How to calculate the tax on buying a second-hand house
In the process of second-hand housing transactions, taxes and fees are an expense that home buyers need to pay attention to. Different house types, areas, purchase methods, etc. will affect the calculation of taxes and fees. This article will introduce in detail the various taxes and fees involved in second-hand housing transactions, and provide structured data tables to help you clearly understand the tax calculation method.
1. Taxes and fees involved in second-hand housing transactions

Second-hand housing transactions mainly involve the following taxes: deed tax, value-added tax (business tax), personal income tax, stamp duty, land value-added tax, etc. The following is the specific calculation method of each tax:
| Tax name | Collection objects | Tax rate/calculation method | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed tax | buyer | 1%-3% | 1% for the first house below 90㎡, 1.5% for the above 90㎡; 3% for the second house |
| Value Added Tax (Business Tax) | seller | 5.3% (some cities) | Exemption for more than 2 years; tax for less than 2 years will be charged on the difference or full amount |
| personal income tax | seller | 1% or 20% difference | Only those who are over five years old are exempt from tax, otherwise it will be charged 1% or 20% of the difference. |
| stamp duty | buyers and sellers | 0.05% | Canceled in some areas |
| land value added tax | seller | Difference 30%-60% | Ordinary residences are usually exempt |
2. Example of second-hand house tax calculation
Assume that a second-hand house with a total price of 3 million yuan and an area of 100 square meters is purchased. The seller has held the property for more than 2 years but less than 5 years, and it is not the only residence. Taxes are calculated as follows:
| Tax items | Calculation method | Amount (yuan) |
|---|---|---|
| Deed tax (first house) | 3 million × 1.5% | 45,000 |
| value added tax | Exemption (over 2 years) | 0 |
| personal income tax | 3 million × 1% | 30,000 |
| stamp duty | 3 million × 0.05% × 2 | 3,000 |
| total | - | 78,000 |
3. How to reduce taxes and fees on second-hand houses?
1.Choose the only house in the world: Only those who are over five years old can be exempted from value-added tax and personal income tax, significantly reducing taxes and fees.
2.Properly plan the purchase area: The deed tax is only 1% for the first house below 90㎡, and 1.5% for the first house over 90㎡.
3.Pay attention to local policies: Some cities have tax reduction and exemption policies for talents purchasing houses or first homes. You can consult the local housing authority.
4.Negotiate tax sharing: Buyers and sellers can negotiate that one or both parties should bear the taxes and fees jointly to reduce their own expenses.
4. Answers to popular questions
Q: Should the tax on second-hand houses be paid by the buyer or the seller?
A: The deed tax is borne by the buyer, and the value-added tax and personal income tax are borne by the seller, but they can be adjusted through negotiation in the actual transaction.
Q: What is the difference between full two and full five?
A: Those who have reached the second year can be exempted from VAT, and those who have reached the fifth year can only be exempted from the VAT and personal income tax.
Q: Can I get a loan for taxes on second-hand houses?
A: Taxes usually require a one-time payment and no loans are available, but some intermediaries or financial institutions provide short-term advance services.
5. Summary
When buying a second-hand home, taxes are one of the important costs. Understanding the calculation methods of various taxes and fees, and rationally choosing housing and transaction strategies can effectively reduce the cost of purchasing a house. It is recommended to consult a professional intermediary or tax agency before trading to ensure that the tax calculation is accurate.
The data in this article are for reference only. Specific taxes and fees are subject to local policies.
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