Chapter 3.12
DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX

Sections:

3.12.010    Title of provisions.

3.12.020    Imposed--Rate.

3.12.030    Exemptions.

3.12.040    Administration.

3.12.050    Claims for refunds.

3.12.010 Title of provisions.

This chapter shall be known as the “real property transfer tax ordinance of the city of Lakeport.” It is adopted pursuant to the authority contained in Part 6.7 (commencing with Section 11901) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the state. (Ord. 434 §1, 1967)

3.12.020 Imposed--Rate.

There is imposed on each deed, instrument or writing by which any lands, tenements, or other realty sold within the city shall be granted, assigned, transferred or otherwise conveyed to, or vested in, the purchaser or purchasers, or any other person or persons, by his or their direction, when the consideration or value of the interest or property conveyed (exclusive of the value of any lien. or encumbrances remaining thereon at the time of sale) exceeds one hundred dollars, a tax at the rate of twenty-seven and one-half cents for each five hundred dollars or fractional part thereof. (Ord. 434 S2, 1967)

3.12.030 Exemptions

A.    Any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to any instrument in writing given to secure a debt.

B.    Exemptions required by Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 11926 and 11927 are not subject to the tax imposed by this chapter.

C.    Any deed, instrument or writing to which the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, any state or territory, or political subdivision thereof, is a party shall be exempt from any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter when the exempt agency is acquiring title.

D.    Any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to the making, delivering or filing of conveyances to make effective any plan of reorganization or adjustment:

1.    Confirmed under the Federal Bankruptcy Act, as amended;

2.    Approved in an equity receivership proceeding in a court involving a railroad corporation as defined in subdivision (m) of Section 306 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended;

3.    Approved in an equity receivership proceeding in a court involving a corporation, as defined in subdivision (3) of Section 506 of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended; or

4.    Whereby a mere change in identity, form or place or organization is effected.

Subdivisions (1) through (4) of this subsection, inclusive, shall only apply if the making, delivery or filing of instruments of transfer or conveyance occurs within five years from the date of such confirmation, approval or change.

E.    Any tax imposed pursuant to this chapter shall not apply to the making or delivery of conveyances to make effective any order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1083 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, but only if:

1.    The order of the Securities and Exchange Commission in obedience to which such conveyance is made recites that such conveyance is necessary or appropriate to effectuate the provisions of Section 79k of Title 15 of the United States Code, relating to the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935;

2.    Such order specifies the property which is ordered to be conveyed;

3.    Such conveyance is made in obedience to such order.

F.    Partnerships.

1.    In the case of any realty held by a partnership, no levy shall be imposed pursuant to this chapter by reason of any transfer of an interest in a partnership or otherwise, if:

a.    Such partnership (or another partnership) is considered a continuing partnership within the meaning of Section 708 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; and

b.    Such continuing partnership continues to hold the realty concerned;

2.    If there is a termination of any partnership within the meaning of Section 708 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, for purposes of this chapter, such partnership shall be treated as having executed an instrument whereby there was conveyed, for fair market value (exclusive of the value of any lien or encumbrance remaining thereon), all realty held by such partnership at the time of such termination.

3.    Not more than one tax shall be imposed pursuant to this chapter by reason of a termination described in subdivision (2) of this subsection, and any transfer pursuant thereto, with respect to the realty held by such partnership at the time of such termination. (Ord. 690 §§1, 2, 1988; Ord. 434 §§3--8, 1967)

3.12.040 Administration.

The county recorder shall administer this chapter in conformity with the provisions of Part 6.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and the provisions of any county ordinance adopted pursuant thereto. (Ord. 434 §9, 1967)

3.12.050 Claims for refunds.

Claims for refund of taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 5096) of Part 9 of Division 1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the state. (Ord. 434 §10, 1967)