When you sell property in Ohio, conveyance fees are taxes charged by the state and counties. They are usually $1 to $4 per $1,000 of the sale price, plus a $0.50 transfer fee per parcel.
These fees are paid at closing and help fund local government services and keep property records accurate. Knowing about these fees in 2025 is key for Ohio sellers to plan well, avoid surprises, and get the most from their sale.
This guide will help you understand how these fees work, who pays them, and how to save, making your home sale smoother.
What Are Conveyance Fees?
Conveyance fees are taxes charged when real estate or manufactured homes change ownership in Ohio. The state and counties impose these fees. They help fund local services and infrastructure.
Why Do Conveyance Fees Exist?
Ohio uses conveyance fees to keep property records accurate and fund local services. County auditors collect these fees during the transfer process to ensure everything is legal and financially sound.
Legal Basis in Ohio
The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Sections 319.54(G)(3) and 322.02 govern conveyance fees. The state fee is $1 per $1,000 of the sale price. Counties can add up to $3 per $1,000 as a permissive fee.
How Are Conveyance Fees Calculated?
Conveyance fees are based on the property’s sale price, rounded up to the nearest $100. The total fee includes the state’s mandatory fee and any county-specific permissive fee.
Statewide Mandatory Fee
- Rate: $1 per $1,000 of the sale price (1 mill).
- Applies to: All 88 Ohio counties.
- Example: For a $200,000 home, the state fee is $200 ($200,000 ÷ 1,000 × $1).
County Permissive Fees
- Rate: Up to $3 per $1,000, varying by county.
- Adoption: 87 of 88 counties charge this additional fee (Ross County is the exception).
- Example: In Franklin County, the total fee is $3 per $1,000 ($1 state + $2 county). For a $200,000 home, that’s $600.
Additional Transfer Fee
- Rate: $0.50 per parcel, regardless of sale price.
- Purpose: Covers administrative costs of recording the transfer.
Calculation Example
For a $238,110 home in Clermont County (total fee $4 per $1,000):
- Round sale price to $238,200.
- Conveyance fee: $238,200 ÷ 1,000 × $4 = $952.80.
- Transfer fee: $0.50 per parcel.
- Total: $952.80 + $0.50 = $953.30.
Conveyance Fee Rates by Select Ohio Counties (2025)
| County | State Fee ($/1,000) | County Fee ($/1,000) | Total Fee ($/1,000) | Transfer Fee per Parcel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | $1 | $2 | $3 | $0.50 |
| Clermont | $1 | $3 | $4 | $0.50 |
| Butler | $1 | $2 | $3 | $0.50 |
| Logan | $1 | $3 | $4 | $0.50 |
| Highland | $1 | $2 | $3 | $0.50 |
Source: County Auditor Websites, 2025 Data
Who Pays Conveyance Fees in Ohio?
In Ohio, the seller usually pays the conveyance fees. These fees are taken out of the sale money at closing. But, it’s possible to talk about who pays the fees, and buyers might agree to pay them in a competitive market.
Negotiation Opportunities
- Seller’s Market: Buyers might offer to pay fees to make their offer more appealing.
- Buyer’s Market: Sellers might have to pay fees to attract buyers.
- Agent Role: A good real estate agent can help lower your costs.
Payment Process
When the deed is transferred, you pay the fees to the county auditor. You can pay with cash, business checks, or cashier’s checks. Some counties, like Butler, don’t take overpayments or blank checks.
Exemptions and Reductions
Some property transfers don’t have to pay conveyance fees, and others get a discount. This can save sellers money.
Common Exemptions
- Family Transfers: Sales between spouses, to children, or their spouses are free from fees.
- Non-Profit Transfers: Sales to non-profit groups are often free from fees.
- Government Transfers: Deals with government agencies don’t have fees.
Homestead Exemption Reduction
In Franklin County, if you qualify for the homestead exemption, the county fee drops to $1 per $1,000. This makes the total fee $2 per $1,000. You can check if your property qualifies online.
How to Claim Exemptions
To claim an exemption, file a DTE Form 100EX with the county auditor. For agricultural properties, you might need a DTE Form 102.
How Conveyance Fees Impact Your Sale
Conveyance fees cut down your profit from selling a property. For example, a $241,500 Ohio home in 2025 might cost $242–$966 in fees, based on the county.
Budgeting for Fees
- Estimate Early: Use county auditor calculators to guess fees.
- Factor in Closing Costs: Fees are part of the 3% closing costs average.
