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Government AffairsRecording fees to increase despite PAR opposition
Starting in December it will cost consumers an additional $13.50 to file a document for recordation, thanks to a bill signed into law earlier this month. PAR opposed the legislation.
“We lost this battle but the Pennsylvania real estate industry is lucky not to have incurred an increase in the realty transfer tax or a sales tax on services, as we have fought in other budgets,” said PAR President Greg Herb.
Gov. Ed Rendell signed Act 49 into law on Oct. 9. Act 49 was HB 1607, amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
Starting Dec. 9, Recorders of Deeds will collect the mandated fee for each document submitted for recordation. Funds are specifically designated to fund constable training and full-time county district attorney salaries.
Funds will be deposited into the state’s Judicial Computer System Augmentation Account, Access to Justice Account and Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.
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Jennifer Shockley is the Assistant Director of Public Policy and Political Affairs at the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®. |
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Who knows what other “goodies” Rendell has slipped into this year’s budget?
Now more than ever, Realtors must be alert to any new fees, big and small. While we won the big battles of Realty Transfer Tax increase and Sales Taxes on Commission earned, this small increase in recording fees will hurt our Buyers, our industry and US.
My only suggestions are to contribute generously to RPAC and to aways respond to Realtors Call to Action requests.
PAR is on the lookout for us, but Realtors need to help themselves, too.