caption freeform

Real Estate Transfer Tax

Instructions for Purchasing Transfer Tax Stamps
Requirements to purchase Real Estate Transfer Tax stamps from the City of Highland Park:

  1. Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration Form - Must be fully completed including two signatures.  One of the transferor (or their agent) and one of the transferee (or their agent) must sign this form.

  2. Disclosure Statement – Must be signed by all of the transferors (sellers) and transferees (buyers) of the subject property, or by their respective attorneys. All signatures must be notarized on the acknowledgement page. Copies are accepted.

  3. Copy of the New Deed - The City requires a copy of the deed that will be filed with the Recorder of Deeds office. When applying for an exemption, the City requires the original deed and sufficient proof of all facts necessary to establish the specific claimed exemption.

  4. Final Utility Request Form - The forwarding address of the seller and the name of the buyer will be required on this form. The final water bill must be paid prior to issuance of the transfer stamp. Email the completed form to Finance@cityhpil.com.
  5. Payment - The following types of payment will be accepted: 
      • Cashier’s Check 
      • Certified Check 
      • Attorney At Law Check written on the account of, the attorney or law firm representing either the transferor or transferee
      • Cash 
      • Title Company Check

All checks must be made payable to: City of Highland Park. 
PERSONAL CHECKS AND CREDIT CARDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

Stamps can be purchased in-person, by mail at:

City of Highland Park 
City Hall - Finance Department
1707 St. Johns Ave. 
Highland Park, IL 60035
847.432.0800

Or placed in the drop box located adjacent to City Hall in the parking lot off of Hazel. Please include all required forms and payment, as well as instructions on where to mail the stamp back. Please include a Fed Ex or UPS return label, if required.