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Government > City Clerk > Real Estate Transfer Tax

City Clerk's Office

REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX

In 1986, the City of Evanston enacted a Real Estate Transfer Tax (Ord. 33-O-86) on the transfer of real property. The City Clerk’s office collects the tax and issues exemptions from the tax. It is paid by the seller, unless other arrangements have been made by contract. Revenue from this tax goes into the City's General Fund. Real Estate Transfer Tax payments can be made in the Evanston City Clerk's Office (Map)

 

Real Estate Transfer Tax

Regular Transactions

$5 per thousand or any fraction thereof on real property sales.

Exempt Transactions

$100 administrative fee

 

Regular Transactions

The three-part carbonless Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration form is used for all transactions (tax payments and exemptions).

 

To obtain Real Estate Transfer Tax stamps you will need to bring:

  1. A current address for both the Seller and Buyer is required.
  2. A Water Billing Affidavit is necessary for properties other than vacant lots and condominiums. If the water bill is in arrears, the transfer stamp will not be issued without payment.

Exempt Transactions

For exempt transactions, the same three-part form is completed with information relating to the Grantor and Grantee. Documentation (Quit Claim Deed, Trustees Deed, Assignment of Beneficial Interest) to support the exemption must be presented when obtaining an exemption. The deeds to be recorded must be fully executed (signed by the parties and witnessed by a notary) before coming into the City Clerk’s office.

 

Payment

Payment for transfer or exempt stamps is by personal check, cash or credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa). Credit card payment for this tax may be made only by the cardholder, in-person with his/her card. Credit card charges by telephone are not accepted. For sales more than $1 million, a certified or cashier’s check is required.

 

Real Estate Transfer Tax stamps are also available in the Chicago loop

Real estate transfer tax collection and exempt transactions are handled by Elaine Jacobson, 33 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2131. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call 312-263-7377 before coming in. Payment at the Chicago location is by check or money order only, payable to the City of Evanston. Credit cards or cash are not accepted.