The Municipality real estate transfer tax document is the Cook County Clerk's Office list titled Transfer Tax by Municipality - City or Village, updated October-2025. It shows, for each city or village, who is liable for the tax, what proof is used, what an exemption requires and where to call or visit. Searching for Cook County property tax? This page covers that municipal transfer tax list, one of the Cook County Clerk's publications for stamp purchasers. On FillingPDF you can fill out the document online and download or print the completed PDF; the list itself is published by the Clerk at the official URL.
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What is Municipality real estate transfer tax – Cook County, IL?
The Municipality real estate transfer tax list, titled "Transfer Tax by Municipality - City or Village" and updated October-2025, is a Cook County Clerk's Office reference table of municipal transfer tax details that stamp purchasers use when dealing with a local municipality.
The Clerk compiles it as a courtesy. The list says that stamp purchasers should always consult the local municipality for the most accurate and final tax amount, and that the amounts shown are not legally binding in any way.
It is a numbered list of 77 entries, beginning with the State of Illinois and Cook County and continuing alphabetically through the cities and villages. Each entry gives:
- the municipality name, address and phone number;
- the party liable (seller, buyer, either or both);
- the proof used, such as a rubber stamp, sticker, certificate or inspection certificate;
- the exemption requirements;
- the transfer tax amount, which you should confirm with the municipality;
- the date the tax was enacted, or "Not Avail".
Some entries add local conditions, for example a presale home inspection, a water bill or certificate, or a certificate attached to the recording. Chicago's entry notes a completed form with water certification, completed online in MyDec starting 1.1.2016. The list also asks to be told if a property is in an unincorporated area. It is a reference list, not an application, and it does not itself grant an exemption.
Who needs to file Municipality real estate transfer tax – Cook County, IL?
Stamp purchasers who must deal with a Cook County municipality's real estate transfer tax use this list to find the right office and the local rules. The Clerk's note addresses them directly: they should always consult the local municipality for the most accurate and final tax amount.
Who it helps, by the list's own columns:
- Sellers and buyers checking which party is liable. The entries show seller, buyer, either or both, so the answer depends on the municipality.
- Anyone claiming an exemption, who can see the proof and requirements the municipality lists, such as a certificate attached to recording, a current water bill or an exemption letter.
- Owners of property in a municipality that requires an inspection, a compliance certificate or a water certificate before the transfer.
Exclusions and limits: the amounts on the list are not legally binding, so it does not replace the municipality's own information. If your property is in an unincorporated area, the list asks you to advise the Clerk's Office. Chicago's entry states that transfers pursuant to dissolution of marriage are not exempt.
When to file Municipality real estate transfer tax – Cook County, IL
Check this list when you are about to buy a transfer stamp or prove an exemption for a real estate transfer in a Cook County municipality; it carries no filing deadline of its own. The Clerk updates it from time to time, and this edition is marked October-2025, so confirm details with the municipality before relying on them.
The "date enacted" column records when each municipal tax began (for example 1/1/1968 for the State of Illinois and Cook County entries, or "Not Avail" where unknown). It is not a due date. Where a municipality requires an inspection, water bill or certificate, the list shows that requirement in the entry, and the municipality is the place to confirm timing.
Documents you need
- Chicago: the completed form with water certification, which the list says is required for all exempt deeds and must be completed online in MyDec starting 1.1.2016.
- Where the entry lists a certificate of payment or final payment attached to recording (for example Lansing, Park Ridge, Thornton), the certificate must be attached to the recording.
- Where the entry lists a current or final water bill as proof (for example Chicago Heights, Elgin, Maywood, Midlothian), bring that water bill.
- Where the entry requires a presale home inspection or inspection certificate (for example Berkeley, Blue Island, South Chicago Heights), obtain the inspection certificate.
- Where the entry lists an exemption letter attached to recording (Oak Lawn), attach the exemption letter.
- Where the entry lists a stamp sheet attached to recording (Evanston, Schaumburg), attach that stamp sheet.
How to fill out Municipality real estate transfer tax – Cook County, IL
Confirm the property's municipality
Identify the city or village where the property is located. If it is in an unincorporated area, advise the Cook County Clerk's Office, as the list requests.
