Saving Money on Taxes
If you want to pay more in taxes, don’t keep reading…
But if you’re like most of us, you want to take advantage of every tax discount possible. While we have articles in our Help Center, below is a summary of how to save money on your property taxes.
“I want our customers to take advantage of every opportunity to save money on their tax bill.”
Property Value
First, review the value displayed on your tax bill. When it comes to property taxes, value drives the bus. Elevated value, generally, equals elevated taxes. If you have reason to believe that your value is too high, you may appeal that value.
For real property, like homes or mobile home, you may file an appeal with the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office. Since this is a Reassessment year, every taxpayer received a Reassessment Notice in September showing their new real property value. Please remember the deadline to appeal your real property’s reassessed value is December 11, 2023.
For personal property, like vehicles and boats, calculates the taxes you owe, you may file an appeal with the Beaufort County Auditor’s Office.
Exemptions (aka Discounts)
Whether you are new to Beaufort County or have received exemptions in the past, they are not given automatically and must be applied for.
For real property, the largest (and most common) discount opportunities are the Legal Residence Exemption and the Homestead Exemption. Another advantageous, but less common, discount is the Agricultural Use Exemption. If you bought your property in the last two years, please be aware that if you have been receiving these exemptions but haven’t applied for them, you could be benefiting from the previous owner’s exemption. Please ensure that you have applied.
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If you occupy your property and it is your legal residence, you may be eligible for this discount. To apply, you must complete the Special Assessment Ratio Application and submit it to the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office, the team responsible for processing and approving the applications. If you have additional questions you may contact them at Assessor@bcgov.net or by calling 843-255-2400.
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If you are over the age of 65, or 100% totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind, you may be eligible for this discount. To apply, you must complete the Homestead Application in-person at the Beaufort County Auditor’s Office or by requesting the form via email at BeaufortCountyAuditor@bcgov.net. If you have additional questions you may contact them at BeaufortCountyAuditor@bcgov.netor by calling 843-255-2500.
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Real property used for certain agricultural purposes may be eligible for this discount. To apply, you must complete the Agricultural Special Assessment Ratio Application and submit it to the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office, the team responsible for processing and approving the applications. If you have additional questions you may contact them at Assessor@bcgov.net or by calling 843-255-2400.
Other exemptions and discounts may be available to you as well. Learn more about them here or by directly contacting the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office and Auditor’s Office. For our military veterans, thank you for your service ❤️, you may also want to contact Beaufort County Veteran’s Affairs Office.
If you are not receiving these exemptions, now is the time to apply.
If you have been receiving any exemptions, you will need to reapply if…
You’ve had any changes to your property title,
Moved to a new home, or
Had any changes to your mailing address.
If you have questions about tax payments or other items related to the Treasurer’s Office, you can always visit our Help Center or contact us.