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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Oconee County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Oconee 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% base county rate, varies by district with additional levies for schools, fire, and municipal services
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Oconee County, South Carolina fund essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county government operations. The county operates under South Carolina's property tax system where real property is assessed at 4% of fair market value for owner-occupied residential properties.

For the 2025 tax year, Oconee County's property tax rate is 2.95%, though your actual effective tax rate may vary depending on your location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal assessments. These additional levies can increase your total property tax burden beyond the base county rate. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate by checking which special districts apply to their property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County Operating Levy2.95%Base county services and operations for FY 2025
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operations (varies by district)
Municipal LevyVariesCity services if property located within city limits
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer, other local services

Note: Rates shown are for the 2025 levy year. Total effective tax rates typically range from 2.95% to 5.5% depending on your property's location within Oconee County and applicable special taxing districts. Contact the Oconee County Assessor's Office to determine your property's specific tax rate based on applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchasing a home, completing new construction, adding rooms or structures, installing pools, or making significant improvements that increase property value. For example, if you purchase a $400,000 home in March that was previously assessed at $300,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value ($100,000 x 4% assessment ratio = $4,000 additional assessed value) multiplied by your area's tax rate, prorated for March through December.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Ratio (4%): $12,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption ($50,000 x 4%): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $10,000
  • Annual Tax (2.95% rate): $295
  • Monthly Escrow: $25

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Ratio (4%): $24,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption ($50,000 x 4%): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $22,000
  • Annual Tax (2.95% rate): $649
  • Monthly Escrow: $54

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Ratio (4%): $40,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption ($50,000 x 4%): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $38,000
  • Annual Tax (2.95% rate): $1,121
  • Monthly Escrow: $93

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and is not automatic. Additional exemptions may apply for qualifying seniors or disabled veterans.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Oconee County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. When property taxes become due, your lender pays the tax bill directly to Oconee County on your behalf.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will increase accordingly. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and any shortage or surplus. Property owners are responsible for verifying that their lender pays taxes on time, as late payment penalties will be assessed to the property owner regardless of escrow arrangements.

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 Oconee County for 2025? A: Property tax returns are due by April 1, 2025. Tax bills are typically mailed in late fall with payment due by January 15, 2026 for the 2025 tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Exemption ($50,000 fair market value reduction) requires annual application to the County Assessor. Military exemptions are available for qualifying veterans. An additional $10,000 exemption is available for homeowners age 75 and older. All exemptions require application - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption reduces your property's fair market value by $50,000 for tax purposes on your primary residence. You must apply annually with the Oconee County Assessor's Office. This exemption reduces your taxable assessed value, not your market value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Oconee County? A: Properties are subject to reassessment when ownership changes or improvements are made. Market-wide reassessments occur periodically as determined by the County Assessor.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to unpaid property taxes after the January 15 deadline. Contact the Oconee County Treasurer's Office for current penalty rates.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Oconee County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Check with the County Treasurer's Office for available payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for schools, fire protection, and municipal services add to your base county tax rate. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Oconee County Board of Assessment Appeals within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's Office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
5. INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY TAXdor.sc.gov
02
State
HOME_IncomeLmts_State_SC_...huduser.gov
03
County
FY 2025-26 County Millage Rate Increase Limitationrfa.sc.gov
04
SC1040 INSTRUCTIONS 2019 (Rev. 1/2/2020)dor.sc.gov
05
County
Oconee County Sc Tax Officenacdashboard.nara.gov
06
County
County Property Tax Facts Oconee | Department of Revenuedor.georgia.gov
07
Tax Doc
2024 Proposed Property Tax Exemption Changesoconeecountyga.gov
08
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION APPLICATION FOR ...dor.sc.gov
09
Tax Doc
SOUTH CAROLINA PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
10
PBC FS (City of Seneca, South Carolina [6/30/2024] (In ...seneca.sc.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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