Transfer tax in Hayward: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Hayward Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Hayward's code says

Hayward code What Hayward's code adds
City transfer tax	Yes. The city taxes each deed or document that transfers real property in the city. § 8-6.05 · code text A tax is hereby imposed on each transfer, by deed, instrument, or writing, by which any lands, tenements, or other real property located in the City are sold, granted, assigned, transferred, or otherwise conveyed
Rate	$8.50 for each $1,000 of the price, or part of $1,000. § 8-6.05 · code text said tax to be at the rate of eight dollars and fifty cents ($8.50) for each one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or fractional part of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) of the value of the consideration.
Rate per $1,000	$8.50 for each $1,000 of the price. § 8-6.05 · code text said tax to be at the rate of eight dollars and fifty cents ($8.50) for each one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or fractional part of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) of the value of the consideration.
Price threshold	The tax applies only when the price is more than $100. § 8-6.05 · code text when the value of the consideration exceeds one hundred dollars ($100.00)
Who pays	Anyone who makes, signs or issues the taxed document, or benefits from it; each is jointly and severally liable. § 8-6.10 · code text Any tax imposed pursuant to section 8-6.05 hereof 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.

The California rule underneath

CA state law Underneath, California law still applies. County documentary transfer tax: A county may tax a sale over $100 at $0.55 for each $500 of value ($1.10 per $1,000), not counting liens that remain on the property (Rev. & Tax. Code § 11911(a)). City share of the tax: A city may impose half the county rate ($0.55 per $1,000); the county then credits the city tax against its own, so the combined standard rate stays $1.10 per $1,000 (Rev. & Tax. Code § 11931). California rules for buying and selling — the full state rule →

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

What is the transfer tax when you sell a home in Hayward?

Hayward taxes property transfers over $100 at $8.50 per $1,000; whoever signs or issues the deed, or benefits from it, pays.

General information, not legal advice.

Transfer tax in Hayward

Key points

What Hayward's code says

The California rule underneath

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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