Selling a Home in Illinois
Illinois imposes a state real estate transfer tax of $0.50 per $500 of sale price (0.10%), plus a county tax of $0.25 per $500 (0.05%). Many municipalities — most notably Chicago and Evanston — add their own transfer tax on top. Sellers also pay agent commissions, owner's title insurance, attorney fees, and recording fees.
Illinois Transfer Tax & Closing Costs
Illinois closings are typically handled by a real estate attorney. The seller customarily pays the owner's title insurance policy, the state and county transfer tax stamps, and any municipal transfer tax. Cook County (Chicago) sellers should budget for the additional CTA portion of the city transfer tax.
How to Estimate Your Illinois Net Proceeds
- Sale Price: Start with the agreed-upon contract price.
- Mortgage Payoff: Subtract your remaining loan balance and accrued interest through closing.
- Transfer Taxes: Apply the state, county, and any municipal transfer tax owed by the seller.
- Closing Costs: Deduct commissions, owner's title insurance, attorney/escrow, and recording fees.
Illinois Net Proceeds = Sale Price − Mortgage Payoff − Commissions − Transfer Taxes − Closing Costs
