Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I apply for high mileage discount on my vehicle?
A. To apply for high mileage appeal, mail or bring a signed statement with mileage to the Auditor's Office before the due date.
Q. Why am I being charged taxes for the vehicle I just purchased?
The dealer told me he would take care of the tags and taxes. A. The dealership is allowed to pick up your tags on a vehicle without paying local property taxes. When the dealer states they are taking care of your taxes, they are referring to sales tax, which is paid at the local Department of Motor Vehicles.
Q. Didn't I pay the taxes when I bought my vehicle?
A. When you purchase a vehicle from a SC dealership, their personnel are allowed to pick up your registration and license tags without paying the local property taxes. The tax you paid the dealership at the time of purchase was the South Carolina sales tax. This allows you a 120-day grace period to delay payment of personal property taxes on your new vehicle.
Q. Does the Treasurer's Office accept credit and debit cards?
A. Yes, we accept both. You can use your cards in the office, online, and on our toll free phone number. There is a fee however, that goes to the provider of this service. The phone and online charge is 2.2% of your tax amount and in person you are charged 2.5% of your tax amount. All the fees go to the provider along with $30.00 per month, the county pays them for this service. Our toll free number is 1-866-543-2615. Only current taxes are payable online and by phone. No delinquent taxes.
Q. Does the Treasurer's Office accept partial payments?
A. No, County Council passed an ordinance beginning with 2014 taxes to accept installment payments for the coming years on real property. The county does not however, accept partial payments on taxes already due or past due. Installment payments begin in February on taxes that are not billed out until the following October. (See County Ordinances).
Q. Does my previous year have to be paid prior to making installations?
A. Yes, the previous year has to be paid by January 15th and a request in writing to the Treasurer to make installments no later than January 15th of the next tax year and no earlier than December 1st of the preceding tax year.
For Your Information
In South Carolina, vehicle taxes are paid a year in advance.
When paying your taxes, please make reference on your check to the receipt number. This reduces the possibility of error in posting your payment.
If you are renewing your vehicle license tag, you can pay your taxes and renewal fee to the Treasurer's office and eliminate having to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you receive a tax notice for a vehicle you no longer own, you will need to contact the Auditor's office at 843-623-2338. If you receive a tax notice for a boat or motor that you no longer own, you must notify the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC, 29202.