N.Y. TAX Law § 1425

§ 1425. Imposition of tax. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law\nto the contrary, the county of Erie, acting through its local\nlegislative body, is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt and amend\nlocal laws imposing in such county a tax on each conveyance of real\nproperty or interest therein when the consideration exceeds five hundred\ndollars, at the rate of two dollars and fifty cents for each five\nhundred dollars or fractional part thereof; provided, however, that with\nrespect to (A) a conveyance of a one, two or three-family house and an\nindividual residential condominium unit, or interests therein; and (B)\nconveyances where the consideration is less than five hundred thousand\ndollars, the consideration for the interest conveyed shall exclude the\nvalue of any lien or encumbrance remaining thereon at the time of\nconveyance. Such local law shall apply to any conveyance occurring on or\nafter June first, nineteen hundred ninety, but shall not apply to\nconveyances made on or after such date pursuant to binding written\ncontracts entered into prior to such date, provided that the date of\nexecution of such contract is confirmed by independent evidence such as\nthe recording of the contract, payment of a deposit or other facts and\ncircumstances as determined by the treasurer.\n