Transfer tax calculator
Select your city and enter the purchase price
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.
How long do you have to pay your transfer tax?
Generally, you receive notification of payment between the third and sixth month following your visit to the notary.
The deadline varies depending on the city and when you sign the transaction. Once the bill is received, you have a maximum of 30 days to pay the balance. After that, interest is added.
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: