Welcome tax calculator
Land transfer duties, better known as the “welcome tax,” are paid only once, to the municipality, after the purchase. Choose your city: the calculation uses its own rate schedule and the new tax credit for first-time buyers.
Breakdown by bracket
How the welcome tax works
The 2026 base rates (Government of Quebec): 0.5% on the first $62,900, 1% from $62,900 to $315,000, then 1.5% above $315,000. These thresholds are indexed every year.
Higher municipal rates. Since 2024, a municipality may set a higher rate (up to 3%) on the portion above $500,000. Most South Shore cities have done so: the calculator above uses each city’s own rate schedule.
The first-time buyer tax credit. For a property acquired in 2026 or later, Quebec refunds 100% of the first $5,000 in duties paid, plus 25% of the next $3,500, up to $5,875. The credit is reduced for a property over $750,000 and disappears at $1 million. You claim it in your income tax return (an advance payment is possible).
When do you pay? The municipality sends the bill a few weeks after the deed of sale is registered. Plan for this amount in your budget, on top of the down payment and the notary’s fees.
Estimate for information only, based on the rates published by the municipalities and the Government of Quebec. The official amount is the one shown on the transfer duties bill issued by the municipality. Some exemptions apply (transfers between close relatives, spouses, etc.).
The welcome tax, city by city
Our city pages are in French.