Frequently Asked Question's
Q: Why did the Treasurer send my bill to the wrong address?
A. The Treasurer does not maintain property or owner records. The Assessor maintains Land & Buildings records while the Auditor maintains Personal Property and Vehicle records and these records are dependent on taxpayers to notify their offices of changes in address.
Q: How do I apply for high mileage discount on my vehicle?
A. To apply for a high mileage appeal, mail or bring a signed statement with mileage to the Auditor's Office before the due date.
Q: Why am I being charged taxes for the vehicle I just purchased? The dealer told me he would take care of tags and taxes.
A. The dealership is allowed to pick up your tags on a vehicle without paying local property taxes. When the dealer states that they are taking care of your taxes, they are referring to sales tax, which is paid at the local Department of Motor Vehicles.
Q: When are the taxes due on my motor vehicle?
A. Taxes on motor vehicles and recreational vehicles must be paid before your license plate tags can be renewed. These taxes are due by the last day of the month in which your tag expires.
Q: Didn't I pay the taxes when I bought my vehicle?
A. When you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, their personnel are allowed to pick up your registration and license tags without paying the local property taxes. The tax you paid to the dealership at the time of purchase was the South Carolina state sales tax. This allows you a 120 day grace period to delay payment of personal property taxes on your new vehicle.
Q: Why did the Treasurer raise my taxes?
A: The Treasurer does not determine property tax amounts. The amount of tax money needed is decided by each of the area's taxing authorities. The Assessor's Office determines appraisal values for real property while the Auditor calculates the tax.
For Your Information
In South Carolina, vehicle taxes are paid a year in advance. If you are renewing your vehicle license tag, you can pay your taxes and renewal fee to the Treasurer's Office and eliminate having to go to the Highway Department. If you receive a tax notice for a boat or motor that you no longer own, you must notify the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at Post Office Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202. When paying your taxes, please make reference on your check to the receipt number. This reduces the possibility of errors in posting your payment. If you receive a tax notice for a vehicle you no longer own, you will need to contact the Auditor's Office.