Long Beach is located in Los Angeles County, California. Two transfer taxes apply to real estate sales: Los Angeles County's Documentary Transfer Tax at $1.10 per $1,000 (0.11%), and the City of Long Beach's own transfer tax at $4.50 per $1,000 (0.45%). Combined, buyers and sellers should anticipate a total transfer tax of $5.60 per $1,000 of sale price (0.56%).
Both the county and city transfer taxes in Long Beach are customarily paid by the seller at closing, though this can be negotiated. The purchase agreement and escrow instructions will specify the allocation. Buyers and sellers should review their closing documents carefully before finalizing the transaction.
Certain Long Beach real estate transactions may qualify for an exemption from the transfer taxes. Common exemptions include interspousal transfers, transfers to domestic partners, gifts without monetary consideration, transfers to or from revocable living trusts, and qualifying corporate reorganizations. Consult a title company or real estate attorney to determine whether an exemption applies.