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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Williamsburg County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Williamsburg 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
150-200 mills (15-20%), varies by location and taxing districts within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Williamsburg County, South Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Williamsburg County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, which is calculated at approximately 4% of fair market value for owner-occupied residential properties and 6% for other properties, following South Carolina's assessment ratio structure.

The effective tax rate in Williamsburg County varies significantly depending on your property's location within the county due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners should expect total millage rates that typically range from 150 to 200 mills (15% to 20% of assessed value), though this varies by specific district. A notable change for 2025 is the expiration of the 1% "Capital Projects Tax" on April 30, 2025, which may affect overall tax calculations. Property taxes in the county are collected annually, and rates can differ substantially between rural areas and incorporated municipalities within Williamsburg County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated Rate (Mills)Description
County Operating60-80General county services and operations
School District80-120Local school district funding (varies by district)
Municipal/City0-40City taxes (only if within city limits)
Special Districts5-25Fire districts, water/sewer districts, other special services
State Mandated2-5Required state assessments

Note: These rates are estimates for planning purposes. Actual millage rates for FY 2024-2025 vary by specific location within Williamsburg County due to different combinations of school districts, fire districts, and municipal boundaries. The 1% Capital Projects Tax expired April 30, 2025. Contact the Williamsburg County Auditor's Office at (843) 355-9321 for exact millage rates applicable to your property's specific tax districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Williamsburg 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 property taxes in Williamsburg County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that occur after the annual assessment roll is finalized. These taxes ensure that property tax obligations are properly allocated between previous and current owners during the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: property sales or transfers, completion of new construction, additions or major improvements to existing structures, changes in property use classification, or corrections to assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate, and prorating the amount based on the number of months remaining in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in Williamsburg County in September valued at $350,000, and the previous assessed value for the vacant lot was $35,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference ($315,000 × 4% assessment ratio = $12,600 additional assessed value × applicable millage rate × 7/12 months remaining in the tax year).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (4% for owner-occupied): $12,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if eligible): -$2,400
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $9,600
  • Annual Tax (180 mills estimated): $1,728
  • Monthly Escrow: $144

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (4% for owner-occupied): $24,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if eligible): -$2,400
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $21,600
  • Annual Tax (180 mills estimated): $3,888
  • Monthly Escrow: $324

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (4% for owner-occupied): $40,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if eligible): -$2,400
  • Net Taxable Assessed Value: $37,600
  • Annual Tax (180 mills estimated): $6,768
  • Monthly Escrow: $564

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Millage rates vary by location within the county. These examples use estimated average rates for illustration purposes only.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Williamsburg County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill. The lender holds these funds in a separate escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Williamsburg County when they become due.

Property tax bills in Williamsburg County are typically due by April 15th annually. Lenders usually pay taxes before the due date to avoid penalties and interest charges. After payment, you should receive documentation from your lender showing the tax payment. Your escrow account is analyzed annually, and your monthly payment may be adjusted based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value or tax rates.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement and verify that your property taxes were paid correctly. If you believe your taxes are too high due to an incorrect assessment, you can appeal through the county assessment process, but continue making escrow payments as required by your lender to avoid mortgage default. Contact your lender immediately if you notice discrepancies in tax payments or escrow calculations.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Williamsburg County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are typically due April 15th. Personal property taxes (excluding motor vehicles) are due by January 15th of the following year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Yes, all tax credits require separate applications. The Homestead Exemption is available for owner-occupied properties and provides the first $50,000 of fair market value at a 4% assessment ratio instead of 6%. Additional credits may be available for seniors (65+), disabled persons, and legally blind individuals. Contact the County Auditor's Office to apply.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead Exemption doesn't reduce your market value, but it caps annual assessment increases and provides favorable assessment ratios. It must be applied for through the County Auditor's Office and is not automatic. The exemption can limit year-over-year assessment increases, providing tax stability for qualifying homeowners.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Williamsburg County? A: South Carolina law requires counties to implement a countywide reassessment program at least every five years. Property values are reviewed annually, but comprehensive reassessments occur on this cycle. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest apply to unpaid property taxes after the April 15th due date. Contact the County Treasurer's Office at (843) 355-9321 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Williamsburg County website or contact the County Treasurer's Office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: What special district taxes might I pay? A: Depending on your property location, you may pay additional taxes for fire districts, school districts, municipalities, and other special service districts. Your tax bill will itemize all applicable district taxes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can appeal to the Williamsburg County Board of Assessment Appeals. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes after receiving assessment notices. Contact the County Auditor'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
sc-information-letter-1-local-sales-and-use-tax-charts- ...jaspercountysc.gov
02
State
HOME_IncomeLmts_State_SC_...huduser.gov
03
ence s - florecityofflorencesc.gov
04
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQwilliamsburgcounty.sc.gov
05
Legislation Text Searchscstatehouse.gov
06
County
Property Tax Information | Williamsburg County, SCwilliamsburgcounty.sc.gov
07
homestead exemptiondor.sc.gov
08
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION APPLICATION FOR ...dor.sc.gov
09
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQwilliamsburgcounty.sc.gov
10
Legislation Text Searchscstatehouse.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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