[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 1]
This Part shall be known as the "East Pennsboro Township Realty
Transfer Tax Ordinance."
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 2]
This realty transfer tax is levied under authority of Article
XI-D, entitled "Local Real Estate Transfer Tax," of the Pennsylvania
Real Estate Transfer Tax Act, which is a new Article added by Act
77-1986 (Act of July 2, 1986, No. 77, P.L. _____) to the Pennsylvania
Real Estate Transfer Tax Act, Act 14-1-81 (Act of May 5, 1981, No.
14, P.L. 36) as amended. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Transfer Tax
Act is codified as 72 P.S. 8101-C et seq., and Article XI-D is codified
as 72 P.S. 8101-D et seq.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 3]
The following words when used in this Part shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section:
A partnership, limited partnership, or any other form of
unincorporated enterprise owned or conducted by two or more persons.
The Recorder of Deeds of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
who is hereby appointed collector of the tax levied by this Part.
A corporation, joint-stock association, business trust, or
banking institution which is organized under the laws of this commonwealth,
the United States, or any other state, territory, or foreign country,
or dependency.
Any deed, instrument or writing which conveys, transfers, demises, vests, confirms or evidences any transfer or demise of title to real estate within the Township, but does not include wills, mortgages, deeds of trust or other instruments of like character given as security for a debt and deeds of release thereof to the debtor, land contracts whereby the legal title does not pass to the grantee until the total consideration specified in the contract has been paid or any cancellation thereof unless the consideration is payable over a period of time exceeding 30 days or instruments which solely grant, vest or confirm a public utility easement. "Document" shall also include a declaration of acquisition required to be presented for recording under § 24-109 of this Part.
A corporation of which at least 75% of its assets are devoted
to the business of agriculture and at least 75% of each class of stock
of the corporation is continuously owned by members of the same family.
The business of agriculture shall not be deemed to include:
Recreation activities such as, but not limited to, hunting,
fishing, camping, skiing, show competition or racing.
The raising, breeding or training of game animals or birds,
fish, cats, dogs or pets or animals intended for use in sporting or
recreational activities.
Fur farming.
Stockyard and slaughterhouse operations.
Manufacturing or processing operations of any kind.
Any individual, such individual's brothers and sisters,
the brothers and sisters of such individual's parents and grandparents,
the ancestors and lineal descendants of any of the foregoing, a spouse
of any of the foregoing, and the estate of any of the foregoing. Individuals
related by the half blood or legal adoption shall be treated as if
they were related by the whole blood.
Every natural person, association, or corporation or entity
of any kind. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing
a fine or imprisonment, or both, the term "person" as applied to associations,
shall include the responsible members or general partners thereof,
and as applied to corporations, the officers thereof.
Any lands, tenements or hereditaments within this Township,
including, without limitation, buildings, structures, fixtures, mines,
minerals, oil, gas, quarries, spaces with or without upper or lower
boundaries, trees, and other improvements, immovables or interests
which by custom, usage or law pass with a conveyance of land, but
excluding permanently attached machinery and equipment in any industrial
plant.
A condominium unit.
A tenant-stockholder's interest in a cooperative housing
corporation, trust or association under a proprietary lease or occupancy
agreement.
A corporation or association which is primarily engaged in
the business of holding, selling or leasing real estate, 90% or more
of the ownership interest in which is held by 35 or fewer persons
and which:
Derives 60% or more of its annual gross receipts from the ownership
or disposition of real estate.
Holds real estate, the value of which comprises 90% or more
of the value of its entire tangible asset holdings exclusive of tangible
assets which are freely transferable and actively traded on an established
market.
Any interest in real estate which endures for a period of time
the termination of which is not fixed or ascertained by a specified
number of years, including, without limitation, an estate in fee simple,
life estate, or perpetual leasehold.
