Real Estate Transfer Tax

1. Disclosure Statement - This 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.
2. Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration Form - This form must be fully completed including two signatures. At least one of the grantors (or their agent) and at least one of the grantees (or their agent) must sign this form. 
3. Copy of the New Deed - The City requires a copy of the deed that you will be filing with the Recorder of Deeds office. When applying for an exemption, the City will need the original deed and sufficient proof of all facts necessary to establish the specific claimed exemption.   
• Please note: Exemption ‘N’ requires a letter from the Director of Community Development or the Director of the Highland Park Land Trust
4. Water Utility Form - The forwarding address of the seller and the name of the buyer will be required on this form.  
• Please note: A final water bill must be prepared and paid at the time of transfer tax stamp purchase. A final meter reading may be scheduled up to one week prior to closing. See #5 for acceptable forms of payment. 
   
5. Payment - The following types of payment will be accepted: 
• Cashier’s Check 
• Certified Check 
• A 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, 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.