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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hampton County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.98% effective rate (varies by district with school, fire, and municipal additions)
1st Due
Jan 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hampton County operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, education, and emergency services. Property taxes in Hampton County are administered by the County Auditor's office and collected by the County Treasurer, with tax bills typically issued in the fall for the following calendar year.

The effective property tax rate in Hampton County for FY 2025-2026 is approximately 2.98% of assessed value, though actual rates can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. Properties are assessed at 4% of fair market value for primary residences and 6% for non-owner occupied properties. It's important to note that Hampton County transitioned to fiscal autonomy in 2025, giving the county greater control over its tax structure and rates.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (mills)Description
County OperatingVariableGeneral county services and operations
School DistrictVariableLocal school district operations and debt service
Fire DistrictVariableFire protection services (varies by district)
MunicipalVariableCity services (if applicable)
Total Estimated Rate29.8 millsApproximately 2.98% for FY 2025-2026

Note: The total effective rate of 2.98% applies to assessed value, not market value. Actual millage rates vary by special taxing district within Hampton County. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Contact the Hampton County Auditor's office for precise rates in your specific tax district.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jan 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
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 Hampton County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership or improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These are most commonly triggered by new construction, additions, renovations that increase property value, or when a property changes hands and is reassessed at current market value.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplying by the current tax rate, and prorating for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, and your property is reassessed with an additional $4,000 in assessed value (at 4% assessment ratio), you would owe approximately $119 in supplemental taxes ($4,000 × 2.98% × 6 months remaining in the tax year ÷ 12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Primary Residence)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $12,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,800 (example 15% reduction)
  • Net Taxable Value: $10,200
  • Annual Tax ($10,200 × 2.98%): $304
  • Monthly Escrow: $25

Example 2: $600,000 Home (Primary Residence)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $24,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$3,600 (example 15% reduction)
  • Net Taxable Value: $20,400
  • Annual Tax ($20,400 × 2.98%): $608
  • Monthly Escrow: $51

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Primary Residence)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $40,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$6,000 (example 15% reduction)
  • Net Taxable Value: $34,000
  • Annual Tax ($34,000 × 2.98%): $1,013
  • Monthly Escrow: $84

Note: Tax credits shown are examples and require separate applications. Actual credits vary based on eligibility and must be applied for annually.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hampton County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. The lender maintains this money in an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Hampton County when they become due.

Property tax bills in Hampton County are typically mailed in October and become due on January 15th of the following year. Lenders usually pay the taxes in December or early January to avoid any late penalties. You should receive an escrow analysis statement annually showing how your escrow account is managed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their lender has the correct mailing address and for reviewing tax bills even when paid through escrow to verify accuracy.

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 Hampton County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due January 15, 2026. Business Personal Property tax returns are due April 30, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Hampton County offers several tax credits including Homestead Credit for residents 65+, disabled, or legally blind, and Assessment Cap Credit limiting annual assessment increases. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic - you must apply through the County Auditor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your home's market value - instead, it caps annual assessment increases and may provide other tax relief for qualifying seniors (65+), disabled persons, or legally blind residents. You must file an application to receive this credit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Hampton County? A: South Carolina requires county-wide reassessments every five years. Between reassessments, individual properties may be reassessed due to sales, improvements, or appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After January 15th, penalties begin accruing monthly. Properties can eventually be subject to tax sale if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Hampton County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's office website. Credit card processing fees may apply.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when I didn't make any improvements? A: Tax increases can result from higher tax rates, county-wide reassessment, removal of tax credits, or being moved to a different special taxing district. Assessment increases may also occur due to market value changes in your area.

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

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 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
Business Personal Propertydor.sc.gov
04
SC Information Letter #20-31dor.sc.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Due Dates | South Carolina Business One Stopscbos.sc.gov
06
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Exemptionscharlestoncounty.gov
08
Tax Doc
South Carolina Property Tax - 2005 Editionscstatehouse.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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