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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Saluda County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Saluda 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 4% of assessed value (varies by taxing district and municipality)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Saluda County, South Carolina operates under the state's property tax system where real and personal property are assessed and taxed annually to fund essential county services including schools, roads, public safety, and local government operations. Property taxes in Saluda County are based on assessed value, which is calculated as a percentage of fair market value depending on the property type. Residential property is typically assessed at 4% of fair market value, while other property types may have different assessment ratios.

The effective property tax rate in Saluda County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. For 2025, the combined tax rate is approximately 4% of assessed value, though this can vary depending on your specific location and applicable special district assessments. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate based on their property's location, as areas within different school districts or special service districts may have additional millage rates applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County OperatingVariesGeneral county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
Combined Total~4% of assessed valueFY 2025-2026 tax year

Note: Actual tax rates vary by location within Saluda County based on school district boundaries and special taxing districts. The 4% rate represents the combined millage rate applied to assessed value, not market value. Property owners should contact the Saluda County Assessor's office to determine their specific tax rate based on their property's location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Saluda 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 Saluda County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or improvements outside of the regular annual assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction, completed renovations that increase property value, changes in property use classification, or corrections to previous assessments. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current property conditions and ownership throughout the tax year.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the difference between the previously assessed tax amount and the new assessment for the remainder of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition in January that increases your property's assessed value by $20,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional taxes owed on that $20,000 increase for the remaining months of the current tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $12,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Up to $200 assessment reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$11,800
  • Annual Tax (4% rate): $472
  • Monthly (if escrowed): ~$39

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $24,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Up to $200 assessment reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$23,800
  • Annual Tax (4% rate): $952
  • Monthly (if escrowed): ~$79

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (4%): $40,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Up to $200 assessment reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$39,800
  • Annual Tax (4% rate): $1,592
  • Monthly (if escrowed): ~$133

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Homestead credits limit assessment increases and provide additional benefits but must be applied for annually.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Saluda County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon request. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until tax payments are due. Lenders typically pay your property taxes directly to the Saluda County Treasurer when taxes become due, usually around the October collection period.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after assessment changes or when tax credits are approved. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or loss of credits, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You'll receive an annual escrow analysis showing how your escrow funds were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. Always review your tax bills even when escrowed to ensure accuracy and to stay informed about your property tax obligations.

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 Saluda County for FY 2025-2026? A: Tax collection officially begins on October 3, 2025. Business Personal Property taxes are typically due by April 30. Contact the Saluda County Treasurer's office for specific due dates and payment options.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Homestead credits are available for primary residences, providing up to $50,000 in fair market value exemption (approximately $200 assessment reduction). All tax credits require application and approval by the County Assessor - they are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit provides a $50,000 exemption from fair market value for your primary residence and up to 5 contiguous acres. This credit also caps assessment increases, helping limit year-over-year tax growth. You must apply with the County Assessor and meet occupancy requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: South Carolina reassesses properties periodically. Contact the Saluda County Assessor's office for current reassessment schedules and appeal procedures if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. Contact the Saluda County Treasurer's office at 111 Law Range St, Saluda, for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Saluda County Treasurer's website for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Saluda County? A: Tax rates vary based on school district boundaries, municipal limits, and special taxing districts for services like fire protection or water/sewer districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Auditor according to SC Code 12-60-2910. Contact the Saluda County Assessor's office for appeal forms and deadlines.

Q: What happens to delinquent taxes? A: Delinquent taxes are handled by the Delinquent Tax Collector's office at 111 Law Range St, Saluda. Properties with unpaid taxes may be subject to tax sales.

Q: Do I need to reapply for tax credits annually? A: Most tax credits, including Homestead exemptions, require annual application or periodic renewal. Contact the County Assessor to verify your credit status and application requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
2025 SALUDA COUNTY PROPERTY TAX RATE NOTICEsaludacounty.sc.gov
02
County
Search Or Pay Taxes | Saluda County - South Carolinasaludacounty.sc.gov
03
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax Estimatorgreenvillecountysc.gov
04
County
Delinquent Tax Sale | Saluda County - South Carolinasaludacounty.sc.gov
05
County
Tax Collector | Saluda County - South Carolinasaludacounty.sc.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tax Due Dates | South Carolina Business One Stopscbos.sc.gov
07
Tax Doc
5. INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY TAXdor.sc.gov
08
Tax Doc
SOUTH CAROLINA PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
09
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAXdc.statelibrary.sc.gov
10
County
Saluda County Audit 2024 - South Carolinasaludacounty.sc.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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