Guides
The Aspen real estate transfer tax.
What the buyer pays at closing inside City of Aspen and Snowmass Village limits, with worked examples.
The two Aspen transfer taxes
Property sales inside City of Aspen limits carry two real estate transfer taxes (RETT):
- Housing RETT: 1%, effective since 1989, funding affordable housing. The first $100,000 of the price is excluded.
- Wheeler RETT: 0.5%, levied since 1979 and extended through 2039, funding the Wheeler Opera House and the arts. It applies to the full price.
Transfer taxes are the responsibility of the buyer and are paid at closing. Unpaid tax can become a lien on the property.
Worked examples
| Price | Housing RETT (1% above $100k) | Wheeler RETT (0.5%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000,000 | $19,000 | $10,000 | $29,000 |
| $5,000,000 | $49,000 | $25,000 | $74,000 |
| $10,000,000 | $99,000 | $50,000 | $149,000 |
| $20,000,000 | $199,000 | $100,000 | $299,000 |
Snowmass Village
The Town of Snowmass Village charges its own transfer tax of 1% of the purchase price, paid by the purchaser at the time of transfer.
Exemptions
Existing deed-restricted affordable housing is exempt from the housing RETT. The city code also exempts certain transfers, including gifts without consideration, transfers on death and transfers to secure a debt. Exemptions are claimed on the city's form at closing.
Outside Aspen and Snowmass Village
These transfer taxes apply only inside the two towns' limits. Properties in Woody Creek, Basalt, Carbondale and Redstone are not subject to either.
Rates checked against aspen.gov and snowmass.gov in October 2026. This is general information, not tax or legal advice; your title company confirms the exact figures for each closing.
Questions
Common questions.
What is the Aspen real estate transfer tax rate?
Inside City of Aspen limits there are two transfer taxes: a 1% housing RETT and a 0.5% Wheeler RETT, for 1.5% in total. The first $100,000 of the price is excluded from the 1% housing tax only.
Who pays the transfer tax in Aspen?
The buyer. The City of Aspen states that transfer taxes are the responsibility of the purchasing party. It is paid at closing, and unpaid tax can become a lien on the property.
How much is the transfer tax on a $5 million home in Aspen?
The housing RETT is 1% of $4,900,000 ($5,000,000 less the $100,000 exclusion), which is $49,000. The Wheeler RETT is 0.5% of $5,000,000, which is $25,000. Together that is $74,000.
Is there a transfer tax in Snowmass Village?
Yes. The Town of Snowmass Village charges 1% of the purchase price, paid by the purchaser at the time of transfer.
Are any sales exempt from the Aspen transfer tax?
Some are. Deed-restricted affordable housing is exempt from the housing RETT, and the city code exempts certain transfers such as gifts without consideration, transfers on death and transfers to secure a debt. Exemptions must be claimed on the city's form.
Does Woody Creek or Basalt have the Aspen transfer tax?
No. Aspen's transfer taxes apply only inside City of Aspen limits, and Snowmass Village's only inside the town. Properties elsewhere in the valley are not subject to either; check the jurisdiction of any specific property before you buy.
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