A Vermont (VT) Quitclaim Deed is a legal document that allows a property owner (the grantor) to transfer their ownership interest to a purchaser (the grantee).
Once the quitclaim deed is executed and recorded, the grantor no longer has any legal interest in the property, and the grantee may keep it or dispose of it as they wish.
A quitclaim deed and a warranty deed transfer property but do so differently.
A quitclaim deed gives up whatever the grantor’s interest in the property can range from no interest to exclusive ownership interest. On the other hand, a warranty deed warrants that the grantor has and is conveying good title, free and clear of any liens and claims.
It’s important to know that the correct term for this deed is “quitclaim.” Though quitclaim deeds are often called “quit claim” or “quick claim” deeds, neither of these spellings is correct.
Important Laws & Requirements
A VT quitclaim deed must fulfill several requirements before it can be recorded.
Laws
Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.) Title 27, Chapter 5.
Transfer Tax
Per 32 V.S.A. § 9602, Vermont imposes a property transfer tax on the transfer of title to real property.
All deeds transferring property, even if no money is exchanged), require the Vermont Property Transfer Tax Return (Form PTT-172) to be filed along with the deed to the Town Clerk.
Generally, the grantee (or the person receiving the property) is responsible for paying the transfer tax. Note there are exemptions to the transfer tax under 32 V.S.A. § 9603.
Signing
Vermont requires the quitclaim deed to be signed by the grantor and acknowledged by a notary public. See 27 V.S.A. § 301.
Recording
Per 27 V.S.A. § 341, the signed and notarized quitclaim deed must be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office where the property is located. Vermont has no county recording system; all documents are recorded by town or city.
How to Write & File a Quitclaim Deed in Vermont
Vermont doesn’t have many requirements for the “magic language” that must be included in a quitclaim deed to make it valid.
However, there are several important names and addresses to include on the deed to ensure that it is processed without incident.
Step 1 – Writer Preparer’s Details
Fill out the preparer’s section of the form by putting down the name and mailing address of the person who prepared the quitclaim deed.
Step 2 – Enter “Return To’ Information
Fill out the “After Recording Return To” information—that is, the names and mailing addresses of anyone you would like to receive a copy of the recorded quitclaim deed and future tax statements.
Step 3 – Note Consideration
Report the amount of consideration the grantor received from the grantee. Write this number out and include it in numerical form (for example, “Ten thousand dollars ($10,000)”). If the property is being transferred without any money changing hands, just put $0.
Step 4 – Write Grantee’s and Grantee’s Name and Address
Add the grantor’s full name and address (including the county of residence). Next, add the grantee’s full name and address, including county, city, and state.
Step 5 – Add Legal Description
Add information about the address and legal description of the property. This can include parcel numbers, language from the original deed, or any other information that clarifies the property being conveyed.
Step 6 – Have Quitclaim Deed Notarized
The grantor will sign the next page of the quitclaim deed. If there are multiple grantors, you can add additional signature blocks. A notary public will witness the signing and then notarize the document with his or her notary seal, ID number, and commission expiration date.
Step 7 – File Your Vermont Quitclaim Deed
Finally, you’ll need to send the notarized quitclaim deed to the Town Clerk’s Office in the town or city where the property is physically located.
Each Town Clerk has specific requirements and processes, so it’s a good idea to pre-emptively contact the Clerk’s Office to determine the fees, additional documents you may need, and procedures you’ll need to follow.
After the Clerk’s Office has recorded the quitclaim deed, they’ll mail a copy to you and anyone else who included their information in the “After Recording Return To” section.
The entire process is far more simple and streamlined than many legal proceedings tend to be, and the quitclaim deed form on this page can make it even easier.
Vermont Quitclaim Deed Sample
Below is an example of what a Vermont Quitclaim Deed looks like.
Vermont Quitclaim Deed Sample
vermont quitclaim deed