North Carolina charges an excise tax on conveyances when a deed transfers real estate: $1 for each $500 of the price or value, with any part of $500 counted as a full $500. State law says the seller pays it to the county Register of Deeds before the deed is recorded, and the Register marks the deed to show it was paid. Some transfers are exempt, including gifts, transfers under a will or by inheritance, and transfers where the buyer pays nothing.
Surry County is not among the counties that add a separate 1% land-transfer tax. When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including North Carolina's excise tax on conveyances. Your mortgage, liens, back taxes and share of current property taxes are separate.
Before signing, ask your closing professional to show the excise-tax calculation and check whether an exemption applies to your transfer.