Any interest in real estate enduring for a fixed period of years
but which, either by reason of the length of the term or the grant
of a right to extend the term by renewal or otherwise, consists of
a group of rights approximating those of an estate in fee simple,
life estate or perpetual leasehold, including without limitation a
leasehold interest or possessory interest under a lease or occupancy
agreement for a term of 30 years or more or a leasehold interest or
possessory interest in real estate in which the lessee has equity.
The Township of East Pennsboro in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
The making, execution, delivering, accepting, or presenting
for recording of a document.
In the case of any bona fide sale of real estate at arm's
length for actual monetary worth, the amount of the actual consideration
therefor, paid or to be paid, including liens or other encumbrances
thereon existing before the transfer and not removed thereby, whether
or not the underlying indebtedness is assumed, and ground rents, or
a commensurate part thereof where such liens or other encumbrances
and ground rents also encumber or are charged against other real estate;
provided, that where such documents shall set forth a nominal consideration,
the "value" thereof shall be determined from the price set forth in
or actual consideration for the contract of sale.
In the case of a gift, sale by execution upon a judgment or
upon the foreclosure of a mortgage by a judicial officer, transactions
without consideration or for consideration less than the actual monetary
worth of the real estate, a taxable lease, an occupancy agreement,
a leasehold or possessory interest, any exchange of properties, or
the real estate of an acquired company, the actual monetary worth
of the real estate within the Township determined by adjusting the
assessed value of the real estate for local real estate tax purposes
for the common level ratio of assessed values to market values of
the taxing district in which the Township is located as established
by the State Tax Equalization Board, or a commensurate part of the
assessment where the assessment includes other real estate.
In the case of an easement or other interest in real estate
the value of which is not determinable under Subparagraph (1) or (2),
the actual monetary worth of such interest.
The actual consideration for or actual monetary worth of any
executory agreement for the construction of buildings, structures
or other permanent improvements to real estate between the grantor
and other persons existing before the transfer and not removed thereby
or between the grantor, the agent or principle of the grantor or a
related corporation, association or partnership and the grantee existing
before or effective with the transfer.
The singular shall include the plural and the masculine shall
include the feminine and neuter.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 4; as amended by Ord.
757-2009, 7/1/2009]
1.
A tax is hereby levied and imposed, for general Township purposes,
on every real estate transaction, at the rate of 1% of the value of
the real estate represented by the document involved in the real estate
transaction.
2.
The tax shall be payable at the earlier of the time the document
is presented for recording, within 30 days of acceptance of the document,
or within 30 days of becoming an acquired company.
3.
If the real estate is located partially within and partially outside
the Township, the tax shall be calculated on the value of the portion
within the Township.
4.
The tax imposed hereunder shall be due and payable to the collector,
as a joint and several liability, by every person who makes, executes,
delivers, accepts or presents for recording any document, or in whose
behalf any document is made, executed, delivered, accepted or presented
for recording. In the case of an acquired company, the company shall
also have liability for payment of the tax. All such persons shall
also be liable for any penalties imposed under this Part.
5.
It is the intent of this Part that the entire burden of the tax imposed
on a real estate transaction by the Township and other political subdivisions
shall not exceed the limitations prescribed in § 8 of the
Local Tax Enabling Act, 53 P.S. § 6908, so that if any other
political subdivision imposes a tax on real estate transactions taxes
under this Part, the provisions of said § 8 shall apply.
6.
The tax imposed under Subsection 1 above and all applicable interest and penalties shall be administered, collected and enforced under the Act of December 31, 1965, P.L. 1257, No. 511, as amended, known as the "Local Tax Enabling Act, 53 P.S. § 6901 et seq."; provided that, if the correct amount of the tax is not paid by the last date prescribed for timely payment, Township, pursuant to § 1102-D of the Tax Reform Code of 1971, 72 P.S. § 8102-D, authorizes and directs the Department of Revenue of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to determine, collect and enforce the tax, interest and penalties.
7.
