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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McCormick County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in McCormick 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
2.95% county rate, 4.24% for McCormick Town residents (varies by district)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McCormick County, South Carolina operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including education, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. The county's property tax rate for the 2025 fiscal year is 2.95%, which is set at the state level. Property taxes are assessed based on fair market value as determined by the County Assessor, with assessments typically updated on a regular cycle.

It's important to note that your actual property tax rate may vary depending on your specific location within McCormick County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and additional assessments. Properties within incorporated areas like McCormick Town face additional municipal taxes, bringing the combined rate to 4.24% for town residents. The property tax system in McCormick County follows South Carolina's assessment practices, where residential property is typically assessed at a percentage of fair market value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County Base Rate2.95%Base McCormick County levy for FY 2025
McCormick Town Municipal1.29%Additional rate for properties within town limits
Combined Town Rate4.24%Total rate for McCormick Town residents
School DistrictVariesIncluded in base county rate
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, drainage, other special assessments

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Properties in unincorporated areas pay the base county rate of 2.95%, while properties within McCormick Town pay the combined rate of 4.24%. Additional special district assessments may apply depending on your property's location and the services provided in your area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McCormick 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 McCormick County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements made to existing properties. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January and the county reassesses your property, you would owe supplemental taxes on that increased value for the remaining months of the current tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the assessment increase, applying the current tax rate, and prorating it based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. This ensures that property owners pay their fair share of taxes based on their property's current value throughout the entire tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property (Unincorporated Area)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (at assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 2.95% = $8,850
  • Monthly Payment: $737.50

Example 2: $600,000 Property (McCormick Town)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 4.24% = $25,440
  • Monthly Payment: $2,120.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (Unincorporated Area)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior Citizens Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 2.95% = $29,500
  • Monthly Payment: $2,458.33

Note: Tax credits shown require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits typically limit assessment increases rather than reduce current market value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McCormick County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax bill and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment. This amount is collected along with your mortgage payment and held in a separate account.

Property taxes in McCormick County are typically due by April 30th each year. Your mortgage servicer will pay your property tax bill directly to the county from your escrow account when taxes become due. Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your money was used and whether adjustments to your monthly payment are needed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. You can request escrow account statements and should verify that payments are made on time to avoid penalties.

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 McCormick County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are typically due by April 30th. Late payments may be subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: South Carolina offers various tax credits including homestead credits for primary residences and senior citizen credits. These credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill. Contact the McCormick County Assessor's office for specific credit applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value rather than reducing the current market value. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic. The credit helps limit dramatic assessment increases on your primary residence.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in McCormick County? A: Properties are reassessed periodically by the County Assessor's office. You will receive notice of any assessment changes, and you have the right to appeal if you believe the assessment is incorrect.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to tax sales. Delinquent tax redemption notices are typically mailed 20-45 days before the end of the redemption period.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the McCormick County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on your property's location within McCormick County. Properties in McCormick Town pay additional municipal taxes, and various special districts may apply different rates for services like fire protection or drainage.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: If you believe your property assessment is incorrect, you can file an appeal with the McCormick County Board of Assessment Appeals. There are specific deadlines and procedures that must be followed for appeals.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 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
Tax Doc
sc-information-letter-1-local-sales-and-use-tax-charts- ...jaspercountysc.gov
03
County
FY 2025-26 County Millage Rate Increase Limitationrfa.sc.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Due Dates | South Carolina Business One Stopscbos.sc.gov
05
South Carolina Code of Laws - Title 12scstatehouse.gov
06
Request for Proposalsdot.state.sc.us
07
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
08
Tax Doc
SOUTH CAROLINA PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
09
Tax Doc
South Carolina Property Tax - 2005 Editionscstatehouse.gov
10
Legislation Text Searchscstatehouse.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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