Dare County transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Dare County, NC, transfer taxes come to $4,800 (1.2% of the price): North Carolina excise tax on conveyances ($1 per $500) and Dare County land transfer tax ($1 per $100), paid by the seller.
One of six North Carolina counties with its own 1% land transfer tax on top of the statewide excise tax.
Dare County transfer tax calculator
- State
- County
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina excise tax on conveyancesState | $1 per $500 | Seller | $800.00 |
| Dare County land transfer taxCounty | $1 per $100 | Seller | $4,000.00 |
| Total transfer tax (1.2% of the price) | $4,800.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Dare County by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $3,000 | 1.2% | $3,000 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $4,800 | 1.2% | $4,800 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $7,200 | 1.2% | $7,200 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $9,600 | 1.2% | $9,600 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $12,000 | 1.2% | $12,000 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $18,000 | 1.2% | $18,000 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $30,000 | 1.2% | $30,000 | $0 |
| $5,000,000 | $60,000 | 1.2% | $60,000 | $0 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Dare County?
Transfer tax is usually the second-biggest closing cost after the agent's commission. Comparing agents' fees often saves more than any exemption.
Exemptions in North Carolina
- Transfers by gift or for no consideration
- Transfers by will or intestacy
- Transfers by operation of law
- Leases for a term of years
- Deeds securing a debt (deeds of trust)
- Transfers by merger, conversion or consolidation
Local exemptions can differ; see North Carolina transfer tax.
Other counties in North Carolina
- Alamance County0.2%
- Alexander County0.2%
- Alleghany County0.2%
- Anson County0.2%
- Ashe County0.2%
- Avery County0.2%
- Beaufort County0.2%
- Bertie County0.2%
- Bladen County0.2%
- Brunswick County0.2%
- Buncombe County0.2%
- Burke County0.2%
- Cabarrus County0.2%
- Caldwell County0.2%
- Camden County1.2%
- Carteret County0.2%
- Caswell County0.2%
- Catawba County0.2%
- Chatham County0.2%
- Cherokee County0.2%
- Chowan County1.2%
- Clay County0.2%
- Cleveland County0.2%
- Columbus County0.2%
- Craven County0.2%
- Cumberland County0.2%
- Currituck County1.2%
- Davidson County0.2%
- Davie County0.2%
- Duplin County0.2%
- Durham County0.2%
- Edgecombe County0.2%
- Forsyth County0.2%
- Franklin County0.2%
- Gaston County0.2%
- Gates County0.2%
- Graham County0.2%
- Granville County0.2%
- Greene County0.2%
- Guilford County0.2%
- Halifax County0.2%
- Harnett County0.2%
- Haywood County0.2%
- Henderson County0.2%
- Hertford County0.2%
- Hoke County0.2%
- Hyde County0.2%
- Iredell County0.2%
- Jackson County0.2%
- Johnston County0.2%
- Jones County0.2%
- Lee County0.2%
- Lenoir County0.2%
- Lincoln County0.2%
- Macon County0.2%
- Madison County0.2%
- Martin County0.2%
- McDowell County0.2%
- Mecklenburg County0.2%
- Mitchell County0.2%
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Dare County?
1.2% of the price on a $400,000 sale: North Carolina excise tax on conveyances ($1 per $500); Dare County land transfer tax ($1 per $100).
Who pays transfer tax in Dare County?
North Carolina excise tax on conveyances: Seller — Seller (transferor) by statute.. Dare County land transfer tax: Seller — Payable by the transferor (seller) under the county's enabling act; contracts can shift it.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Dare County?
$6,000 in total (seller $6,000, buyer $0).
Who pays excise tax in North Carolina?
The seller, at $1 per $500 of price (0.2%).
How much excise tax is due on a $300,000 home?
$600 in state excise tax; add $3,000 if the home is in a county with the 1% local land transfer tax.
Sources
- Dare County Tax Department – Land Transfer Tax
- Perquimans County – Land Transfer Tax (lists the seven counties)
- NCDOR Statistical Abstract Table 75 – land transfer tax collections by county (FY2013–FY2015)
- N.C.G.S. Chapter 105, Article 8E – Excise Tax on Conveyances
- N.C. General Statutes Chapter 105, Article 8E – Excise Tax on Conveyances (G.S. 105-228.28 to 105-228.37)
- Perquimans County – Land Transfer Tax
Last checked October 13, 2026. Rates in effect for residential sales; commercial, leasehold and entity transfers can differ. Always confirm with your title company or closing attorney before closing.