Welcome Tax (Land Transfer) Calculator 2026

Estimate your land transfer tax by municipality and compare taxable base scenarios using purchase price and municipal assessment.

Municipality
Purchase price
$
Municipal assessment i
$
Estimated welcome tax
$
Taxable base used
$
Tax brackets breakdown
Bracket Rate Taxed amount Tax
Estimate only. Municipal by-laws and temporary surcharges can change rates and thresholds.

How to calculate your welcome tax (land transfer tax) in 2026?

In Quebec, the welcome tax is an unavoidable expense when buying a house or condo. However, the calculation is not based solely on the price you paid. Our tool applies the true legal formula to help you avoid unpleasant surprises at the notary's office.

The "Tax Base" Rule (The pitfall to avoid)

Provincial law requires land transfer duties to be calculated on the highest tax base among the three following values:

  • The purchase price paid for the property.
  • The amount stipulated in the deed of sale.
  • The standardized municipal assessment (the value entered on the assessment roll, multiplied by the municipality's comparative factor).

To be as accurate and conservative as possible, this calculator automatically selects the highest amount between the purchase price and the municipal assessment you enter.

Why does the choice of city change the result?

While the first two tax brackets are the same everywhere in Quebec, the law allows municipalities to add higher tax brackets for more valuable properties. Choosing the correct city from the dropdown menu is essential, as a purchase in Montreal or Laval will not be taxed the same way as in other regions.

Applicable municipal rates and regulations

Our calculator integrates the official 2026 fee schedules for the majority of major Quebec cities. By selecting your municipality, the algorithm instantly adjusts the applicable percentages for your real estate transaction to reflect current local regulations.

Municipalities available in our calculator

Here is the complete list of cities supported by our tool. Click on the name of your municipality to discover its specific rules or to access its official land transfer tax page.

Official links
Please note that some municipal websites may only be available in French.

FAQ - Welcome tax in Quebec

What is the welcome tax (land transfer tax)?

The "welcome tax" is the popular term used in Quebec for the land transfer tax (duties on transfers of immovables). It is a mandatory municipal tax charged to any new buyer when the ownership of a real estate property (house, condo, land) is transferred.

On what amount is the welcome tax calculated?

The tax is not automatically based on the purchase price. Provincial law requires using the highest tax base among these three amounts: the purchase price paid, the amount stipulated in the deed of sale, or the standardized municipal assessment (the city's assessment multiplied by the comparative factor).

When do you have to pay the welcome tax bill?

You do not pay this tax at the notary's office. The municipality will send you a bill by mail, usually 3 to 6 months after the deed of sale is signed. Once you receive the invoice, you have a strict 30-day deadline to pay the full amount.

Are there any exemptions to avoid paying the welcome tax?

Yes, certain situations qualify for an exemption from the land transfer tax. The most common cases involve property transfers between close relatives (spouses, children/parents) or following a separation. Note that even with an exemption, the city may charge a "supplementary duty" of up to $200.

Can I include the welcome tax in my mortgage?

No, as a general rule, banks and lenders do not allow you to add the welcome tax amount to your mortgage balance. It is crucial to use our calculator to plan for this out-of-pocket expense, in addition to your down payment and notary fees.

Why is the municipal assessment optional in the calculator?

It greatly improves the accuracy of the estimate if the city's assessment is higher than your purchase price. If you don't have it on hand, you can leave the field empty to use only the purchase price as the baseline, but always confirm the final numbers with your notary.