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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Abbeville County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Abbeville County, SC. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.95% and higher depending on municipal boundaries and special taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Abbeville County, South Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services, including public safety, road maintenance, education, and administrative operations. Property owners in Abbeville County are subject to a combined tax rate that includes county operations, school district funding, and various special purpose districts. The effective tax rate for property owners typically ranges from approximately 2.95% to higher rates depending on the specific location within the county and applicable special taxing districts.

Property tax rates in Abbeville County vary significantly based on your property's location within specific municipal boundaries and special taxing districts. The county assesses property at fair market value, and various tax credits may be available to qualifying property owners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Understanding your specific tax obligation requires knowing not only the base county rate but also any additional assessments for school bonds, municipal services, and special districts that may apply to your property's location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate2.95%FY 2025-2026 combined county and municipal rate
School DistrictIncluded in basePublic education funding (incorporated in 2.95% rate)
Municipal OverlayVariesAdditional rate for properties within city limits
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, water/sewer, other special assessments
Total Effective Rate2.95% - 4%+Varies by specific property location and districts

Note: The 2.95% rate applies specifically to Abbeville City as of the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Properties in unincorporated areas or other municipalities within Abbeville County may have different rate structures. Special taxing districts for fire protection, water/sewer services, or other municipal services can add additional millage to your total tax bill. Contact the Abbeville County Assessor's office to determine the exact rate applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Abbeville County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Abbeville County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include the sale of property to a new owner, completion of new construction or major improvements, changes in property use classification, or correction of assessment errors discovered by the county assessor.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the county auditor calculates the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to determine the additional tax owed. This supplemental amount covers the portion of the tax year from the effective date of the change through the end of the current fiscal year. For example, if a property sells in July and the new assessment results in higher taxes, the new owner would be responsible for supplemental taxes covering July through December of that tax year, calculated on the difference between the old and new assessed values multiplied by the applicable tax rate.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$50,000 assessment growth cap benefit
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Annual Tax (2.95%): $7,375
  • Monthly Escrow: $614

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$50,000 assessment growth cap benefit
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,000
  • Annual Tax (2.95%): $16,225
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,352

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$50,000 assessment growth cap benefit
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Annual Tax (2.95%): $28,025
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,335

Note: Tax credits shown require separate application and approval. Homestead credits typically limit annual assessment increases rather than providing direct value reductions. Actual tax rates may be higher due to special districts not reflected in the base 2.95% rate.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Abbeville County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion that goes into an escrow account, which the lender uses to pay your property taxes when they become due in January. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount to ensure sufficient funds are available.

The lender receives your property tax bill directly from Abbeville County and pays it on your behalf by the January 16 due date. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your escrow funds were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Property owners are responsible for verifying that their lender has paid the taxes correctly and on time, as the property owner remains ultimately liable for any unpaid taxes.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Abbeville County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are typically due by January 16, 2026 for the current fiscal year. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: South Carolina offers various tax credits including Homestead, Senior Citizens, Disabled Veterans, and Agricultural Use credits. All credits require separate application and are NOT automatically applied. Contact the Abbeville County Assessor's office for specific application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value for tax purposes, typically limiting increases to 10% per year rather than following full market value changes. You must file an application to receive this benefit - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Abbeville County? A: South Carolina requires property reassessment every five years, though the county assessor may adjust values more frequently based on sales data, improvements, or other factors affecting property values.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to tax sale proceedings if payments remain outstanding.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Abbeville County Treasurer's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods, as systems and availability may vary.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on your property's location within different municipal boundaries and special taxing districts such as fire districts, school attendance zones, and municipal service areas.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must typically be filed within specific timeframes after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Abbeville County Assessor's office for appeal forms, deadlines, and procedures.

Q: What are special district taxes on my bill? A: Special districts provide specific services like fire protection, water/sewer, or municipal services to defined geographic areas. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill with their own millage rates.

Q: Do I need to reapply for tax credits every year? A: Most tax credits require initial application only, but some may require periodic renewal or income verification. Check with the Abbeville County Assessor regarding specific requirements for each credit type you receive.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
FY 2025-26 Municipal Millage Rate Increase Limitationsdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
02
County
FY 2025-26 County Millage Rate Increase Limitationrfa.sc.gov
03
State
HOME_IncomeLmts_State_SC_...huduser.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Due Dates | South Carolina Business One Stopscbos.sc.gov
05
Ordinance No. 4-2018mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us
06
Tax Doc
South Carolina Property Tax - 2005 Editionscstatehouse.gov
07
GHENTSVILLE - By Sam Carnley withmywaltonfl.gov
08
Tax Doc
SOUTH CAROLINA PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
09
city of abbeville, louisianaapp.lla.state.la.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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