Recording 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.