Any tax imposed under Subsection 1 that is not paid by the date tax is due shall bear interest as prescribed for interest on delinquent municipal claims under the Act of May 16, 1923, P.L. 207, No. 153, 53 P.S. § 7101 et seq., as amended, known as the "Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act." The interest rate shall be the lesser of the interest rate imposed upon delinquent commonwealth taxes as provided in § 806 of the Act of April 9, 1929, P.L. 343, No. 176, 72 P.S. § 806, as amended, known as the "Fiscal Code," or the maximum interest rate permitted under the Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act, 53 P.S. § 7101 et seq., for tax claims.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 5]
The payment of the tax imposed hereunder shall be evidenced
by the collector affixing on the document an official stamp or writing
setting forth the date of payment of the tax and amount of tax paid.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 6]
The United States, the commonwealth, or any of their instrumentalities,
agencies or political subdivisions shall be exempt from payment of
the tax imposed by this Part. The exemption of such governmental bodies
shall not, however, relieve any other party to a transaction from
liability for the tax.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 7]
1.
The tax imposed by this Part shall not be imposed upon:
A.
A transfer to the commonwealth, or to any of its instrumentalities,
agencies or political subdivisions, by gift, dedication or deed in
lieu of condemnation or deed of confirmation in connection with condemnation
proceedings, or a reconveyance by the condemning body of the property
condemned to the owner of record at the time of condemnation which
reconveyance may include property line adjustments provided said reconveyance
is made within one year from the date of condemnation.
B.
A document which the Township is prohibited from taxing under the
Constitution or statutes of the United States.
C.
A conveyance to a municipality, township, school district or county
pursuant to acquisition by the municipality, township, school district
or county of a tax delinquent property at sheriff sale or tax claim
bureau sale.
D.
A transfer for no or nominal actual consideration which corrects
or confirms a transfer previously recorded, but which does not extend
or limit existing record legal title or interest.
E.
A transfer of division in kind for no or nominal actual consideration
of property passed by testate or intestate succession and held by
cotenants; however, if any of the parties take shares greater in value
than their undivided interest, tax is due on the excess.
F.
A transfer between husband and wife, between persons who were previously
husband and wife who have since been divorced, provided the property
or interest therein subject to such transfer was acquired by the husband
and wife or husband or wife prior to the granting of the final decree
in divorce, between parent and child or the spouse of such child,
between brother or sister or spouse of a brother or sister and brother
or sister or the spouse of a brother or sister, and between a grandparent
and grandchild or the spouse of such grandchild, except that a subsequent
transfer by the grantee within one year shall be subject to a tax
as if the grantor were making such transfer.
G.
A transfer for no or nominal actual consideration of property passing
by testate or intestate succession from a personal representative
of a decedent to the decedent's devisee or heir.
H.
A transfer for no or nominal actual consideration to a trustee of
an ordinary trust where the transfer of the same property would be
exempt if the transfer was made directly from the grantor to all of
the possible beneficiaries, whether or not such beneficiaries are
contingent or specifically named. No such exemption shall be granted
unless the Recorder of Deeds is presented with a copy of the trust
instrument that clearly identifies the grantor and all possible beneficiaries.
I.
A transfer for no or nominal actual consideration from a trustee
to a beneficiary of an ordinary trust.
J.
A transfer for no or nominal actual consideration from trustee to
successor trustee.
K.
A transfer:
(1)
For no or nominal actual consideration between principal and
agent or straw party.
(2)
From or to an agent or straw party where, if the agent or straw
party were his principal, no tax would be imposed under this Part.
(3)
Where the document by which title is acquired by a grantee or
statement of value fails to set forth that the property was acquired
by the grantee from, or for the benefit of, his principal, there is
a rebuttable presumption that the property is the property of the
grantee in his individual capacity if the grantee claims an exemption
from taxation under this paragraph.
L.
A transfer made pursuant to the statutory merger or consolidation
of a corporation or statutory division of a nonprofit corporation,
except where the Township reasonable determines that the primary intent
for such merger, consolidation or division is avoidance of the tax
imposed by this Part.
M.
