Chapter 3.20 — DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX

There is hereby imposed on each deed, instrument or writing by which any lands, tenements or other realty sold within the City shall be granted, assigned, transferred or otherwise conveyed to or vested in the purchaser or any other person by his or her direction, when the consideration or value of the interest or property conveyed (exclusive of the value of any lien or encumbrances remaining thereon at the time of sale) exceeds $100.00, a tax at the rate of $0.275 for each $500.00 or fractional part hereof.

(Prior code § 40-7)

The tax imposed by Section 3.20.010 shall be paid by any person who makes, signs or issues any document or instrument subject to the tax, or for whose use or benefit the same is made, signed or issued.

(Prior code § 40-8)

• A. Instruments Securing Debts. Any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to any instrument in writing given to secure a debt.

• B. Governments. The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, any State or territory, or political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia shall not be liable for any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter with respect to any deed, instrument or writing to which it is a party, but the tax may be collected by assessment from any other party liable therefor.

• C. Conveyances to Make Effective Certain Reorganizations or Adjustments. Any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to the making, delivering or filing of conveyances to make effective any plan of reorganization or adjustment:

  1. Confirmed under the Federal Bankruptcy Act, as amended.

  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.

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

Paragraphs 1 to 4, inclusive, of this subsection shall only apply if the making, delivery or filing of instruments of transfer or conveyances occurs within five years from the date of such confirmation, approval or change.

• D. Certain Conveyances to Effectuate Orders of Securities and Exchange Commission. Any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to the making or delivery of conveyances to make effective any order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as defined in subsection (a) of Section 1083 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; but only if:

  1. The order of the Securities and Exchange Commission in obedience to which such conveyance is made recites that such conveyance is necessary or appropriate to effectuate the provisions of Section 79k of Title 15 of the United States Code, relating to the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

  2. Such order specifies the property which is ordered to be conveyed.

  3. Such conveyance is made in obedience to such order.

• E. Certain Transfers of Interest by Partnerships.

  1. In the case of any realty held by a partnership, no levy shall be imposed pursuant to this chapter by reason of any transfer of an interest in a partnership or otherwise, if:

     • a. Such partnership (or another partnership) is considered a continuing partnership within the meaning of Section 708 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; and

     • b. Such continuing partnership continues to hold the realty concerned.

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

   3. Not more than one tax shall be imposed pursuant to this chapter by reason of a termination described in paragraph 2 of this subsection, and any transfer pursuant thereto, with respect to the realty held by such partnership at the time of such termination.

(Prior code §§ 40-9—40-13)

Claims for refund of taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 5096) of Part 9, Division 1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the State.

(Prior code § 40-14)

The County Recorder shall administer this chapter in conformity with the provisions of Part 6.7, Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and the provisions of any County ordinance adopted pursuant thereto.

(Prior code § 40-15)