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.