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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chesterfield County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.89 per $100 of assessed value (varies by location within county due to special districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chesterfield County, South Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county government operations. Property taxes in Chesterfield County are based on assessed value, which is determined by the county's Real Estate Assessments office that maintains comprehensive records for each locally assessed property, including improvements, legal descriptions, and ownership information.

The effective property tax rate in Chesterfield County for the 2025 tax year is $0.89 per $100 of assessed value, though actual rates can vary depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and additional local assessments. Property owners should be aware that South Carolina assesses residential property at 4% of fair market value for tax purposes, meaning your taxable assessed value is significantly lower than your home's market value. The county's Real Estate Assessment Data (READ) database provides current information on all property records and can be accessed online for verification of your property's assessed value and tax calculations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
County General Fund$0.89Base county operations, services, and administration for FY 2025
School DistrictVariesAdditional levy varies by school district boundaries
Municipal ServicesVariesApplied only to properties within incorporated areas
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts where applicable
Total Effective Rate$0.89+Base rate plus applicable district assessments

Note: The $0.89 per $100 rate represents the base Chesterfield County levy for the 2025 tax year. Properties located within special taxing districts, municipalities, or different school district boundaries may have additional assessments that increase the total effective rate. Contact the Chesterfield County Treasurer's Office to determine the exact rate applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, improvements, or assessed value outside of the regular annual assessment cycle. The most common triggers include new construction or major renovations that increase the property's assessed value, corrections to previous assessments, or changes in exemption status that affect the taxable value.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it covers the period from the date the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition in March that increases your assessed value by $20,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional tax owed from March through the end of the tax year. The calculation uses the same $0.89 per $100 rate applied to the increase in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental bills separately from their regular annual tax statement and should budget accordingly for these additional assessments when making significant property improvements.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (4% of market): $12,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $12,000
  • Annual Tax ($12,000 × $0.89/$100): $106.80
  • Monthly Escrow: $8.90

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (4% of market): $24,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $24,000
  • Annual Tax ($24,000 × $0.89/$100): $213.60
  • Monthly Escrow: $17.80

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (4% of market): $40,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application and qualification)
  • Net Taxable Value: $40,000
  • Annual Tax ($40,000 × $0.89/$100): $356.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $29.67

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and qualification verification. Credits are not automatically applied and must be renewed as required by county regulations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chesterfield County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender typically conducts an annual escrow analysis to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value or tax rates.

Property taxes in Chesterfield County are due annually, with the due date set by county ordinance typically falling in early June (the 2024 due date was June 5th). Lenders usually pay your property tax bill directly to the county treasurer before the due date using funds from your escrow account. You should receive copies of both the tax bill and payment confirmation for your records. If you pay your own property taxes without escrow, it's crucial to make payments by the due date to avoid late penalties and potential tax lien issues. The county accepts online payments, and you can verify payment status through the Chesterfield County Treasurer's Office website or by contacting their office directly.

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 property taxes due in Chesterfield County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are due annually, with the due date set by county ordinance. For 2024, the due date was Wednesday, June 5th. Contact the Chesterfield County Treasurer's Office for the current year's specific due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Chesterfield County offers several tax credits including homestead credits for qualifying residents, senior citizen credits for those 65 and older, disability credits for totally and permanently disabled individuals, and veterans' credits. ALL credits require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied. Contact the County Auditor's Office to apply.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit typically limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value, often capping annual assessment growth. This credit requires an initial application and must be maintained according to county requirements. You must be eligible and continue to meet residency and other qualification criteria.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: South Carolina law requires property reassessment cycles, but the specific schedule can vary. Contact the Chesterfield County Real Estate Assessments office for current reassessment schedules and to access the Real Estate Assessment Data (READ) database for your property information.

Q: What penalties apply for late payments? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to property taxes not paid by the due date. Contact the Chesterfield County Treasurer's Office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed the due date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Chesterfield County typically offers online payment options. Visit the county's official website or contact the Treasurer's Office for current online payment systems and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties located within special taxing districts (fire districts, school districts, municipalities) may have additional tax assessments beyond the base $0.89 per $100 county rate. Your total effective rate depends on your property's specific location and applicable districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed within specific timeframes and follow county procedures. Contact the Chesterfield County Assessor's Office for appeal forms, deadlines, and required documentation to challenge your property's assessed value.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
Real Estate Assessmentschesterfield.gov
02
FY 2025-26 Municipal Millage Rate Increase Limitationsdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
03
Tax Doc
sc-information-letter-1-local-sales-and-use-tax-charts- ...jaspercountysc.gov
04
Tax Doc
Calendar • Property Tax Due Datechesterfield.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Due Dates | South Carolina Business One Stopscbos.sc.gov
06
County
Treasurer | Chesterfield County, VAchesterfield.gov
07
State
Real Estate Tax Relief and Exemptionschesterfield.gov
08
homestead exemptiondor.sc.gov
09
Homestead Exemption | City of Aiken, SC Governmentcityofaikensc.gov
10
South Carolina Legislaturescstatehouse.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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