Real Estate Transfer Tax

In 1986, the City of Evanston enacted a Real Estate Transfer Tax (Ord. 33-O-86) on the transfer of real property. The City Collector's office collects the t ax and issues exemptions from the tax. It is paid by the seller, unless other arrangements have been made by contract. Revenue from this tax goes into the City's General Fund.

Sale Rates Effective January 1, 2019 (per Ord 148-O-18):

For sales prices up to $1,500,000, the tax imposed is $5 for every $1,000 value or fraction thereof.
For sales prices from $1,500,000.01 to $5,000,000, the tax imposed is $7 for every $1,000 value or fraction thereof.
For sales prices from $5,000,000.01 or more, the tax imposed is $9 for every $1,000 value or fraction thereof.

Exemption Stamp Rate Effective March 20, 2006:

Pursuant to Evanston City Code 3-25-8-1 "Exemption Transaction Fee" There shall be a $100.00 fee for any exempt transaction enumerated in Sections 3-25-6 and 3-35-7 effective March 20, 2006.

Step 1: Submit a Request

Step 1: Submit a Transfer Stamp Request

All real estate transactions require a request to be submitted to the City of Evanston. All requests must be submitted online or by contacting 311. Applications will not be accepted in person.

Please allow FIVE (5) business days for processing (The first business day is the next business day after the request is received). No transfer stamp will be issued until this process has been completed. All debt owed to the City MUST be paid before the release of the transfer stamp.

There are two ways to submit a request for Real Estate Transfer Stamps:

Option 1: Submit your Real Estate Transfer Stamp request online.

Enter the property address in the "Issue Location" section.
Type "Real Estate Transfer Stamp" in the "Type of Issue" section. OR

Option 2: Contact Evanston 311 at 847-448-4311.

Please have the sale contract or deed accessible before calling or going online to submit the request.

Please Note: The final water bill will be completed as part of the Transfer Stamp request. Condos and vacant land are excluded.

An email notification will be sent when the request is submitted and completed. Each request submitted will have an unique request number associated with the property. The requestor will receive detailed instructions on how to acquire the transfer stamp when the request is complete. Please read the instructions on the email thoroughly and contact the Collector's office with any questions or concerns.

Step 2: Payment Options

Step 2: Submit required documentation and payment (Do not submit any documentation or payment unless Step 1 has been completed and the requestor has received an email confirmation on how to acquire the real estate transfer stamp).

In-Person

Bring two (2) copies of the Evanston Real Estate Transfer Declaration Form and any supporting documentation listed in the closing message of the request.
Separate payment for all fees associated with the property. Acceptable forms of payments: Credit Card, Money Order, Check or Cash. All checks made payable to the City of Evanston.
Please bring all required documentation and forms to the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Room 1300, Evanston, IL 60201 from 9am to 4pm.

Online:

Email the completed Evanston Real Estate Declaration Form and any supporting documentation to Rett@cityofevanston.org
The payment instructions will be sent once the completed declaration form is received.
Please advise if the stamp will be picked up or if it should be mailed after payment has been verified. If the pick-up option is selected, our office will email when the stamp is ready for release. If you want the stamp mailed, provide a shipping label.

Mail:

2 copies of the Evanston Real Estate Transfer Declaration Form and/or any supporting documentation.
Check(s) payable to the City of Evanston.
Self-Addressed stamped envelope for return.
Mailing Address: City of Evanston, City Collector’s Office, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Room 1300, Evanston, IL 60201.

Payments for Transfer stamp $5,000 or more

Questions