Mansion Tax (Measure ULA): Mountain View vs San Jose

Does Santa Clara County tax luxury home sales?

No countywide mansion tax exists. The state Documentary Transfer Tax of $0.55 per $500 applies. San Jose's Measure E adds 0.75%-1.5% on transfers above $2 million inside city limits only.

Who pays the Documentary Transfer Tax in SCC?

By custom in Northern California, the seller pays the transfer tax at recording. The County Clerk-Recorder collects payment before recording the deed. Buyer-seller allocation can be negotiated in the purchase contract.

Does the Measure E tax apply to my $1.5 million home sale?

No. SJMC 4.59 only applies to San Jose property transfers of $2 million or more. Sales below that threshold pay only the standard Santa Clara County documentary transfer tax of 55 cents per $500.

Who pays the San Jose transfer tax, buyer or seller?

By local custom in Santa Clara County the buyer typically pays, but parties can negotiate otherwise in the purchase agreement. The tax is due at recording and is usually handled by the title or escrow company on the closing statement.

Does Measure E money have to fund housing?

Legally Measure E is a general tax usable for any city purpose, allowing simple-majority approval. The City Council separately committed by policy to spend the revenue on affordable housing, homelessness response, and tenant protections.