HOME / Area Tax Info
Area Tax Info
Why Property Taxes Matter When Buying in the Lowcountry
Property taxes play a huge role in your monthly budget and overall cost of homeownership in South Carolina. I hear from clients all the time who are surprised by how much these rates vary between primary residences and second homes — and how applying for the right rate can save thousands each year. This guide walks you through what you need to know, step-by-step, so you can plan ahead and feel confident when buying in Beaufort or Jasper County.
The 4% Property Tax Rate (Primary Residence)
South Carolina offers a significant break for homeowners who make their property their full-time residence. Primary homes are taxed at 4%, while second homes, rentals, or investment properties are taxed at 6%.
Who qualifies?
- The property must be your legal residence.
- You must have a South Carolina driver’s license or state ID showing the address.
- You can only claim the 4% rate on one property.
Why apply?
- The savings are substantial — often several thousand dollars per year.
- You only need to apply once, but it must be done promptly after closing.
How to Apply for the 4% Rate (Beaufort & Jasper Counties)
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Gather Documents
Confirm you meet the primary residence requirements and collect documents like your deed, driver’s license, and closing statement.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Each county provides an online application and a PDF form:
Step 3: Submit to the County Assessor’s Office
You can apply online or mail/drop off your documents to the appropriate office:
Beaufort County
- Bluffton Office: 4819 Bluffton Parkway, 3rd Floor, Bluffton, SC 29910
- Beaufort Office: 100 Ribaut Road, Room #210, Beaufort, SC 29902
Jasper County
- Jasper County Assessor’s Office (provide address link)
Step 4: Check Your Application Status
Use the county’s Exemption Viewer or property record search tool to confirm when the reduced rate has been applied.
Step 5: Notify Your Mortgage Company
If your mortgage includes escrow, send the updated tax bill to your lender so they can adjust your monthly payments.
Property Tax Calculators
Both Beaufort and Jasper Counties provide online tax calculators to help estimate what your taxes might look like. These tools are especially helpful if you’re comparing multiple homes.
Beaufort County Tax Calculator
Scan or Click here
Jasper County Tax Calculator
Scan or Click here
Need help figuring out the tax district for a property? I can provide that info when you’re house hunting.
Other Key Tax Details
- Second Homes & Investment Properties: Taxed at 6% instead of 4%.
- Additional Exemptions: Seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners may qualify for extra exemptions — worth checking with the county assessor.
- Timing: Apply for the 4% rate as soon as possible after closing; waiting could cost you a full year of savings.