A transfer from a corporation or association of real estate held
of record in the name of the corporation or association where the
grantee owns stock of the corporation or an interest in the association
in the same proportion as his interest in or ownership of the real
estate being conveyed and where the stock of the corporation or the
interest in the association has been held by the grantee for more
than two years.
N.
A transfer from a nonprofit industrial development agency or authority
to a grantee of property conveyed by the grantee to that agency or
authority as security for a debt of the grantee or a transfer to a
nonprofit industrial development agency or authority.
O.
A transfer from a nonprofit industrial development agency or authority
to a grantee purchasing directly from it, but only if:
(1)
The grantee shall directly use such real estate for the primary
purpose of manufacturing, fabricating, compounding, processing, publishing,
research and development, transportation, energy conservation, energy
production, pollution control, warehousing or agriculture.
(2)
The agency or authority has the full ownership interest in the
real estate transferred.
P.
A transfer by a mortgager to the holder of a bona fide mortgage in
default in lieu of a foreclosure or a transfer pursuant to a judicial
sale in which the successful bidder is the bona fide holder of a mortgage,
unless the holder assigns the bid to another person.
Q.
Any transfer between religious organizations or other bodies or persons
holding title for a religious organization if such real estate is
not being or has not been used by such transferor for commercial purposes.
R.
A transfer to a conservancy which possesses a tax exempt status pursuant
to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, 68A
Stat. 3, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3), and which has as its primary
purposes preservation of land for historic, recreational, scenic,
agricultural or open space opportunities.
S.
A transfer of real estate devoted to the business of agriculture
to a family farm corporation by a member of the same family which
directly owns at least 75% of each class of the stock thereof.
T.
A transfer between members of the same family of an ownership interest
in a real estate company or family farm corporation.
U.
A transaction wherein the tax due is $1 or less.
V.
Leases for the production or extraction of coal, oil, natural gas
or minerals and assignments thereof.
2.
In order to exercise any exclusion provided in this section, the
true, full and complete value of the transfer shall be shown on the
statement of value. For leases of coal, oil, natural gas or minerals,
the statement of value may be limited to an explanation of the reason
such document is not subject to tax under this Part.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 8]
Except as otherwise provided in § 24-107 of this Part, documents which make, confirm or evidence any transfer or demise of title to real estate between associations or corporations and the members, partners, shareholders or stockholders thereof are fully taxable. For the purposes of this Part, corporations and associations are entities separate from their members, partners, stockholders or shareholders.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 9]
1.
A real estate company is an acquired company upon a change in the
ownership interest in the company, however effected, if the change:
2.
With respect to real estate acquired after February 16, 1986, a family
farm corporation is an acquired company when, because of voluntary
or involuntary dissolution, it ceases to be a family farm corporation
or when, because of issuance or transfer of stock or because of acquisition
or transfer of assets that are devoted to the business of agriculture,
it fails to meet the minimum requirements of a family farm corporation
under this Part.
3.
Within 30 days after becoming an acquired company, the company shall
present a declaration of acquisition to the collector for recording
and for the affixation of the official stamp or writing evidencing
payment of the tax. Such declaration shall set forth the value of
real estate holdings of the acquired company in the Township.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 10]
1.
Where there is a transfer of a residential property by a licensed
real estate broker, which property was transferred to him within the
preceding year as consideration for the purchase of other residential
property, a credit for the amount of the tax paid at the time of the
transfer to him shall be given to him toward the amount of the tax
due upon the transfer.
2.
Where there is a transfer by a builder of residential property which
was transferred to the builder within the preceding year as consideration
for the purchase of new, previously unoccupied residential property,
a credit for the amount of the tax paid at the time of the transfer
to the builder shall be given to the builder toward the amount of
the tax due upon the transfer.
3.
Where there is a transfer of real estate which is demised by the
grantor, a credit for the amount of tax paid at the time of the demise
shall be given the grantor toward the tax due upon the transfer.
4.
