Beginning January 1, 2018, pursuant to SB 2 and the exception of the expressly exempted recordings, a fee of $75.00 will be due at the time of recording fore every real estate instrument, paper or notice required or permitted by law to be recorded, per each singer transaction, per parcel of real property. The fee imposed by this bill shall no exceed $255 per transaction.
Expressly exempt are real estate instruments, papers, or notices recorded in connection with a transfer, subject to the imposition of a documentary transfer tax as defined in Section 11911 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and any real Estate instrument, paper, or notice recorded in Connection with a transfer of real property that is a residential dwelling to an owner-occupier.*
However, for any exemption, a declaration of valid exemption may be placed on the face of each document, or on a document cover page. the cover page will become part of the document, prior to depositing with the recorder. If no valid exemption is declared, the $75.00 fee will be assessed.
*Most counties consider “recording in connection with a transfer (subject to a documentary transfer tax or residential transfer or owner-occupier). Kern, Marin, Plumis, San Diego and San Francisco do not require concurrent recording, provided the cover page details recording info for the “in connection with” documents.