enforcement.
- Comparing Calabasas to a Los Angeles city property? Model Calabasas with county DTT only, and model Los Angeles with the city tax plus Measure ULA where applicable.
If you want a calm, well‑coordinated closing, local guidance makes a real difference. For clear answers on transfer taxes, contract negotiation of who pays, and a smooth escrow, reach out to Steve Shanks.
FAQs
Does Calabasas add a city transfer tax?
- No. Calabasas is not listed by Los Angeles County as having an additional city transfer tax, so standard county DTT applies.
What is the current transfer tax rate in Calabasas?
- The Los Angeles County Documentary Transfer Tax rate is $0.55 per $500 of value, which equals $1.10 per $1,000.
Who typically pays the transfer tax in a Calabasas sale?
- It is negotiable and set by the purchase contract; escrow will collect from the responsible party at recording.
Does Los Angeles Measure ULA apply to Calabasas deals?
- No. Measure ULA is a City of Los Angeles levy and applies only within Los Angeles city limits, not in Calabasas.
Do 1031 exchanges eliminate transfer tax in Calabasas?
- No. A 1031 exchange can defer income taxes, but documentary transfer tax is typically still due at recording.
Will changing owners of an LLC that holds a Calabasas property trigger transfer tax?
- Possibly. Los Angeles County may assess DTT on certain changes in control of entities that own real property, so get guidance before you proceed.
