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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lexington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lexington 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
0.5%-0.8% of market value, varies by location and special districts within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lexington County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and other county operations. Property owners in Lexington County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, which is set at approximately 4% of fair market value for owner-occupied residential properties and 6% for other properties. The county reassesses all properties every five years to ensure fair and equitable taxation.

The effective tax rate in Lexington County typically ranges from 0.5% to 0.8% of market value, depending on your specific location within the county. Actual rates vary significantly based on special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries within Lexington County. Property owners may be subject to additional assessments for school bonds, fire districts, water and sewer districts, and other special purpose districts that provide services to their specific area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General$65.00Basic county operations and services
School Operating$95.00Local school district operations
School Debt$15.00School construction and improvement bonds
Fire District$25.00Fire protection services (varies by district)
Special Districts$0-30.00Water/sewer, recreation, other local services

Rates shown are approximate for FY 2024-2025 and vary by location within Lexington County. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Lexington County Assessor's Office for your specific district rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lexington 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 Lexington County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally billed and what should have been billed based on the property changes.

Common triggers include: purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations or additions, subdividing property, or ownership transfers that remove previous tax credits. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference in assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a new $400,000 home in July that wasn't on the original tax roll, you would receive a supplemental bill covering July through December taxes on that property's assessed value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $12,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$2,000 (on first $50,000 taxable value for seniors 65+)
  • Net Taxable Value: $10,000
  • Annual Tax ($10,000 × 0.065): $650
  • Monthly Payment: $54

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $24,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$2,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $22,000
  • Annual Tax ($22,000 × 0.065): $1,430
  • Monthly Payment: $119

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (No Credits)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $40,000
  • Less Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $40,000
  • Annual Tax ($40,000 × 0.065): $2,600
  • Monthly Payment: $217

Examples use base county rate only. Actual taxes include school and special district rates. All tax credits require separate applications and approval.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lexington County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes and insurance. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill, plus a cushion of up to two months' payments as allowed by federal law. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Lexington County when they become due on January 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted. You'll receive an escrow statement showing the analysis and any payment changes. Property owners can request to see their lender's tax payment records and should verify that payments are made timely to avoid penalties. If you pay off your mortgage or qualify to waive escrow, you become responsible for making direct payments to the county by the January 15th deadline.

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 Lexington County? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are due by January 15, 2025. Penalties begin accruing on January 16th for payments postmarked after the due date, with additional penalties on February 2nd.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit for residents 65+ or disabled, which exempts the first $50,000 of taxable value. This requires a separate application to the County Assessor's office and is NOT automatic. You must be a SC resident for one full calendar year before applying.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your market value - it caps annual assessment increases and provides a tax credit on the first $50,000 of taxable value. You must apply through the Lexington County Assessor's office and meet age/disability and residency requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Lexington County conducts countywide reassessments every five years. The most recent reassessment was implemented for tax year 2024. Between reassessments, values may change due to new construction, improvements, or ownership transfers.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Penalties accrue on January 16th and February 2nd for payments postmarked after January 15th. Contact the County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Lexington County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay by mail, phone, or in person at the County Treasurer's office.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Lexington County Board of Assessment Appeals within 90 days of receiving your tax notice. Contact the Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary in my neighborhood? A: Properties in Lexington County may be served by different combinations of fire districts, school districts, water/sewer authorities, and other special purpose districts. Your total tax rate depends on which districts provide services to your specific property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Real Estate Taxes | County of Lexingtonlex-co.sc.gov
02
State
The United States Social Security Administrationssa.gov
03
Economy and Jobsjoewilson.house.gov
04
Do I qualify for the Homestead Exemption?greenvillecountysc.gov
05
County
Homestead Exemption Program | County of Lexingtonlex-co.sc.gov
06
South Carolina Homestead Exemption Programlex-co.sc.gov
07
Instructions for Schedule A (Form 1040) (2025)irs.gov
08
National Address Database Summit Reporttransportation.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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