Find the municipality entry
Locate the numbered entry under MUNICIPALITY NAME. Note the ADDRESS and PHONE for the local office.
Check the party liable
Read the PARTY LIABLE column: seller, buyer, either or both. The party differs by municipality.
Note the proof required
Read the proof column to see whether the municipality uses a rubber stamp, sticker, certificate, inspection certificate or similar proof.
Review exemption requirements
Read the EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS column for any fee, water bill, inspection or other condition tied to claiming an exemption.
Confirm amount and date
Read the TRANSFER TAX AMOUNT and DATE ENACTED columns, then contact the municipality to confirm the amount, since the list is not legally binding.
Review and download the PDF
Check the entries you need, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and contact the municipality as described under How to submit.
How to submit Municipality real estate transfer tax – Cook County, IL
This list is not filed with an agency: you read it, then deal with the municipality named in your entry, in person or by phone. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the municipality's channels.
- Municipal office: each entry gives the street address and phone number of the municipality. The State of Illinois and Cook County entries both list 118 N. Clark St., phone 312.603.5050.
- Chicago: the entry gives 121 N. LaSalle, Rm. 107, phone 312.747.4747, and notes that the completed form must be completed online in MyDec starting 1.1.2016.
- Recording: several entries say a certificate, declaration or stamp sheet is attached to the recording, for example Lansing, Glencoe, Evanston and Schaumburg. Follow the proof column for your municipality.
- Mt. Prospect agent: a separate entry lists an agent at 20 N. Wacker, #1660, phone 312.984.6400.
Fees and amounts appear in the list, but they are not legally binding. Confirm the current amount and payment method with the municipality before you pay.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating the amounts on the list as final: the Clerk states they are not legally binding and that the local municipality gives the final tax amount.
- Assuming the seller is always liable: the list shows seller, buyer, either or both depending on the municipality.
- Using the list for property in an unincorporated area without telling the Clerk's Office, which the list asks to be advised about.
- Assuming one proof works everywhere: entries differ between rubber stamp, sticker, certificate, inspection certificate and water bill requirements.
- Skipping a required inspection, compliance certificate or water bill where the entry lists one, such as Blue Island, Markham or Norridge.
- Not attaching the certificate, declaration or stamp sheet to the recording where the entry says it is attached to recording.
- Expecting an exemption on a transfer pursuant to dissolution of marriage in Chicago; the entry says those transfers are not exempt.
- Using an outdated copy: the list is marked updated October-2025 and is revised by the Clerk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cook County transfer tax by municipality list?
It is a Cook County Clerk's Office list, titled Transfer Tax by Municipality - City or Village and updated October-2025, showing for each municipality the party liable, proof used, exemption requirements, tax amount and date enacted. The Clerk compiles it as a courtesy.
Is the Cook County property tax page the same as this list?
No. This document is the municipal real estate transfer tax list for stamp purchasers. It covers who is liable, proofs and exemption requirements by municipality, and does not give a property tax bill or its details.
Are the transfer tax amounts on the list legally binding?
No. The Clerk states the amounts are not legally binding in any way and that stamp purchasers should always consult the local municipality for the most accurate and final tax amount.
Who pays the transfer tax in a Cook County municipality?
It depends on the municipality. The party liable column shows seller, buyer, either or both. For example, the State of Illinois and Cook County entries list the seller, while Burnham lists the buyer and Chicago lists both.
What if my property is in an unincorporated area?
The list asks you to advise the Cook County Clerk's Office if your property is located in an unincorporated area. The list's municipal entries do not cover that situation.
Where do I get a transfer stamp for my municipality?
Use the address and phone number in your municipality's entry. For the State of Illinois and Cook County entries the list gives 118 N. Clark St. and 312.603.5050. Chicago's entry gives 121 N. LaSalle, Rm. 107 and 312.747.4747.
How do I claim an exemption in Chicago?
Chicago's entry lists a completed form, with water certification required for all exempt deeds, and says it must be completed online in MyDec starting 1.1.2016. It also states that transfers pursuant to dissolution of marriage are not exempt.
Can I fill out this document online on FillingPDF?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is independent, is not connected to Cook County, and does not file anything or pay any tax; you deal with the municipality directly.
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