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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dillon County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.95% base millage rate, varies by district with municipal and school district additions
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dillon County, South Carolina operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and updated periodically. The effective tax rate varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district assignments.

For the 2025-2026 tax year, Dillon County's base millage rate is 2.95%, though your actual rate may be higher when combined with municipal, school district, and special assessment district taxes. Property owners should note that South Carolina uses a classification system where different types of property (owner-occupied residential, rental, commercial, etc.) are assessed at different ratios of market value. Most tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General2.95%Base county operations, public safety, infrastructure
School DistrictsVariesDepends on specific school district boundaries
MunicipalVariesOnly applies if property is within city limits
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, drainage districts, other special assessments
Total Effective RateVaries by locationCombination of all applicable rates

Rates shown are for fiscal year 2025-2026. Your actual total rate depends on your property's location within specific taxing districts. Contact the Dillon County Assessor's office at (843) 774-1400 for your exact rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dillon 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 in Dillon County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments are calculated based on the change in assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now appraises at $350,000 due to recent renovations, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional $150,000 in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. The supplemental bill would be due within 30 days of issuance and is separate from the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Owner-Occupied)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Ratio: 4% = $12,000 assessed value
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$2,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $10,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.95% base rate = $295 annually ($24.58 monthly)

Example 2: $600,000 Home (Owner-Occupied with Senior Credit)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Ratio: 4% = $24,000 assessed value
  • Homestead Credit: -$2,000
  • Senior Citizen Credit: -$1,200 (requires application, age 65+)
  • Net Taxable Value: $20,800
  • Tax Rate: 2.95% base rate = $614 annually ($51.17 monthly)

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Non-Owner Occupied)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Ratio: 6% = $60,000 assessed value
  • No Credits Applied (rental/investment property)
  • Net Taxable Value: $60,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.95% base rate = $1,770 annually ($147.50 monthly)

Note: All credits require annual application. Actual rates may be higher due to municipal and special district taxes.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dillon 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, depositing these funds into an escrow account. When property taxes become due, your lender pays the bill directly to Dillon County from your escrow account.

Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase or decrease significantly. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments made on your behalf. If you pay off your mortgage or choose not to escrow, you become responsible for making property tax payments directly to the county by the specified due dates. Property tax bills are typically mailed to property owners in October, with payment due by January 15th of the following 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 property taxes due in Dillon County for 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are typically due January 15th following the tax year. For the 2025 tax year, payment is due by January 15, 2026. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: South Carolina offers a homestead credit that caps assessment increases on owner-occupied homes. You must apply with the Dillon County Assessor's office by providing proof of residency and occupancy. This credit limits how much your assessed value can increase annually, not your market value.

Q: Are there tax credits for senior citizens or disabled veterans? A: Yes, senior citizens age 65+ may qualify for additional assessment credits, and disabled veterans may qualify for exemptions. Both require annual application with documentation. Contact the Assessor's office at (843) 774-1400 for specific requirements and deadlines.

Q: How often is my property reassessed? A: South Carolina law requires counties to conduct property reappraisals at least every five years. Dillon County follows this schedule, though market-driven adjustments may occur more frequently in rapidly changing areas.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties starting at 3% for the first month, increasing to 7% by the third month. After one year of delinquency, properties may be subject to tax lien proceedings or tax sale.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Dillon County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay in person at the Treasurer's office or by mail. Electronic payments may incur small convenience fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the County Board of Assessment Appeals within 90 days of receiving your assessment notice. You'll need evidence supporting your claim that the assessment is incorrect, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales data.

Q: Do I automatically receive all available tax credits? A: No, most tax credits and exemptions require annual application. The county does not automatically apply these benefits. You must submit applications with required documentation by specified deadlines, typically before January 15th of the tax year.

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