While all of the information requested on the PTR is useful and we encourage parties to fill in all the boxes and blanks, we recognize that refusing a PTR is an extreme and time-consuming measure not to be taken lightly.

Sections 9606 and 9608 of Title 32 require a PTR to include the following: signatures of the parties or their legal representatives, the basis for any exemption claimed, the true value of the property transferred, such information as the commissioner may reasonably require for proper administration of the transfer tax, and certain information regarding local and state permits and Act 250 certificates.

What does this means on the PTR itself for it to be considered "complete and regular on its face" as required by 32 V.S.A. §9607? The following sections must be completed: Sections A and B (including social security numbers); C; L or M through P; the section entitled "Local and State Permits and Act 250 Certificates"; and the parties must sign the form (signature of preparer is not required). If the property is enrolled in the current use program, Section K must also be filled in to comply with 32 V.S.A. §3757(e).

Social security numbers are required for the administration of the transfer tax and must be included on the copy of the PTR filed with the Tax Department. SSNs should be blacked-out on the copy of the PTR filed in the land records.

Suzanne

Suzanne M. Monte
Assistant Attorney General
Vermont Department of Taxes,
Division of Property Valuation and Review
P.O. Box 429
Montpelier, VT  05601-0429
Phone: (802) 828-2731
Fax: (802) 828-5873
[log in to unmask]

 

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From: Vermont Municipal Government Discussion Network [ mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Thomas J. Dailey
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 11:00 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Signatures on PTTR's

Suzanne - Does the signature requirement also apply to the preparer line?  Some attorneys are reluctant to sign the returns they prepare - Tom

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From: Vermont Municipal Government Discussion Network [ mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Monte, Suzanne
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 10:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Signatures on PTTR's

Hi all,

Town clerks cannot perform their statutory duties if a PTR is not signed.

Section 9606(b) of Title 32 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated requires a PTR to be signed by each party. Section 9607 requires a PTR to be complete and regular on its face for a town clerk to issue a signed and written acknowledgment to the transferee and to affix an acknowledgment on the deed. If the PTR is not signed, it is not complete and the town clerk cannot issue an acknowledgment to the transferee or affix an acknowledgment on the deed.

In addition, per 32 V.S.A. §9608 a town clerk cannot record a deed unless it is affixed with an acknowledgment of return and tax payment under Section 9607 and a signed certificate that the conveyance is in compliance with or exempt from the provisions of chapter 151 of Title 10. The required certificate is on page two of the PTR. Therefore, a town clerk cannot enter the required acknowledgment on a deed or record a deed until he/she receives a signed PTR.

Suzanne M. Monte
Assistant Attorney General
Vermont Department of Taxes,
Division of Property Valuation and Review
P.O. Box 429
Montpelier, VT  05601-0429
Phone: (802) 828-2731
Fax: (802) 828-5873
[log in to unmask]

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From: Vermont Municipal Government Discussion Network [ mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Linda L. Spence, CMC/CVC
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 4:06 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Signatures on PTTR's

Hi Toni,
 
While I can understand your frustration at the lack of thoroughness of the PTTR's being completed by Attorneys etc.,  no where in state statute are we authorized to refuse anything for recording, barring the total absence of a PTTR or a survey mentioned in the deed.
 
It would appear that your issue is with those preparing the PTTRs themselves, and not the Town Clerks.
 
Linda

----- Original Message -----

From: May, Toni

To: [log in to unmask]

Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 10:26 AM

Subject: Signatures on PTTR's

Many PTTR's are being submitted to the Tax Dept. without both sellers and buyers signatures.

I would like to remind all town clerks that when a PTTR is filed, signatures by each of the parties or their legal representatives are required. 32 V.S.A 9606 (b).

To avoid any confusion in the future, I ask that town clerks please double check PTTR's when they are submitted to their office. If they do not contain the required signatures, please send them back to the preparer to be filled out properly.

I appreciate your time and cooperation in this matter.

Thank You

Toni May,Tax Examiner

Vermont Property Transfer Tax