Free California Quitclaim Deed

Table of Contents

1. Quitclaim Deed California Sample (PDF & Word)
2. What is a California Quitclaim Deed?
3. How to Fill Out a California Quitclaim Deed Form

1. Quitclaim Deed California Sample (PDF & Word)

Your Free California Quitclaim Deed Form (MS Word)

This free sample of a California quitclaim deed is yours to download and print at no cost. Quickly and easily transfer your interest in real property to another party.

California Quitclaim Deed Form (PDF)

Take a look at this California quitclaim deed sample PDF below to get an idea of how a finished form appears — whether you’re from San Diego, Los Angeles County, or anywhere else across the Golden State.

Quitclaim Deed

2. What is a California Quitclaim Deed?

A property owner wishing to transfer ownership interest to another individual, business, or living trust can do so in the state of California with a quitclaim deed.

Quitclaim deeds allow a Grantor, otherwise known as the owner or seller, to quit their claim to a piece of real estate and transfer the title to a Grantee (or purchaser).

As it does not guarantee the Grantor actually has any claim to the property being transferred, this type of deed is considered higher risk, and is typically used among family. Be sure to exercise due diligence before signing, and consider performing a title search on the property through your county clerk’s office.

3. How to Fill Out a California Quitclaim Deed Form

Our online builder will quickly take you step-by-step through the process of filling out your California quitclaim deed. You can also download and print our fillable quitclaim deed form for California residents.

To fill out your own quitclaim deed, follow these steps:

1. Document the Grantor — List the name and address of the current owner(s) of the property.
2. Designate the Grantee — List the name and address of the new owner(s) of the property.
3. Acquire the Assessor Parcel Number — In California, a quitclaim deed requires documentation of the property’s Assessor Parcel Number (APN). This fourteen-digit code can usually be found on your property tax bill or by contacting your California county’s assessor office.
4. Note the Legal Description of the property — A legal description of the property can usually be found on the property’s deed. This is more thorough than a basic mailing address, and will convey the specific parameters of the property.
5. List any exceptions to the legal description — Exceptions to the legal description may include any easements, covenants, and restrictions of record.
6. Log the transfer tax — In California, the Documentary Transfer Tax Act allows any county the ability to impose a tax at the rate of fifty-five cents for each five hundred dollars for which the property is valued or amount paid as consideration for the property transfer.
7. Notarize the deed — A notary public must be present at the time the Grantor signs a California quitclaim deed.

How to File a Quitclaim Deed in California

Filing a quitclaim deed in California requires a couple quick steps before finalizing the transfer:

Complete Form BOE-502-A — Otherwise known as a Preliminary Change of Ownership, Form BOE-502-A is necessary for all changes in ownership to be presented to any California county recorder.

Submit your property transfer documentation — After you’ve successfully filled out your quitclaim deed and Form BOE-502-A, it’s time to submit your property transfer documentation to the county recorder’s office. You can easily find the location of your local recorder’s office on the California State Board of Equalization website.

Note that filing costs may be associated with any recordation of your property transfer. Also, if you present a quitclaim deed to the county recorder without the proper forms, you may be charged additional recording fee.

Tax Implications of a Quitclaim Deed in California

In addition to the basic requirements for a valid deed in California, all back taxes still owed on the property must be paid in full before any transfer takes place.

Any quitclaim deed transfer that involves a monetary consideration (payment made to acquire the property) will likely be subject to the California Documentary Transfer Tax.

What if I want to waive payment for the property?

If both parties agree to waive any payment for the property, then the recipient must pay a gift tax. However, gift taxes do not apply to any property transfer that is placed into a living trust or transferred between spouses.

Gifts that are significantly valuable, such as real property, should be formally recorded with a gift affidavit to clearly state and protect the intentions of the gift giver.

Are there other tax exemptions for a quitclaim deed in California?

Additional exemptions may exist for inherited property or property transferred from a parent to a child.

There are numerous tax exemptions for property transferred using a quitclaim deed. Be sure to check with the California State Board of Equalization or your county assessor to see if you qualify.