What Is a Pennsylvania Quitclaim Deed?
A Pennsylvania (PA) quitclaim deed is used to transfer property without a title search. This deed is one of the fastest options, but it does not provide any guarantee that the seller or giver (grantor) of the property has the right to sell or gift the property to the other party (grantee), nor does it explore the title at all.
For properties where a title search is desired, a warranty deed provides that option. This deed takes longer, but it provides the necessary guarantees.
Quitclaim deeds in Pennsylvania are legally binding and they are best for transfers between trusted parties. Sometimes people in Pennsylvania mistakenly call these deeds “quick claim deeds,” “quit claim deeds,” or “quit claims deeds.”
Important Laws & Requirements
Laws: 21 P.S. § 7 and § 91.112
Taxes: All Pennsylvania quitclaim deed filings must include Form REV-183 EX, the Realty Transfer Tax Statement. A 1 to 2 percent transfer tax based on the sales price is required. Grantors and grantees can decide how to split this fee. Once the tax is paid in full, the Uniform Parcel Identifier (UPI) stamp is placed on the deed. This must happen before the deed is filed.
Recording: Pennsylvania quitclaim deeds are filed with the Recorder’s Office in the property’s county.
Language: Must say, “release and quit claim” in the document.
Attachments: All parties must submit a Residency Certification Form. For residents of Philadelphia County, Form 82-127 is also required.
Signing: Pennsylvania quitclaim deeds require notarization by a notary public.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Pennsylvania
Step 1: Download the Pennsylvania quitclaim deed.
Step 2: On the top left of the page, add the name and address of the document’s preparer.
Step 3: Next, record the name and mailing address for the person who will receive the deed after the filing is done.
Step 4: Record the Pennsylvania county where the property is located after the words “County of.”
Step 5: After the word “That,” record the grantor’s full name. After the name, write “Grantor.” List the grantor’s address, with the county included. The order is county, city, and state.
Step 6: Repeat this step with the information for the grantee. Include the term “Grantee” as well as the grantee’s county and address.
Step 7: Enter the amount paid for the property after “for the sum of.” Write this in words, then write it numerically in the parenthesis that follows.
Step 8: List the county of the property again.
Step 9: After the words, “Pennsylvania to-wit” add the legal description of the property. This may require a separate page and attachment. Then, write the county in the line after “being known as” and include the County Tax Parcel Number in the provided blank.
Step 10: On the next line, write the previous owner’s name, followed by the previous deed transfer date and previous deed recording date. Add the county again and the instrument number used on the previous deed.
Step 11: Have the grantor sign the deed in the presence of a notary. The notary will notarize the form to make the signing official.
Step 12: Fill out Form REV-183 EX, the Realty Transfer Tax Statement, and a Residency Certification Form.
Step 13: Take the signed, notarized deed along with the necessary attachments to the Recorder’s Office in the county where the property is located. Pay the transfer tax and file the document.
