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Homestead
Exemption Program
Q: What is the Homestead Exemption program?
In 1972, the S.C. General Assembly passed the Homestead
Exemption Law which provides real estate property tax relief
for South Carolinians who are age 65 and over, totally and
permanently disabled, or legally blind. The exemption excludes
the first $50,000 from the fair market value of your legal
residence.
| Example: |
| Without Homestead: |
|
With Homestead: |
| Value of Home |
100,000
|
|
Value of Home |
100,000 |
| Multiplied by 4% |
4,000 |
|
Less Exemption |
-50,000 |
| Multiplied by Sample Millage |
x .270
|
|
Adj. Value of Home |
= 50,000 |
| Total Taxes |
= 1,080
|
|
Multiplied by 4% |
= 2,000 |
| |
|
|
Multiplied by Sample Millage |
x .270 |
| |
|
|
Total Taxes |
= 540 |
Please note: This example is a comparative guide and is
provided as a general information tool only. The millage
used in the example is a composite figure and does not represent
current millage amounts. More detailed information can be
obtained from the Charleston County Auditor's Office.
Q: How do I qualify for the Homestead Exemption?
You may be qualified for the Homestead Exemption if you
-
ARE at least 65 years of age on or before
December 31, preceding the tax year in which you wish
to claim the exemption; OR
-
ARE certified totally and permanently
disabled by a state or federal agency; OR
-
ARE legally blind; OR
-
ARE at least 50 years of age when your
spouse who was eligible for the Homestead Exemption died;
AND
-
ARE a legal resident of South Carolina
for at least one year on or before December 31 of the
year prior to the exemption; AND
-
HOLD fee simple title or partial title
to your house, mobile home, or life estate on or before
December 31 of the year prior to the exemption, and have
been approved to receive the 4% legal residence tax assessment
ratio, AND
-
WERE a legal residence of South Carolina
for one year as of December 31 of the preceding year.
Q: Do I have to apply in person?
For this exemption, the qualifying homeowner must apply
in person at the county auditor's office; however, if unable
to appear, the homeowner may authorize someone else to make
application by providing them with the proper documents.
The state does not allow us to send application forms out
of the office.
Q: What documents do I need to apply
You will need to provide proof of eligibility by providing
proof of your age or disability. To prove your age, you
may use your Medicaid or Medicare card, a driver's license,
or a birth certificate. If applying because of disability
or blindness, bring certification from a state or federal
agency. The agency must have the proper authority to make
the certification.
Q: Do I need to reapply annually?
You do not need to reapply annually unless there is a change
which affects the deed to your property. You do need to
advise the Auditor's Office if:
-
You sell or rent your house, OR
-
You make changes to the owners listed
on the deed, OR
-
There is a change in your disability status,
OR
-
The eligible owner dies (requires reapplication
by the surviving spouse), OR
-
The surviving spouse remarries.
Total Tax Exemption
Are you aware of Total Tax Exemption – Department
of SC Revenue? If you are classified as “Permanent
and Totally” disabled, you may apply for total tax
exemption on your auto and home.
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