Documentary Transfer Tax (DTT)
Important Notice
Under California law, members of the Mono County Clerk - Recorder’s Office staff are prohibited from providing legal advice. This prohibition includes offering any guidance as to what processes must be undertaken, how to complete the forms, or determining what forms are required in order to make any change in the title to real property.
General Information
Documentary transfer tax is collected on every transfer of property, unless there is a valid exemption listed. County transfer tax is computed on the full value of the property.
A documentary transfer tax declaration must be completed for all conveyances. If no documentary transfer tax is due, please indicate by entering "0" on the tax line and the appropriate Revenue & Taxation Code supporting the reason no documentary transfer tax is due.
Documentary Transfer Tax declaration example:
The undersigned grantor declares:
Documentary Transfer Tax due $ ______ .
___ Computed on full value of property conveyed, or
___ Computed on full value less liens remaining at time of sale
Town of Mammoth Lakes __________ Unincorporated Mono County ______
| Documentary Transfer Tax (DTT) | Collected on all transfers of real property, excluding liens remaining at the time of sale (R&T § 11911 & MC Ord. 379 § 2, 1967.) |
$0.55 (per $500.00) |
Most Common DTT Exemptions
The following are examples of the some of the most common conveyances that are exempt from Mono County Documentary Transfer Tax Ordinance No. 379, Ordinance No. 379-A, Ordinance No. 13-01, and Ordinance No. 81-493.
A claimed exemption must be stated on the document.
Recorder staff cannot provide legal advice on DTT Exemptions.
Gift Deed - A gift of unencumbered property where the grantee does not assume any debt or obligation is exempt from tax. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11930
Confirms Title in Grantees Name - A deed given to remove a cloud on title where the grantor has no interest in the property, such as one spouse deeding to the other to remove any possible community property interest, or a deed to remove an expired option to purchase, is exempt from tax. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11911
Certain Trust Transfers - A deed that transfers the grantor's interest to or from a revocable trust, when the trust is for the benefit of the grantor, is exempt from the tax. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11930
Changes Manner in Which Title is Held - This only applies to conveyance where the grantors and grantees are the same and their percentage of interest does not change. A deed changing joint tenants to community property is the most common example of this exemption. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11911
Certain Court Ordered Conveyances - If a court orders that property be conveyed for no consideration the conveyance is exempt from tax. A court ordered deed to partition property between multiple owners is an example. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11911
Confirms Name Change - This applies to a change in the name of the entity holding title, not a change in the entity. A name change upon marriage or a corporate name change are examples of this exemption. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11911
Agent Acting for Principal - A deed wherein the grantor is acting as an agent for the grantee and is acting solely in his/her capacity as an agent is exempt for the tax. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11911
Certain Leases and Assignments of Lease - A lease or assignment of lease with a term, plus any options for renewal, of less than 35 years is exempt from tax. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11911
A change in the method of holding title to the realty and in which proportional ownership interests in the realty, whether represented by stock, membership interest, partnership interest, cotenancy interest, or otherwise remain the same immediately after the transfer. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11925
A transfer between spouses that allocates property assets under a judgment of dissolution of marriage or an agreement in contemplation of such judgment or order. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11927
Deed to a Public Entity. Any deed to a political subdivision of the United States is exempt from transfer tax. Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11922
