Closing Costs in Cedar Point: Excise Tax and Recording Fees

Closing day should be exciting, not confusing. If you are buying or selling in Cedar Point, two small line items can raise big questions: North Carolina’s excise tax and Carteret County recording fees. You want to know what they are, who pays, and how much to budget. This guide breaks it down with local numbers and examples so you can walk into closing with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Excise tax basics in North Carolina

North Carolina charges an excise tax on deeds that convey real property. The rate is $1 for every $500 or fraction of $500 of the sales price or value conveyed, and the tax must be paid before the deed is recorded, according to state law. You can review the official statute for the rate and payer rules in NC General Statute § 105-228.30. Some transfers are exempt under law, and unusual cases should be reviewed with an attorney. The list of exemptions lives in Article 8E of Chapter 105.

How to calculate the excise tax

Use this simple formula: Excise tax = ceiling of sale price divided by $500, then multiply by $1.

• $200,000 sale → 200,000 ÷ 500 = 400 → tax = $400
• $350,100 sale → 350,100 ÷ 500 = 700.2 → round up to 701 → tax = $701 It is the “fraction thereof” rule that causes the rounding up. Your closing attorney will compute and collect the exact amount at closing.

Who pays in Cedar Point closings

By statute, the transferor is responsible for the excise tax. In most residential sales, the seller is the transferor and customarily pays, although your contract can assign costs differently. You can confirm the statutory rule in § 105-228.30, and many consumer guides note that sellers typically cover it in practice, including this overview from Bankrate on North Carolina closing costs. Always check your purchase agreement and your closing disclosure.

Carteret County recording fees

The Carteret County Register of Deeds sets the local recording fees for deeds and other documents. As shown on the county fee schedule:

• Deeds and most instruments: $26 for the first 15 pages, $4 for each additional page
• Deeds of trust or mortgages: $64 for the first 35 pages, $4 for each additional page
• Plats: $21 per sheet
• Multiple instruments in one document: add $10
• Nonstandard document fee: add $25 if formatting standards are not met You can view the current schedule on the Carteret County Register of Deeds fee page.

How it appears on your closing statement

The excise tax and recording fees are collected at closing by your closing attorney or title company and paid when the deed is recorded. The excise tax usually appears on the seller’s side if the seller is the transferor, while recording fees for your mortgage or deed of trust are often on the buyer’s side. The statute requires the tax to be paid before recording, so the deed will be marked to show tax paid. For local recording logistics, payment methods, and cut-off times, check the county’s Recording and Real Estate page.

Real Cedar Point cost examples

Here are two quick scenarios to help you budget. Page counts and loan documents vary, so your totals may differ.

• Example A: Sale price $300,000
  • Excise tax: 300,000 ÷ 500 = 600 → $600
  • Deed recording fee: up to 15 pages → $26
  • Approximate total for excise + deed recording: $626
• Example B: Sale price $750,000 with a mortgage
  • Excise tax: 750,000 ÷ 500 = 1,500 → $1,500
  • Deed recording fee: $26
  • Deed of trust recording fee: up to 35 pages → $64
  • Approximate total for excise + basic recordings: $1,590 Carteret County lists the excise rate as $2 per $1,000, which equals $1 per $500. See the county fee page for details.

Document standards to avoid extra fees

Carteret County enforces formatting rules for recorded documents, including one-sided pages, page sizes of 8.5×11 or 8.5×14, a 3-inch top margin on the first page, and minimum type sizes. If your deed or deed of trust does not meet the standards, a $25 nonstandard fee can apply. Your closing attorney will usually prepare compliant documents. You can review the rules on the county’s Document Recording Standards page.

E-recording and timing

Carteret County has participated in electronic recording and may accept e-recording through third-party vendors. A past vendor announcement noted local adoption, but availability can change, so always confirm with your closing attorney or the Register of Deeds. For background, see this Simplifile e-recording announcement for Carteret County and verify current practice with the county.

When to ask an attorney

If your transfer is not a typical arm’s-length sale, get legal guidance. Exemptions can apply to certain transfers, and refunds for overpayments follow specific timelines and procedures. You can read the exemption framework in Article 8E and the refund process in § 105-228.37. As of the county’s fee schedule, there is no separate local transfer tax listed in Carteret County, but it is smart to confirm with your attorney or the Register of Deeds.

Ready to plan your Cedar Point closing with fewer surprises? If you want local insight on costs, contracts, and timing, reach out to Holly Griffith LLC for a clear, step-by-step path to the finish line.

FAQs

Who pays the North Carolina excise tax in a typical Cedar Point home sale?

• The statute makes the transferor responsible, and in most residential sales the seller is the transferor, though your contract can assign costs differently.

How do I estimate the excise tax on my Cedar Point sale?

• Divide the price by $500, round up to the next whole number, and that number equals the dollars you owe at recording.

What are the main Carteret County recording fees I should expect?

• For a deed, expect $26 for the first 15 pages plus $4 per extra page, and for a deed of trust $64 for the first 35 pages plus $4 per extra page.

Can I avoid the nonstandard document fee when recording in Carteret County?

• Yes, make sure your documents meet county standards, including one-sided pages, correct margins, and legible type, or ask your closing attorney to prepare compliant forms.

What if the excise tax is overpaid at closing?

• You may request a refund under the statute’s procedures and deadlines, and a corrected deed may be required before any county portion is refunded.