Chapter 9-4 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX

The ordinance codified in this chapter may be cited as the real property transfer tax ordinance of the city. It is adopted under the authority of Part 6.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the state of California, beginning with Section 11901.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

There is imposed on each instrument or writing by which land, tenement, or other realty sold within the city is transferred or conveyed to the purchaser or other grantee when the consideration or value of the interest conveyed (exclusive of the value of an encumbrance remaining at the time of sale) exceeds 100 dollars, a tax at the rate of $0.275 for each 500 dollars or fractional part of 500 dollars.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

The tax imposed under Section 9-402 shall be paid by the person who makes, signs or issues the instrument subject to the tax, or for whose use or benefit the instrument is made, signed or issued.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

The tax imposed by this chapter does not apply to an instrument in writing given to secure a debt.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

The United States or its agency or instrumentality, a state or territory, or political subdivision, or the District of Columbia is not liable for the tax imposed with respect to the instrument or writing to which it is a party, but the tax may be collected from any other party liable for it.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

(a)

The tax imposed by this chapter does not apply to a conveyance to make effective a plan of reorganization or adjustment:

(1)

Confirmed under the Federal Bankruptcy Act;

(2)

Approved in an equity receivership proceeding in a court involving a railroad corporation, as defined in subdivision (m) of Section 205 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended;

(3)

Approved in an equity receivership proceeding in a court involving a corporation, as defined in subdivision (3) of Section 506 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended; or

(4)

Whereby a mere change in identity, form or place of organization is effected.

(b)

Subparagraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a) of this section only apply if the filing of the instrument of transfer or conveyance occurs within five years from the date of confirmation, approval or change.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

The tax imposed by this chapter does not apply to the making of conveyances to make effective an order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1083 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 if:

(a)

The order of the Securities and Exchange Commission recites that the conveyance is necessary or appropriate to carry out Section 79k of Title 15 of the United States Code, relating to the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935; and

(b)

The order specifies the property which is ordered to be conveyed.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

(a)

In the case of realty held by a partnership, no levy is imposed by reason of transfer of an interest in a partnership if:

(1)

The partnership is a continuing partnership within the meaning of Section 708 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; and

(2)

The continuing partnership continues to hold the realty concerned.

(b)

If there is a termination of a partnership within the meaning of Section 708 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, for purposes of this chapter the partnership shall be treated as having executed an instrument whereby there was conveyed for fair market value (exclusive of the value of an encumbrance remaining) all realty held by the partnership at the time of termination.

(c)

Not more than one tax may be imposed by reason of a termination described in subsection (b) or any transfer pursuant to it, with respect to the realty held by the partnership at the time of termination.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

The county recorder shall administer this chapter in conformity with Part 6.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and a county ordinance adopted pursuant to it.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

A claim for refund of the tax imposed is governed by Chapter 5 of Part 9 of Division 1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the state, beginning with Section 5096.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)

This chapter becomes operative upon the operative date of any ordinance adopted by the county of Contra Costa under Part 6.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the state, beginning with Section 11901, or upon the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, whichever is the later.

(Ord. 25 § 3(10) (part), 1969; Ord. 6 § 1 (part), 1968)