(A) There is hereby imposed on each deed, instrument or writing by which any lands, tenements, 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 $100, a tax at the rate of $0.275 for each $500 or fractional part thereof.
(B) Any tax imposed pursuant to this section shall be paid by any person who makes, signs or issues any document or instrument subject to the tax, or for whose use or benefit the same is made, signed or issued.
(C) Any tax imposed pursuant to this subchapter shall not apply to any instrument in writing given to secure a debt.
(D) The exemptions set forth in Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §§ 11921 through 11930 shall apply to any tax imposed pursuant to the subchapter.
(`67 Code, § 3-8-2)