Colorado Documentary Fee: Costs For Broomfield Closings

Ever get to the closing table in Broomfield and spot a small line called “Documentary Fee” and wonder what it is? You are not alone. It is a routine charge in Colorado closings, but most people only see it once or twice in their lives. In a few minutes, you will know what it covers, how it is calculated, who usually pays it, and where to find it on your settlement statement. Let’s dive in.

What the Colorado documentary fee is

The documentary fee is a state charge tied to the value exchanged when real property is transferred. It is collected when the deed is recorded as part of your closing. Your title company and the Broomfield County recording office handle the collection and remittance as part of standard closing procedures.

In everyday terms, it is a small state fee associated with the deed transfer. It is separate from the county’s recording fees for processing documents.

How the fee is calculated in Broomfield

Colorado’s standard calculation is simple: $0.01 for every $100 of consideration. That equals 0.0001 of the sale price, or 0.01 percent.

Here is the quick math you can use:

• Divide the sale price by 100.
• Multiply that number by $0.01.

Examples:

• $300,000 sale: $30
• $400,000 sale: $40
• $500,000 sale: $50
• $750,000 sale: $75

Rounding on partial hundreds can vary by local practice. Ask your title company how they apply rounding and to show you the worksheet used for your file.

Who typically pays in Broomfield closings

Custom in Colorado is for the seller to pay the documentary fee, since it relates to the deed transfer. That said, payment is negotiable and settled by your purchase contract. Always confirm the contract language to see who is responsible for the fee in your deal.

If you are a buyer and agreed to cover transfer charges, it will show in your column. If not, you may not see it on your side of the statement.

Where it shows on your closing documents

On the Closing Disclosure (CD)

Look under Government Recording and Transfer Charges. If the seller is paying, it appears on the seller side. Typical labels include “Documentary Fee,” “Doc Fee,” or “Transfer Tax.”

On the ALTA Settlement Statement

Check the Recording Fees/Transfer Taxes section. You may see a specific line labeled “Documentary Fee” or “Doc Stamps.”

Sample line items you might see

• “Colorado Documentary Fee: $40.00”
• “Documentary Fee (State): $50.00”
• “Transfer Tax / Doc Fee: $30.00”

If anything looks unclear, ask your closer for the calculation worksheet and the consideration figure they used.

Documentary fee vs. recording fees

These are not the same thing. The documentary fee is a state transfer charge based on the value of the transaction. Recording fees are county charges for recording documents and are set by the Broomfield County Clerk and Recorder. You will usually see these listed separately on your statement.

Practical checklist for buyers and sellers

Use this quick list to keep your closing smooth and predictable:

• Before you go under contract:
  • Review the transfer tax/recording fee paragraph in your offer or listing paperwork.
  • Request an estimated settlement statement that shows the documentary fee and county recording fees.
• During escrow:
  • Confirm the exact sale price used as consideration for the fee computation.
  • Ask your title company how they apply rounding on partial hundreds.
  • Check whether any exemptions might apply to your situation.
• At signing:
  • Review the Government Recording and Transfer Charges section on the CD or ALTA.
  • Ask for the computation worksheet for your records.
• After recording:
  • Keep the recorded deed and final settlement statement. You can verify the fee with your title company or through the Broomfield County Clerk and Recorder’s recorded documents.

Special situations and possible exemptions

Some transfers may be treated differently or can be exempt. Examples include certain transfers with no consideration, some intra‑family transfers, court‑ordered transfers, foreclosures, or transfers to qualifying government entities or nonprofits. Partial transfers, gifts, quitclaim deeds, or mortgage assumptions can require special handling.

Exemptions are fact‑specific. If you think one may apply, ask your title company or a local real estate attorney to review your scenario before you assume the fee does not apply.

Quick calculator: common Broomfield price points

Use these figures as a handy reference for typical local price bands:

• $350,000 sale: $35
• $425,000 sale: $42.50 (confirm rounding with your title company)
• $600,000 sale: $60
• $900,000 sale: $90

These amounts reflect the state calculation only. County recording fees are separate and will be listed elsewhere on your closing statement.

Who to contact for clear answers

• Your title company or closing agent: They compute and collect the fee and can show you the exact math.
• Broomfield County Clerk and Recorder: For county recording fee schedules and recording procedures.
• A local real estate attorney: For unusual transfers, exemptions, or estate/probate matters.

Final takeaways for Broomfield closings

The documentary fee in Colorado is small, predictable, and easy to plan for. In most Broomfield sales, the seller pays it, but your contract controls the final allocation. If you review your statement early and ask your title company for the worksheet, you will avoid day‑of‑closing surprises.

If you want local guidance on planning your closing costs, reach out anytime. You will get clear answers, a friendly walk‑through of your settlement statement, and help coordinating all the moving parts. Connect with Zana Leiferman for a calm, expert close.

FAQs

What is the Colorado documentary fee in a home sale?

• It is a state charge collected at recording based on the consideration for the transfer, separate from county recording fees.

How do I calculate the documentary fee for my Broomfield home?

• Multiply the sale price by 0.0001 (or $0.01 per $100); for example, $400,000 results in about $40.

Who usually pays the documentary fee in Colorado?

• Custom is for the seller to pay, but your purchase contract can assign it to either party.

Where will I see the fee on my Closing Disclosure?

• Look under Government Recording and Transfer Charges; it may appear on the seller or buyer side depending on your contract.

Is the documentary fee the same as recording fees?

• No; the documentary fee is a state transfer charge, while recording fees are county charges for filing documents.

Can certain Broomfield transfers be exempt from the fee?

• Some transfers with no consideration, certain court‑ordered or intra‑family transfers, and transfers to qualifying entities may be exempt; confirm with your title company or attorney.