Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
Free PDF guide · 2026 edition

The Foreign Seller's FIRPTA Guide

How much is withheld when you sell California property, and how to get it back. Written for buyers and owners outside the U.S., without the jargon.

What's inside
  • What FIRPTA is
  • How much is withheld
  • California's extra 3⅓% withholding
  • An example: selling a $1.5 million home
  • The forms and deadlines
  • How to reduce it or get it back
  • A step-by-step checklist you can print and tick off
Brandon WhiteBrandon White · Dual U.S.–Canadian citizen · FIABCI member
Team Anderson White, Pacific Sotheby's International Realty · CA DRE #01864163
Cover of The Foreign Seller's FIRPTA Guide
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Brandon White · Team Anderson White · Pacific Sotheby's International Realty · CA DRE #01864163 · Privacy policy

General information only, not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. Sotheby's International Realty® and the Sotheby's International Realty logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.