Georgia Closing Costs: Transfer Tax Rate & Buyer/Seller Guide
Georgia has a relatively low real estate transfer tax compared to states like New York and Florida. This guide explains the verified statutory rate and typical closing cost breakdown for Georgia buyers and sellers.
Georgia Real Estate Transfer Tax
Per the Georgia Department of Revenue (dor.georgia.gov):
- $1.00 for the first $1,000 of consideration
- $0.10 for each additional $100 (or fraction thereof) above $1,000
- Paid by the seller (liability is on the executing party)
- Must be paid before deed recording at the county Superior Court clerk
Source: Georgia Department of Revenue, dor.georgia.gov, as of June 2026.
Calculation Formula and Examples
Formula: $1.00 + ⌈(Sale Price − $1,000) ÷ $100⌉ × $0.10
| Sale Price | First $1,000 | Remaining Amount | $100 Units | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $1.00 | $199,000 | 1,990 | $199 + $1.00 = $200.00 |
| $350,000 | $1.00 | $349,000 | 3,490 | $349 + $1.00 = $350.00 |
| $500,000 | $1.00 | $499,000 | 4,990 | $499 + $1.00 = $500.00 |
| $750,000 | $1.00 | $749,000 | 7,490 | $749 + $1.00 = $750.00 |
Transfer tax on a $350,000 sale is ~$350. For comparison, the same sale in Florida would be $2,450. These are exact statutory calculations.
Georgia Intangible Recording Tax (Mortgage Tax)
Georgia also imposes a separate Intangible Recording Tax on new long-term mortgage notes secured by Georgia real estate:
- $1.50 per $500 of the loan amount (equivalent to 0.3%)
- Due within 90 days of execution and recording
- Paid by the buyer/borrower
- Source: dor.georgia.gov
Example: on a $280,000 mortgage, Intangible Recording Tax = ⌈$280,000 ÷ $500⌉ × $1.50 = 560 × $1.50 = $840.00
Typical Georgia Closing Costs
| Item | Who Pays | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Transfer Tax | Seller | ~0.10% of price (statutory) |
| Intangible Recording Tax (mortgage) | Buyer | 0.3% of loan amount (statutory) |
| Title Insurance (owner's + lender's) | Varies | 0.5%–1.0% of price (estimate) |
| County Recording Fee | Buyer | $100–$300 (estimate) |
| Lender Origination Fees | Buyer | 0.5%–1.5% of loan (estimate) |
| Escrow / Settlement Fee | Split or negotiable | $500–$1,500 (estimate) |
| Attorney Fee (GA requires attorney closing) | Buyer/Seller | $500–$1,500 (estimate) |
Georgia requires a licensed attorney to conduct real estate closings — an attorney fee is an expected cost.
← Use the Closing Costs Calculator | Florida closing costs | Transfer tax by state
Frequently Asked Questions
Georgia's Real Estate Transfer Tax is: $1.00 for the first $1,000 of sale price, then $0.10 for each additional $100 (or fraction thereof). Effective rate on a $350,000 sale: approximately $349.90 (about 0.10%). Source: Georgia Department of Revenue (dor.georgia.gov), as of June 2026.
The seller is liable for the Georgia Real Estate Transfer Tax, though the parties can negotiate otherwise in the purchase contract. Tax must be paid before the deed can be recorded with the county Superior Court clerk.
Formula: $1.00 + ⌈(sale price - $1,000) ÷ $100⌉ × $0.10. For $350,000: $1.00 + ⌈$349,000 ÷ $100⌉ × $0.10 = $1.00 + 3,490 × $0.10 = $1.00 + $349.00 = $350.00. (Exact statutory formula per dor.georgia.gov.)
Georgia also imposes an Intangible Recording Tax on new long-term mortgage notes secured by Georgia real estate: $1.50 per $500 of loan amount (0.3%), paid within 90 days of recording. This is separate from the transfer tax and is typically paid by the buyer/borrower. Source: dor.georgia.gov.
Georgia buyers typically pay 2%–4% of the purchase price in total closing costs, including lender fees, title insurance, recording fees, and the Intangible Recording Tax on the mortgage. Sellers typically pay the transfer tax (~0.10%), title insurance (owner's policy), and any negotiated concessions. These are estimates; verify with your lender and title company.