City of Reading Transfer Tax
City of Reading charges 4% of the purchase price on top of the Pennsylvania state tax (1% of the purchase price). On a $308,500 home that is $15,425 in total. City of Reading + Reading School District Realty Transfer Tax (properties within Reading only) (from the county recorder research, 2026-09-22)
City of Reading transfer tax by purchase price
| Purchase price | State tax | City of Reading | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $1,500 | $6,000 | $7,500 |
| $200,000 | $2,000 | $8,000 | $10,000 |
| $250,000 | $2,500 | $10,000 | $12,500 |
| $300,000 | $3,000 | $12,000 | $15,000 |
| $350,000 | $3,500 | $14,000 | $17,500 |
| $400,000 | $4,000 | $16,000 | $20,000 |
| $450,000 | $4,500 | $18,000 | $22,500 |
| $500,000 | $5,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| $600,000 | $6,000 | $24,000 | $30,000 |
| $700,000 | $7,000 | $28,000 | $35,000 |
| $800,000 | $8,000 | $32,000 | $40,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $10,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 |
Transfer tax calculator
Who pays
Split. City of Reading + Reading School District Realty Transfer Tax (properties within Reading only) (from the county recorder research, 2026-09-22)
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in City of Reading?
City of Reading charges 4% of the purchase price, on top of the Pennsylvania state tax, so a $308,500 home pays $15,425 in total ($3,085 state, $12,340 local).
Who pays the City of Reading transfer tax?
Split. City of Reading + Reading School District Realty Transfer Tax (properties within Reading only) (from the county recorder research, 2026-09-22)
Sources
- 61 Pa. Code Chapter 91, Realty Transfer Tax
- Who pays
- Berks County Recorder of Deeds Fee Schedule (effective 11/14/2025): 'Transfer Tax rate is 5% in the City of Reading.'
Rates as the statute or revenue department publishes them, checked 2026-09-22. Figures are computed from those rates and rounded to the dollar; exemptions for first-time buyers or principal residences are noted where they exist and are not applied. All sources.
Pennsylvania transfer tax overview → All Pennsylvania buyer closing costs →
Figures are computed from the statutes and ordinances cited above and rounded to the dollar. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Pennsylvania transfer tax