Updated 2025 Tax Year

Georgetown County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Georgetown 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

Approximately 1% effective rate (varies by district and special assessments)

Exemptions

5+ Available

Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Georgetown County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes in Georgetown County are administered locally, with the County Assessor determining property values and the County Treasurer collecting payments. The effective tax rate in Georgetown County is approximately 1% of assessed value, though this represents a base rate that can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county.

It's important to understand that actual tax rates vary by location within Georgetown County due to special taxing districts, school district boundaries, and municipal boundaries. Properties may be subject to additional assessments for school bonds, fire districts, and other special services. Beginning May 1, 2025, Georgetown County will implement a 1% Capital Projects Tax, which will affect the overall tax burden for property owners. The county follows South Carolina's assessment practices, with residential properties assessed at 4% of fair market value and most other properties at 6%.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Component	Rate	Description
County Operating Levy	~0.57%	Basic county services and operations
School District Levy	~0.35%	Local school district funding (varies by district)
Capital Projects Tax	1.00%	Infrastructure improvements (effective May 1, 2025)
Special Districts	Varies	Fire districts, water/sewer, other local services
Municipal Taxes	Varies	Additional taxes if within city limits

Total Estimated Range: 1.9% - 2.5% (varies by location and special districts)

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within Georgetown County, school district boundaries, and applicable special taxing districts. Contact the Georgetown County Assessor's Office for your specific tax rate based on your property's location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Georgetown 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 Georgetown County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the regular assessment date but during the current tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that remove tax credits or exemptions, major improvements or additions, and changes in property classification or use.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in September and your tax rate is 2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $80 ($100,000 × 4% assessment ratio × 2% tax rate × 10 months remaining ÷ 12 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

Market Value: $300,000
Assessed Value (4%): $12,000
Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
Net Taxable Value: $10,800
Annual Tax (2% rate): $216
Monthly Escrow: $18

Example 2: $600,000 Home

Market Value: $600,000
Assessed Value (4%): $24,000
Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
Net Taxable Value: $22,800
Annual Tax (2% rate): $456
Monthly Escrow: $38

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

Market Value: $1,000,000
Assessed Value (4%): $40,000
Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
Net Taxable Value: $38,800
Annual Tax (2% rate): $776
Monthly Escrow: $65

Note: These examples use estimated rates and assume application for available tax credits. Homestead and other credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific location within Georgetown County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Georgetown County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay approximately 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to Georgetown County when they become due on January 15th. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available, and they're required to provide annual escrow analysis statements showing account activity and any required payment adjustments.

It's crucial to verify that your lender pays your property taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for payment even when using escrow. You can check payment status through the Georgetown County Treasurer's office or online portal. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment, new construction, or additional special district taxes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. When the Capital Projects Tax takes effect on May 1, 2025, expect escrow payment adjustments to account for the increased tax burden.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Georgetown County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by January 15th each year. Penalties begin accruing on January 16th if payment is not received.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Common tax credits include the Homestead Credit for primary residences, Senior Citizens Credit, Disabled Veterans Credit, and Agricultural Use Credit. All credits require annual application and are not automatic. Contact the Georgetown 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 assessed value to a maximum percentage (typically around 10%) for your primary residence. This limits assessment growth, not the market value itself. You must file an application to receive this credit, and it must be renewed annually.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Georgetown County? A: South Carolina requires county-wide reassessments every five years. Georgetown County follows this schedule, with the most recent reassessment affecting tax bills. Property owners can appeal assessments within 90 days of receiving assessment notices.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Penalties begin accruing on January 16th and typically include interest charges and penalty fees. After extended delinquency, properties may be subject to tax lien sales.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Georgetown County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the County Treasurer's office for current online payment methods and any associated processing fees.

Q: How will the new Capital Projects Tax affect my bill? A: Beginning May 1, 2025, the 1% Capital Projects Tax will be added to your property tax bill. For a home with $20,000 assessed value, this adds approximately $200 annually to your tax bill.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment by filing a protest with the Georgetown County Board of Assessment Appeals within 90 days of receiving your assessment notice. You'll need to provide evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value is incorrect.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

State

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINAjaspercountysc.gov

FY 2025-26 Municipal Millage Rate Increase Limitationsdc.statelibrary.sc.gov

County

Berkeley County Unofficial Property Cardassessor.berkeleycountysc.gov

Tax Doc

Tax Due Dates | South Carolina Business One Stopscbos.sc.gov

County

Georgetown County Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov

Formsgeorgetownsc.gov

xgf newfronteldoradocounty.ca.gov

Local Government Services | South Carolina ...dor.sc.gov

Public Policy Options for Changing the Federal Role in ...gao.gov

CITY OF GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINAgeorgetownsc.gov

All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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Georgetown CountyProperty Tax Guide