MA S1937

Cities and towns with municipal affordable housing trust funds may impose a transfer fee of 0.5% to 2% on real estate sales, with revenues deposited into local or regional affordable housing funds for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing

Transfers below $1,000,000 or 100% of the county median single-family home price (whichever is less) are exempt, along with gifts under $100, government transfers, family transfers, foreclosures, divorce-related divisions, and properties with affordable housing restrictions

MBTA communities must first comply with Section 3A of Chapter 40A (multi-family zoning requirements) before imposing the transfer fee

Settlement agents must pay the fee within 7 days of transfer, accompanied by an affidavit attesting to the purchase price, fee amount, and any exemption basis

Municipalities must submit annual reports to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities detailing fees collected and affordable housing expenditures, with unused funds subject to forfeiture