Washington County transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Washington County, NC, transfer taxes come to $800 (0.2% of the price): North Carolina excise tax on conveyances ($1 per $500), paid by the seller.
We couldn't fully confirm this rate from an official source. Treat it as an estimate and check with the local tax office.
Only the statewide excise tax applies; no county land transfer tax. Washington County was authorized to levy a 1% land transfer tax (1989 act, 2007 referendum) and Perquimans County still lists it, but NCDOR reports no land transfer collections for it (FY2010–FY2015); confirm with the register of deeds.
Washington County transfer tax calculator
- State
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina excise tax on conveyancesState | $1 per $500 | Seller | $800.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.2% of the price) | $800.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Washington County by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $500 | 0.2% | $500 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $800 | 0.2% | $800 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $1,200 | 0.2% | $1,200 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $1,600 | 0.2% | $1,600 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $2,000 | 0.2% | $2,000 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $3,000 | 0.2% | $3,000 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $5,000 | 0.2% | $5,000 | $0 |
| $5,000,000 | $10,000 | 0.2% | $10,000 | $0 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Washington 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%
- Dare 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%
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Washington County?
0.2% of the price on a $400,000 sale: North Carolina excise tax on conveyances ($1 per $500).
Who pays transfer tax in Washington County?
North Carolina excise tax on conveyances: Seller — Seller (transferor) by statute.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Washington County?
$1,000 in total (seller $1,000, 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
- N.C.G.S. Chapter 105, Article 8E – Excise Tax on Conveyances
- NCDOR Statistical Abstract Table 75 – land transfer tax collections by county (FY2013–FY2015)
- Perquimans County – Land Transfer Tax (lists the seven counties)
- 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.