Deed excise vs recording fees vs closing costs
Three terms that get mixed up, and which side of the closing each one lands on.
The deed excise is a tax on the sale price that the seller pays, $4.56 per $1,000 in most of the state. Recording fees are flat registry fees the buyer pays, $155 for the deed and $205 for the mortgage. "Closing costs" is the umbrella term for both, plus everything else paid at closing.
Side by side
| Deed excise | Recording fees | Closing costs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | State tax on the deed | Registry fees to record documents | Every cost paid at closing |
| How it is set | Percent of price ($4.56 per $1,000; $6.48 in Barnstable County) | Flat ($155 deed, $205 mortgage) | Varies by item |
| Who pays | Seller | Buyer | Both, by line item |
| Where you see it | Seller net sheet | Buyer cost sheet | Settlement statement |
On the seller net sheet
- Deed excise (transfer tax)
- Commission
- Seller's attorney
- Mortgage payoff and discharge
- Smoke and CO certificate, Title 5 (septic only), condo 6(d) (condos only)
Run your own numbers with the cost-to-sell calculator.
On the buyer cost sheet
- Recording fees for the deed and mortgage
- Lender fees and appraisal
- Lender's title insurance, and owner's title insurance if chosen
- Lender's attorney
- Prepaid taxes, insurance and adjustments
See the full buyer list in Massachusetts closing costs.
Sources
Questions this page answers
Is the deed excise the same as a recording fee?
No. The deed excise is a tax based on the sale price, paid by the seller. Recording fees are flat registry fees to record the deed and mortgage, paid by the buyer.
How much are recording fees in Massachusetts?
$155 to record a deed and $205 to record a mortgage, including surcharges, per the state Registry of Deeds fee schedule.
Are the transfer tax and recording fees part of closing costs?
Yes. Both are closing costs. The excise shows on the seller side, and recording fees show on the buyer side.
Where will I see these on my paperwork?
On the settlement statement from the closing attorney. Buyers also see recording fees on the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.