Chicago Transfer Tax Guide for FSBO Sellers (2026)

Chicago is the only major US city with a dual transfer tax — one at the county level and one at the city level. For FSBO sellers, understanding this is critical to accurately calculating net proceeds.

The Two Transfer Taxes

Cook County Transfer Tax

City of Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax

Wait — on that calculation, the buyer pays most of the City tax. Let's be precise:

So on a $350,000 Chicago sale, the seller pays approximately $2,100 in transfer taxes.

Suburban Cook County

If your property is in a Chicago suburb (Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville, etc.) within Cook County, the Cook County transfer tax still applies, but the City of Chicago tax does not. Some municipalities have their own local transfer taxes — verify for your specific address at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds.

How This Affects Your Net Proceeds

For a $350,000 Chicago FSBO sale:

vs. a traditional 6% commission sale:

FSBO saves you approximately $10,800 after all costs — even accounting for transfer taxes.