Document filing fees increased

The recently passed Pennsylvania 2014-15 budget includes an increase in filing fees for all documents filed with the Record of Deeds including real estate-related items. The $12 increase was enacted through two different vehicles and is designated to the state judicial system. Ten dollars of the increase is effective immediately and the remaining $2 will be implemented August 8.

The fees will affect filing of deeds, mortgages, assignments of mortgages, release of mortgages, satisfaction of mortgages, installment of sales, easements, rights-of-way and 30+ year leases.

“I don’t think anyone really knew this was coming because it was enacted through the budget process,” said Brett Woodburn, PAR legal counsel with Caldwell and Kearns. “We’re seeing different counties implementing the new filing fees inconsistently. Some implemented immediately and it’s unclear as to how others will proceed. They don’t have a choice but to apply this increase.

“We’ve heard of transactions that closed prior to the budget signing and the deed was sent for recording and then the title company was informed that it owed an additional fee for filing,” Woodburn added.

Realtors® are urged to contact their local Recorder of Deeds to determine how and when the increases are being implemented.

The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® is disappointed that the legislature and governor have elected to raise the document filing fees. The association is always concerned when additional fees are added to the real estate transaction. Pennsylvania already has some of the highest real estate transfer taxes and fees in the country.