AN TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE REALTY TRANSFER TAX.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Jack Walsh and 1 co-sponsor

HB 416 aims to modify Delaware's Realty Transfer Tax, affecting how real estate transfers are taxed, collected, and administered.

Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House

Summary of HB 416 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

HB 416 proposes amendments to Title 30 of the Delaware Code related to the Realty Transfer Tax. The bill is aimed at modifying aspects of how the realty transfer tax is calculated, collected, or administered within the state. The specific rationale or policy goals are not provided in the available information, but the changes would affect taxpayers, real estate transactions, and state revenue administration.

Key provisions and changes

The bill amends provisions within Title 30 governing the Realty Transfer Tax. While the exact textual changes are not provided in this summary, typical adjustments in this area may include:

Revisions to tax rate structure or calculation methodology for real estate transfers.
Updates to exemptions, deductions, or thresholds applicable to the transfer tax.
Changes to administrative procedures, filing requirements, or reporting timelines for transaction parties.
Modifications to how the tax is collected (e.g., by the seller, buyer, or through a closing agent) or how revenues are allocated or appropriated.

The presence of a dedicated title indicates targeted changes rather than a broad overhaul of the real estate tax regime.

Who would be affected

Property sellers and buyers engaged in conveyances subject to the Realty Transfer Tax.

Real estate professionals, title companies, closing agents, and attorneys who handle real estate transactions in Delaware.

Tax administration and revenue collection offices responsible for implementing and enforcing the transfer tax rules.

Potentially, sectors influenced by real estate market activity if the changes alter the cost of transactions or timing of payments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and assigned to the Revenue & Finance Committee in the Delaware House on May 12, 2026.

Next steps typically involve committee review, potential amendments, and floor consideration. If advanced, the bill would proceed to the full House, then to the Senate, and eventually to the governor for signature or veto, subject to legislative timelines.

Any fiscal impact statements, hearings, or amendments would be developed during committee proceedings, outlining anticipated revenue effects and administrative costs.

Notable contextual considerations

The bill does not include in the provided information the exact text of the amendments, making precise details about rate changes, exemptions, or administrative shifts unclear.

Stakeholders should watch for committee reports or published fiscal notes to understand the anticipated revenue impact and any transitional provisions (e.g., effective dates, phase-ins, or applicability to transactions occurring after a certain date).

If you have access to the bill’s text or a fiscal note, I can provide a more precise, line-by-line summary of the specific provisions and their implications.