11. The consideration stated must be total and complete. The required written amount must
match the numerical amount. If the consideration is not stated in total on the face of the
document, it must either be stated or explained on the Philadelphia Realty Transfer Tax
Certification and the State's Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value form. If claiming an
exemption from the transfer tax, the reason for exemption should be stated on these forms.
12. Deeds must be accompanied by all applicable transfer taxes (unless exempted) and
completed City and State transfer tax certifications (the City certification is required in
duplicate).
13. Payment of the City transfer tax, the State transfer tax, and all applicable recording fees
must be made by separate checks. Each deed requires separate checks in the correct
amounts for the applicable transfer taxes. For the State tax, the check must be payable to
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The check for the City tax must be payable to the City
of Philadelphia.
14. Satisfaction of Mortgage
Effective 2/7/03, when a satisfaction of mortgage is submitted, the City of Philadelplhia
does not require: 1) The original mortgage; 2) An image of the first page of the original
mortgage; or, 3) A validation fee.
Effective 9/28/04, It is not necessary to include a legal description on Satisfaction of
Mortgage documents submitted for recording. However, please be sure to include a
complete street address and, when necessary, such other description that will adequately
describe the property.
Note: The City would not be able to make a determination as to when an address alone
would not be sufficient to describe the property. If for some reason you determine that an
address would be insufficient, it is recommended that a legal description be attached
15. In order to release property from the lien of a mortgage of record, a Release-of-
Mortgage form is required.
16. Each document must comply with six technical requirements: Instruments must be
legible and suitable for imaging. Each page of an instrument must be 8.5 inches by 11
inches unfolded. Pages must be printed on one side only. Margins. First page, 3-inch margin
at the top with the left hand containing "Prepared by" and "Return to" party name, address
and telephone number and a 1-inch margin on the other sides. All other pages, 1-inch
margin on all sides. All pages, including attachments, must be numbered sequentially. All
information required for recording purposes must be at least 10-point font in size and
printed in black ink. Handwritten information is not acceptable.
Paper stock must be 20-pound opaque stock in white or off-white.
Note: If you do not understand these requirements, or if you need legal advice, please seek
advice from your lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer and do not know how to get one,
contact the Philadelphia Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 215-238-6333.