MONEY GLOBE XGeorgia closing costs: the transfer tax and the intangible recording tax
Georgia transfer tax: $1 per $1,000 of value, the seller is liable. Intangible tax: $1.50 per $500 of the loan, at most $25,000. With examples.
Last checked November 8, 2026. Every rule below names its source; the official pages are listed at the end with their own dates.
In short
- Transfer tax: $1 for the first $1,000 and 10 cents for each further $100 (about $1 per $1,000).
- Intangible recording tax on the loan: $1.50 for each $500, at most $25,000 on one note.
- Both are collected when the deed and the security deed are recorded at the county.
Georgia home prices by cityMortgage calculator (Canada and USA)
Real estate transfer tax
The Georgia Department of Revenue: $1 for the first $1,000 or part of $1,000 of the value, and 10 cents for each additional $100 or part of $100. The law makes the seller liable; the clerk of superior court certifies payment before the deed is recorded (O.C.G.A. 48-6-1 to 48-6-10). Check your purchase contract for who pays which closing costs.
Intangible recording tax
On a long-term note secured by real estate, such as a mortgage: $1.50 for each $500 or part of the face amount, with a maximum of $25,000 on a single note (O.C.G.A. 48-6-60 to 48-6-77). Ask the closing attorney for the exact figure on your loan.
Examples
| Price | Transfer tax | Loan (80% of price) | Intangible recording tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $250.00 | $200,000 | $600.00 |
| $400,000 | $400.00 | $320,000 | $960.00 |
| $650,000 | $650.00 | $520,000 | $1,560.00 |
Worked out from the Department of Revenue rates; the 80% loan is an example.
Live data: closing taxes on typical values, September 2026
| City | Typical home value | Transfer tax | Intangible tax on an 80% loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $380,331 | $380.40 | $913.50 |
| Savannah | $318,893 | $318.90 | $766.50 |
| Augusta | $187,663 | $187.70 | $451.50 |
| Columbus | $175,906 | $176.00 | $423.00 |
| Macon | $171,522 | $171.60 | $412.50 |
| Athens | $338,623 | $338.70 | $813.00 |
Typical home values used as example prices; the taxes follow the Department of Revenue rates.
Source: Zillow Research (Zillow Home Value Index and Zillow Observed Rent Index), September 2026. Data updated November 08, 2026.
Questions
How much is the transfer tax on a $400,000 home in Georgia?
$400.00, about $1 per $1,000.
Who pays the Georgia transfer tax?
The law makes the seller liable; the purchase contract says who pays which costs.
How much is the intangible tax on a $320,000 mortgage?
$960.00: $1.50 for each $500.
Is there a maximum intangible tax?
Yes, $25,000 on a single note.
Related guides
Sources
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Real estate transfer tax
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Intangible recording tax
- Zillow Research data
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Create a free accountLast checked November 8, 2026. General information only - not financial, legal, tax or real estate advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source or a licensed professional before you act.