Tax Implications
Conveyance fees aren’t tax-deductible on income tax returns. But, they can lower your capital gains tax. Talk to a tax expert to save more.
Conveyance Fee Process and Standards
Ohio’s conveyance process keeps property records accurate and follows state laws. County auditors and engineers check this under ORC Section 319.203.
Steps in the Conveyance Process
- Prepare Documents: Fill out a DTE Form 100 (or 100M for manufactured homes) with sale details.
- Boundary Survey: Needed for partial land sales or different descriptions, unless over 10 acres.
- Pay Fees: Pay the county auditor at transfer time.
- Record Deed: The county recorder seals the deal after approval.
Special Cases
- Land Contracts: Must follow the same standards.
- Complex Transfers: Unique cases are handled by the county auditor or engineer.
Strategies to Save on Conveyance Fees
While fees are required, you can reduce their impact with careful planning.
Negotiate with Buyers
In a competitive market, ask buyers to help with fees. A real estate agent can help negotiate a better deal.
Explore Exemptions
Check if your sale qualifies for an exemption or lower rate. This is important if you’re eligible for the homestead exemption.
Sell to Cash Buyers
Selling to cash buyers or iBuyers can save on agent fees and sometimes conveyance fees. They might cover closing costs.
Accurate Personal Property Allocation
When selling a home, include the value of personal items like appliances. This can lower the taxable real estate value. Use fair valuations and list them in the DTE Form 100.
Strategies to Reduce Conveyance Fee Costs
| Strategy | How It Saves Money | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Negotiate with Buyer | Shifts some or all fees to the buyer | Seller’s market, strong offers |
| Claim Exemptions | Eliminates or reduces fees | Family transfers, non-profits |
| Homestead Exemption | Lowers county fee in select counties | Eligible seniors, disabled sellers |
| Sell to Cash Buyer | Buyer may cover fees and commissions | Quick sales, distressed properties |
| Allocate Personal Property | Reduces taxable real estate value | Sales with significant personal items |
Source: Compiled from Ohio Real Estate Practices, 2025
County-Specific Variations
Conveyance fees differ across Ohio’s 88 counties. This is due to the state’s permissive fees. Let’s look at some key counties:
Franklin County
- Total Fee: $3 per $1,000 ($1 state + $2 county).
- Homestead Reduction: $2 per $1,000 if eligible.
- Calculator: Available on the Franklin County Auditor’s website.
Clermont County
- Total Fee: $4 per $1,000 ($1 state + $3 county).
- Notes: Highest total fee in Ohio; strict standards adopted in 2024.
Cuyahoga County
- Total Fee: $4 per $1,000.
- Additional Requirements: Sale Verification Questionnaire may be required for tax valuation purposes.
Logan County
- Total Fee: $4 per $1,000.
- Example: A $56,627.80 sale rounds to $56,700, with a fee of $226.40 + $0.50.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Sale Price: Always round up to the nearest $100 to avoid underpayment.
- Missing Exemptions: Failing to file a DTE Form 100EX can cost you savings.
- Inaccurate Personal Property: Not allocating personal property value increases the taxable amount.
- Ignoring County Rules: Each county has unique standards; check with the auditor’s office.
FAQs
What is the conveyance fee for selling a house in Ohio?
The fee is $1–$4 per $1,000 of the sale price, depending on the county. There’s also a $0.50 transfer fee per parcel. For a $2415,000 home, expect to pay $242–$966.
Who pays the conveyance fee in Ohio?
The seller usually pays, but it can be negotiated. In competitive markets, buyers might cover the fees.
Are there exemptions for conveyance fees?
Yes, there are exemptions for family transfers, non-profit sales, and government transactions. Homestead exemptions can also reduce fees in some counties.
How can I calculate my conveyance fees?
Use online calculators from county auditors (e.g., Franklin or Logan County). Or multiply the sale price (rounded up to the nearest $100) by the county’s fee rate.
Can I deduct conveyance fees from taxes?
They’re not deductible from income taxes. But, they can reduce capital gains tax as selling costs. Consult a tax professional.
Conclusion
Conveyance fees in Ohio range from $1 to $4 per $1,000 of the sale price plus a $0.50 transfer fee. Sellers usually pay these fees, but there are exemptions and ways to reduce costs. Use county auditor tools to estimate fees and check for exemptions like the homestead reduction.
Consider cash buyers to save on fees. Pro Tip: Always include personal property values on the DTE Form 100 to reduce your taxable amount. Check your county auditor’s website for specific rates and exemptions to avoid surprises at closing.
