Selling or buying in Atwater Village and trying to pin down transfer taxes before you sign? You are not alone. Between Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, and the high‑value surtax from Measure ULA, the rules can feel layered and time sensitive. This guide breaks down what typically applies in Atwater Village closings, how to estimate your costs, and where to confirm the latest numbers. Let’s dive in.

What transfer taxes cover in Atwater

If your property is in Atwater Village, it sits inside the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. That means most recorded transfers trigger both the County documentary transfer tax and the City of Los Angeles documentary transfer tax. For higher‑value sales, the City’s voter‑approved Measure ULA may add a progressive surtax on top of the base taxes.

Rates, tiers, and exemptions are set by the County and the City. They can change, so you should verify them right before closing.

County documentary transfer tax

What it is

The County documentary transfer tax is based on the consideration for the transfer, usually the contract sale price. It is collected when the deed is recorded with the County. The County publishes the current rate and collection procedures.

How it is calculated

• General method: County tax = county rate per 1,000 multiplied by the sale price divided by 1,000.
• Escrow typically calculates and collects this at closing, then remits it with the deed.
• For recording questions or fees, you can review the Los Angeles County Registrar‑Recorder/County Clerk resources.

You can find County tax information with the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector and recording procedures through the Los Angeles County Registrar‑Recorder/County Clerk.

Common exemptions

Some transfers without consideration, certain related‑party transfers, or specific statutory situations may be exempt from County documentary transfer tax. The County may require affidavits or forms to document an exemption. Exemptions for transfer tax are different from property tax reassessment rules, so do not assume one implies the other.

City of Los Angeles documentary transfer tax

What it is

The City of Los Angeles imposes its own documentary transfer tax on property transfers within city limits, including Atwater Village. The City’s Office of Finance publishes the current rate schedule, forms, and payment instructions. Payment is typically handled through escrow and must be satisfied before recording.

Review current City tax details with the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance.

How it is calculated

• General method: City tax = city rate per 1,000 multiplied by the sale price divided by 1,000.
• The City may define different classes or provide administrative guidance that affects calculation. Escrow will apply the City’s published schedule when estimating your closing costs.

Who pays

In many Los Angeles area transactions, the seller customarily pays documentary transfer taxes, but this is negotiable. Your purchase contract will determine the allocation. Confirm with your agent and escrow at the outset of negotiations.

Measure ULA surtax for higher‑value sales

Purpose and where it applies

Measure ULA is an additional surtax approved by City voters to fund homelessness services and housing programs. It applies to certain high‑value transfers occurring within the City of Los Angeles, which includes Atwater Village. For eligible transfers, it is added on top of both the County and City base transfer taxes.

Thresholds, tiers, and adjustments

Measure ULA sets price thresholds and progressive rates, and it includes implementation rules for how thresholds may be adjusted over time. The City publishes the current thresholds, rates, and calculation method. You should verify whether your sale price crosses a threshold close to closing, since indexing or updates may occur.

For current guidance, check the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance. For the official ballot language and implementing materials, see the City Clerk’s Measure ULA information.

Possible exclusions or special rules

The City may outline exclusions or special rules for specific circumstances, for example certain affordable housing transactions or transfers involving nonprofit or government entities. If you believe a special provision might apply, speak with your escrow officer and legal counsel, and review the City’s published rules.

Who collects and when you pay

Transfer taxes are almost always collected at closing by your escrow or title company. Escrow will calculate the County tax, City base tax, and any Measure ULA surtax if applicable, then remit payment so the deed can record. If an exemption applies, expect to complete City or County forms to document it before recording.

Budgeting checklist for Atwater closings

Use this step‑by‑step list to estimate transfer taxes and avoid surprises:

1. Confirm location. Verify the address is inside the City of Los Angeles. Atwater Village is within City limits.
2. Gather your numbers. Start with the sale price and any additional consideration that might be included in the transfer.
3. Check the County rate. Confirm the current County documentary transfer tax rate with the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector.
4. Check the City base rate. Verify the City’s documentary transfer tax rate and forms with the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance.
5. Evaluate Measure ULA. Determine whether your price crosses a ULA threshold, and if so, which tiers apply. Review current thresholds with the Office of Finance.
6. Ask escrow for a written estimate. Get a line‑item transfer tax estimate and confirm any exemption documentation they will need.
7. Decide who pays. Confirm allocation in the purchase contract. Seller payment is common, but it is negotiable.
8. Add a buffer. Include recording fees and any administrative charges in your budget.

How the math works

You do not need to memorize rates to understand the flow. Use this template once you have the current figures:

• County tax = County rate per 1,000 multiplied by the sale price divided by 1,000.
• City base tax = City rate per 1,000 multiplied by the sale price divided by 1,000.
• Measure ULA surtax, if applicable = sum of tier rates multiplied by the portion of price in each tier, based on the City’s current schedule.
• Total transfer taxes = County tax plus City base tax plus any Measure ULA surtax.

Your escrow officer can run this calculation with the exact published rates and any applicable tiers for your transaction.

Exemptions and edge cases to review

• Related‑party or no‑consideration transfers. Some transfers between spouses or certain family situations, or gifts without consideration, may be exempt from documentary transfer tax. The County and City set the requirements and forms.
• Trusts, estates, or probate. Exemptions and documentation vary. Early coordination with escrow helps avoid recording delays.
• Foreclosure or trustee’s sales. Different procedures may apply to filing and collection.
• Nonprofits or affordable housing transactions. Measure ULA and City rules may include special provisions. Verify with the Office of Finance and legal counsel.

Remember, transfer tax exemptions are separate from property tax reassessment rules. If you are relying on an exemption, confirm both sets of implications with your advisors.

How to verify current rates fast

• County. Review transfer tax and payment procedures with the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector and recording guidance from the Registrar‑Recorder/County Clerk.
• City. Confirm City documentary transfer tax rates, forms, and Measure ULA implementation with the Office of Finance.
• Measure ULA text. For official ballot language and related ordinances, see the City Clerk.
• Escrow. Ask your escrow officer for a written estimate using the latest published figures and any exemption forms required.

A local advisor for Atwater Village

If you are selling a character home in Atwater Village, a clear transfer tax plan belongs in your timeline alongside staging, pricing, and marketing. You want accurate numbers for negotiations, especially if your price could cross a Measure ULA tier. A local, design‑savvy listing strategy paired with precise closing guidance helps you reduce friction and protect your proceeds.

Ready to talk through your goals and numbers for an Atwater Village sale or purchase? Schedule a Personalized Consultation with Unknown Company, and get a clear, local plan from contract to closing.

FAQs

Who pays transfer taxes in Atwater Village sales?

• In many Los Angeles area deals, the seller customarily pays, but allocation is negotiable and should be stated in the purchase agreement.

Do transfer taxes trigger property tax reassessment in Los Angeles?

• No, documentary transfer taxes are separate from property tax rules. Reassessment follows state and county property tax law, not transfer tax status.

How do I know if Measure ULA applies to my sale?

• Check the City’s current thresholds and tiers through the Office of Finance, then compare to your sale price. Ask escrow for a written estimate using the latest schedule.

Where can I find the official rules and forms for Los Angeles transfer taxes?

• Refer to the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, the County Registrar‑Recorder/County Clerk, and the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance for current rates and forms.

Can I claim an exemption for a family or trust transfer in Los Angeles?

• Some exemptions exist, but they depend on the details and require documentation. Confirm with escrow and review the County and City instructions before recording.