Closing Costs in Georgia: The Intangibles Tax and Attorney State

Georgia has moderate closing costs (1.5-2.5% of home price), but with two Georgia-specific quirks: a 0.3% Intangibles Tax on the mortgage amount, and mandatory attorney representation (Georgia is an attorney-required state). On a $300K mortgage, the intangibles tax alone is $900.

Use the calculator below — your state has already been selected. Adjust the home price, down payment, and loan type for an estimate calibrated to Georgia.

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Estimates only — your actual closing costs depend on lender, property, locality, and the specifics of your transaction. Not financial advice. Verify all figures with a licensed lender or attorney. See our methodology below.

Georgia closing cost specifics

1. Intangibles Tax — $1.50 per $500 of mortgage

Georgia charges an intangibles recording tax of $1.50 per $500 of the mortgage amount (0.3%). Paid by the buyer at closing. On a $300K mortgage, that's $900. Calculated on the loan amount, not the home price.

2. Transfer Tax — seller pays

Georgia's real estate transfer tax is $0.10 per $100 (0.1%) of home value, paid by the seller. The buyer doesn't pay state transfer tax.

3. Mandatory attorney

Georgia is an attorney-required state. Real estate attorneys handle the closing — title work, settlement, recording. Cost: $800-$1,500 typical.

4. Survey often required

Georgia lenders frequently require a current property survey, especially in subdivisions or rural lots. $400-$700 typical.

How to manage Georgia closing costs

  1. Refinance loans avoid intangibles tax on the refinanced portion if structured as a renewal — ask your attorney about the structure.
  2. Shop attorneys. GA real estate attorney fees range $800-$2,000 — get 2-3 quotes.
  3. Negotiate seller-paid closing costs aggressively. GA seller concessions can cover 3-9% depending on loan type.
  4. Verify the survey requirement with your lender — sometimes an existing survey from 5+ years ago is acceptable.
  5. Get three Loan Estimates from GA lenders.

Frequently asked questions (Georgia)

What is Georgia's intangibles tax?

A 0.3% tax (calculated as $1.50 per $500 of mortgage amount) paid by the buyer at closing. It's only on the mortgage amount, not the home price. On a $300K mortgage, you'd pay $900.

Does Georgia require an attorney for home closings?

Yes. Georgia is one of 15 attorney-required states. Real estate attorneys conduct the closing. Buyer-side attorney fees are typically $800-$1,500.

Who pays Georgia's transfer tax?

The seller pays Georgia's 0.1% state real estate transfer tax ($1 per $1,000 of home value). The buyer pays the separate Intangibles Tax (0.3% on the mortgage amount).

How much for closing on a $350K Atlanta home?

Roughly $5,500-$8,500 for the buyer. Intangibles tax (~$840 on a 80% LTV loan), attorney ($1,000), title insurance ($1,500), prepaid escrows ($1,500-$2,000), lender fees ($2,000).

About these estimates

The calculator above uses Georgia state averages for transfer taxes, recording fees, title insurance, attorney requirements, and property tax rates — sourced from the Georgia Department of Revenue, the 2024 ClosingCorp survey, the Tax Foundation 2024 property tax rankings, and state-specific regulatory tariffs. Real closing costs depend on your specific lender, the property, and the county-level rules where you're buying. For a sanity check on the calculator's output, request a Loan Estimate from your lender (federal law requires one within 3 business days of mortgage application).

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Reviewed by the CalcCottage editorial team. Updated May 14, 2026. Estimates only — not financial advice.

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