Where there is a conveyance by deed of real estate which was previously
sold under a land contract by the grantor, a credit for the amount
of tax paid at the time of the sale shall be given the grantor toward
the tax due upon the deed.
5.
If the tax due upon the transfer is greater than the credit given
under this section, the difference shall be paid. If the credit allowed
is greater than the amount of tax due, no refund or carryover credit
shall be allowed.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 11]
In determining the term of a lease, it shall be presumed that
a right or option to renew or extend a lease will be exercised if
the rental charge to the lessee is fixed or if a method for calculating
the rental charge is established.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 12]
The tax herein imposed shall be fully paid, and have priority
out of the proceeds of any judicial sale of real estate before any
other obligation, claim, lien, judgment, estate or costs of the sale
and of the writ upon which the sale is made, and the sheriff, or other
officer, conducting said sale, shall pay the tax herein imposed out
of the first moneys paid to him in connection therewith. If the proceeds
of the sale are insufficient to pay the entire tax herein imposed,
the purchaser shall be liable for the remaining tax.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 14; as amended by Ord.
757-2009, 7/1/2009]
1.
Every document lodged with or presented to the collector for recording
shall set forth therein and as a part of such document the true, full
and complete value thereof, or shall be accompanied by a statement
of value executed by a responsible person connected with the transaction
showing such connection and setting forth the true, full and complete
value thereof or the reason, if any, why such document is not subject
to tax under this Part. The provision of this section shall not apply
to any excludable real estate transfers which are exempt from taxation
based on family relationship. Other documents presented for the affixation
of stamps shall be accompanied by a certified copy of the document
and statement of value executed by a responsible person connected
with the transaction showing such connection and setting forth the
true, full and complete value thereof or the reason, if any, why such
document is not subject to tax under this Part. The certified copy
and statement of value shall be filed with the collector.
2.
Any Recorder of Deeds who shall record any document upon which tax
is imposed by this Part without the proper documentary stamp or stamps
affixed thereto as required by this Part as is indicated in such document
or accompanying statement of value shall, upon conviction, shall be
sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $600 plus costs and, in default
of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to
exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues shall
constitute a separate offense.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 14]
1.
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
A.
Make, execute, deliver, accept, or present for recording or cause
to be made, executed, delivered, accepted, or presented for recording
any document without the full amount of tax thereon being duly paid.
B.
Fail to record a declaration of acquisition, as required by this
Part.
C.
Fraudulently affix to any document any forged evidence of payment.
D.
Fail, neglect or refuse to comply with or violate other provisions
of this Part or any rules and regulations promulgated by the Township
under this Part, or any rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania
Department of Revenue to the extent applicable to the tax levied hereunder.
2.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall
be guilty of a summary offense.
3.
A person who makes a false statement of value or declaration of acquisition,
when he does not believe the statement or declaration to be true,
is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 15]
1.
If any tax owing under the terms of this Part shall not be paid when
due, 10% of the amount of the tax shall be added and collected as
an initial penalty for nonpayment or underpayment of the tax.
2.
In addition, if any tax owing under the terms of this Part shall
not be paid when due, a penalty shall accrue on the amount of the
unpaid tax at the rate of 1% per month or fractional part of a month,
on the amount of the unpaid tax, from the due date until the amount
of the tax is paid in full.
3.
In addition, in the case of failure of any acquired company to record
a declaration of acquisition, as required by this Part, unless it
is shown to the satisfaction of the Township that such failure is
due to reasonable cause, a penalty shall accrue on the amount of the
unpaid tax at the rate of 5% per month or fractional part of a month,
on the amount of the unpaid tax, from the date until the amount of
the tax is paid in full. This penalty shall be in addition to all
other penalties, but shall not in the aggregate exceed 50% of the
amount of the unpaid tax.
4.
In addition, if any part of any underpayment of tax is due to fraud,
there shall be added to the tax an amount equal to 50% of the underpayment.
5.
In addition, if the Township files suit in order to collect the amount
of any tax not paid when due under this Part, at the discretion of
the court, any person liable for payment of the tax shall also be
liable for reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the Township
in prosecution of the suit.
