Real Estate Transfer Tax Stamps

Real Estate Transfer Tax Stamps are required for property purchased or transferring title to real estate within the City of Wheaton corporate limits. Wheaton real estate transfer tax stamps are $2.50 for every $1,000 of value or fraction thereof of the full sale price or actual consideration. The buyer (or grantee) is required to purchase a real estate transfer tax stamp.

Real Estate Transfer Tax Payment Procedures

Before obtaining a Real Estate Transfer Stamp:

  • You must call 630-260-2000 to schedule a final water reading. The final Utility Bill must be paid in order to receive the Real Estate Transfer Stamp.
  • All outstanding fines and fees must be paid in order to receive the Real Estate Transfer Stamp.

Property Transactions

The buyer or grantee of real property that is not exempt must bring or email (finance@wheaton.il.us) the following documents to the Wheaton City Hall Finance Department:

Exempt Property Transactions

Property deeds or trust documents that are exempt from the real estate transfer tax requirement are still required to receive a $0 value stamp, pay a $25 administrative fee and notation of eligibility of exemption. The buyer or grantee of real property must bring the following documents to Wheaton City Hall:

Acceptable methods of payment include: cash, check, credit card and debit card.

Real Estate Transfer Tax Stamp Refunds

In certain situations, buyers may be eligible for a refund of the real transfer tax paid under the following conditions:

  1. A grantee, buyer, assignee or transferee who has paid the tax shall be entitled to a refund if:
    1.  Such grantee, buyer, assignee or transferee was a resident of a single-family dwelling or condominium unit, or owner of a commercial or retail business within the corporate limits of the City and sold said property within one (1) year prior to the purchase of an owner-occupied single-family dwelling or condominium unit or owner-occupied retail business within the City of Wheaton.
  2. A grantee, buyer, assignee or transferee who has paid the tax shall be entitled to a refund of such tax if at least one of the grantees is the natural born or adopted child of one of the sellers or grantors of the real property.

The Real Estate Transfer Tax Refund Application (PDF) form should be completed after the property purchased has closed and the property sold has closed. For refunds related to children of the seller, documentation is required to prove your relationship to the seller.