Transfer tax calculation: estimate your welcome tax with the calculator on this page, select your city and enter the purchase price or municipal assessment (the higher value applies). Example in Laval for $500,000: about $5,611 (2026). If you are an eligible first-time buyer from 2026, a refundable tax credit may reimburse part of that amount after you pay the municipality.
Transfer tax and welcome tax: same thing
Real estate transfer tax — also called welcome tax or land transfer tax — is charged by the municipality when you buy property in Quebec. The buyer receives a tax bill in the months following signing at the notary.
The amount is based on the higher of the purchase price or municipal assessment, spread across rate brackets. Brackets vary by city — use the calculator above and select your municipality.
Frequently asked questions about transfer tax
What is the difference between welcome tax and transfer tax?
There is no difference: both names refer to the same municipal fee charged when property is transferred. "Welcome tax" is the common term; "transfer tax" or "transfer duties" is the legal wording.
How does transfer tax calculation work?
You use the higher of the purchase price or municipal assessment, then apply progressive rate brackets: provincial base tiers plus municipal add-ons in many cities (Montreal, Laval, etc.). See our step-by-step guide with worked examples.
Who pays transfer tax?
The buyer. The seller is not responsible unless otherwise agreed in the purchase offer.
When do you have to pay?
The municipality usually sends the bill between the 3rd and 6th month after signing at the notary. You then have about 30 days to pay; interest applies after that.
Is there a first-time buyer credit?
From 2026, Quebec's refundable tax credit for property access can reimburse up to $5,875 of transfer duties already paid (you pay the municipality first). Eligibility, amounts and advance payment: full guide.
Transfer tax calculation example
In Laval, for a $500,000 purchase (price or assessment, whichever is higher), transfer tax is about $5,611 under 2026 rules: provincial tiers (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%) plus municipal brackets. In Montreal, municipal rates can reach 4% on some tiers — use the calculator for your scenario.
Calculate transfer tax by municipality
Provincial base brackets apply across Quebec, but many cities add their own municipal tiers (Montreal up to 4%, Laval, Quebec City, etc.).
For step-by-step worked examples, see our welcome tax calculator with examples.
For example, brackets of up to 4% apply in Montreal — calculate Montreal welcome tax.
City pages with brackets, examples and calculator: