Property Transfer Tax - Related Induvidual Exemption

One of the limited exemptions to paying property transfer tax occurs where the Seller is related to the Buyer. However, for this exemption to apply, the Seller and Buyer must be "vertically related" and the property must be a principal residence.

So, consider the situation where husband is on title and wishes to add his wife to title to their family home for estate planning purposes. Normally, this transfer would be taxed by Property Transfer Tax, however, the exemption applies and no tax is applicable.

If however, an uncle wishes to sell his property to his neice, since they are not vertically related the exemption does not apply, and Property Transfer Tax is payable on a direct transfer from the uncle to the niece.

Similarly, if the property is a rental property, no exemption is available as it is not a principal residence.