6.
No document upon which tax is imposed by this Part shall at any time
be made the basis of any action or other legal proceeding, nor shall
proof thereof be offered or received in evidence in any court of this
commonwealth, or recorded in the office of any Recorder of Deeds of
any county of this commonwealth, unless the tax imposed hereunder
shall have been paid in full and evidence of payment have been affixed
thereto by the collector.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 16]
The tax imposed by this Part, together with all penalties, shall
be a lien against the real estate to which the document relates and,
in the case of an acquired company, the real estate owned by the acquired
company. The lien shall date from the time when the tax is due and
payable and shall continue until discharged by payment in full of
the tax, together with all penalties. In order to enforce the lien,
the Township may proceed under the Municipal Claims and Liens Act
of 1923, 53 P.S. § 7101 et seq., or in any other appropriate
manner.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 17]
1.
In order to determine whether the proper amount of tax has been paid,
without limiting any other rights of the Township, the Township shall
have the right to review all documents or records relating to any
real estate transaction or any related transactions, and to take such
other steps as the Township shall deem necessary or appropriate, including
a review or audit of any documents or records of any party to a real
estate transaction to determine the fair market value of the real
estate or any other relevant matter as determined by the Township.
Upon request of the Township, and at such place and time as specified
by the Township, any party shall make available to the Township any
documents or records requested by the Township.
2.
In the event any tax is not paid when due, the Township may enforce
payment of the tax, together with all penalties by suit in assumpsit
or any other appropriate means.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 18; as amended by Ord.
757-2009, 7/1/2009]
1.
As provided in 16 P.S. § 11011-6, the Recorder of Deeds
of Cumberland County shall be the collection agent of this tax, without
compensation from the Township.
2.
In order to ascertain the amount of taxes due when the property is
located in more than one political subdivision, the collector shall
not accept for recording any document unless it is accompanied by
a statement of value showing what taxes are due each political subdivision.
3.
On or before the tenth day of each month, the collector shall pay
over to the Township all taxes collected under this Part, less 2%
for use of the county, and shall also provide a report containing
the information required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in reporting
collections of the Pennsylvania realty transfer tax. The 2% commission
shall be paid to the county.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 20]
The Township may promulgate and enforce reasonable rules and
regulations for the interpretation, collection, and enforcement of
the tax.
[Ord. 453-86, 12/30/1986, § 21]
1.
To the extent this Part imposes a tax on a real estate transaction
which is subject to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania realty transfer
tax imposed by Act 77-1986, and to the extent not inconsistent herewith
or with rules or regulations adopted by the Township, this Part shall
be interpreted in the same manner as Act 77-1986 and in accordance
with regulations promulgated thereunder.
2.
The provisions of this Part, so far as they are the same as those
of ordinances in force immediately prior to adoption of this Part,
are intended as a continuation of such ordinance, and not as new enactments.
3.
This Part is intended to supplement the realty transfer tax in effect
prior to adoption of this Part by imposing a tax on real estate transactions
not covered by prior ordinances and now taxable under Act 77-1986.
This Part shall impose a tax on all transactions taxable under resolutions
levying a realty transfer tax in force immediately prior to adoption
of this Part, and also on all transactions which the Township is permitted
to tax under Act 77-1986 to the fullest extent permissible.
4.
To the extent the provisions of this Part tax real estate transactions
taxable under an ordinance levying a realty transfer tax in force
immediately prior to adoption of this Part, this Part shall supersede
said prior ordinances.
5.
In the event this Part is declared invalid, the prior ordinance or
ordinances of the Township levying a realty transfer tax shall remain
in full force and effect, and shall not be affected in any way by
adoption of this Part.
6.
The provisions of this Part shall not affect any act done or liability
incurred, nor shall they affect any suit or prosecution pending or
to be instituted to enforce any right or penalty or to punish any
offense, under the authority of any ordinance in force prior to adoption
of this Part.
