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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Charleston County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
250-400+ mills (2.5-4%+) total effective rate, varies significantly by district and municipality
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Charleston County's property tax system funds essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and local government operations. Property taxes are based on assessed values determined by the Charleston County Assessor's Office, with taxes collected by the County Treasurer. The effective tax rate in Charleston County varies significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district assignments.

The county uses a millage-based system where property owners pay different rates depending on their specific location and the combination of taxing entities that serve their area. For FY 2025, the base county millage rate is approximately 57.0 mills, but total effective rates typically range from 250-400+ mills when combined with school district taxes, municipal taxes, and special assessments. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on whether they're located within city limits, which school district serves their area, and any special taxing districts like fire districts or public service districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Charleston County General57.0Basic county services, administration
School District Operating120.0-180.0Varies by school district (CCSD, Dorchester 2, etc.)
School District Debt Service15.0-40.0School bonds and capital improvements
Municipal Taxes30.0-80.0City/town taxes (if applicable to location)
Fire District15.0-25.0Rural fire protection services
Special Assessments5.0-20.0Water/sewer districts, library districts

Total Typical Range: 250-400+ mills for FY 2025

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025 levy year. Actual millage rates vary significantly by property location within Charleston County. Properties may be subject to different combinations of these taxes based on municipal boundaries, school district assignments, and special taxing districts. Contact the Assessor's Office to determine your specific millage rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Charleston 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 taxes are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or tax status. In Charleston County, supplemental taxes are most commonly triggered by new construction completion, change of ownership that removes exemptions, or property improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current fiscal year (June 30). The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old tax liability and the new tax liability, then prorating that difference for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if new construction is completed and assessed in January, the supplemental tax would cover January through June (6 months) of additional tax liability. These supplemental bills are separate from regular annual property tax bills and have their own payment due dates, typically 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Ratio: 4% = $12,000 assessed value
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $10,800
  • Millage Rate: 350 mills (location-dependent)
  • Annual Tax: $3,780
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $315

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Ratio: 4% = $24,000 assessed value
  • Homestead + Senior Tax Credits: -$2,400 (both require application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $21,600
  • Millage Rate: 325 mills (location-dependent)
  • Annual Tax: $7,020
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $585

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Ratio: 4% = $40,000 assessed value
  • Available Tax Credits: -$1,200 (homestead only, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $38,800
  • Millage Rate: 375 mills (location-dependent)
  • Annual Tax: $14,550
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,213

Note: All tax credits require annual application and approval. Rates shown are examples - actual millage varies by specific location within Charleston County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Charleston County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some borrowers with larger down payments may also choose escrow for convenience. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Charleston County when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount as required by federal regulations.

Charleston County property taxes are due annually, with specific due dates varying by tax year. Your lender should pay these taxes on time, but you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring payment. You can verify your tax payments and view your account status online through the Charleston County Treasurer's website at https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/treasurer/. If you have an escrow account, you'll receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your payments are calculated and any adjustments needed for the coming year.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Charleston County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due by January 15 following the tax year. For FY 2025 taxes, the due date is January 15, 2025. Payments received after this date are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Common tax credits include Homestead ($50,000 assessed value credit), Senior Citizens (additional credits for age 65+), Disability, and Agricultural classifications. All tax credits require annual application by December 31 and are NOT automatic. Contact the Assessor's Office to apply.

Q: How does the Homestead tax credit work? A: The Homestead credit provides a $50,000 reduction in assessed value and caps assessment increases at 15% per year on your primary residence. This credit requires initial application and annual verification. It does not reduce your property's market value, only the assessed value used for tax calculations.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Charleston County? A: Charleston County conducts countywide reassessments every 5 years, with the most recent completed in 2023. However, properties may be individually reassessed due to improvements, sales, or appeals at any time.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties starting at 3% for the first month, with additional penalties and interest accruing monthly. After one year, delinquent properties may be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Charleston County offers online payment options through their website. You can pay by bank transfer or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Charleston County? A: Tax rates depend on your location's combination of taxing entities: county, school district, municipality, and special districts (fire, water, library). Properties in different areas are served by different combinations of these entities.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Charleston County Board of Assessment Appeals by the published deadline (typically 90 days after assessment notices). Visit https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/assessor/ for appeal forms and procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Charleston County Assessorcharlestoncounty.org
02
Tax Doc
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS Total Tax of $447.00 changed from ...charlestoncounty.gov
03
2025-millage-card.pdfcharlestoncounty.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Estimator: Auditor's Officecharlestoncounty.gov
05
State
Quarterly Summary of State and Local Tax Revenuewww2.census.gov
06
2310charlestoncounty.gov
07
Tax Doc
SOUTH CAROLINA PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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