property tax relief in SC

Hi Radovan,

You can qualify for property tax relief under the Homestead Exemption Law in SC if you meet the following criteria:

• You are 65 years old on or before 31st December, preceding the tax year in which you wish to claim the exemption; OR
• You are certified totally and permanently disabled by a state or federal agency; OR
• You were at least 50 years old when your spouse who was eligible for the homestead exemption died; And
• You 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
• You 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.

Hope you meet the criterion for the exemption.

Thanks
Blue

Thanks Blue, I am above 65, so I think I will qualify as per the details you have provided. If you can provide some details on where should I apply and the documents that will be required, also will I have to apply every year?

Hi Radovan,

Good to know you are meeting the criteria for the exemption, let me answer the question you have asked.

You have asked about where you need to apply. For the Homestead Exemption you will have to apply at the County Auditor's Office.

And for applying you will have to bring your birth certificate, Medicaid card or driver's license as document, to provide proof of your eligibility, as you are applying due to age.

The other thing you have asked; "also will I have to apply every year?"
You are not required to reapply every year. You will have to re-apply if you move to a new home. However, any changes which may affect your eligibility should be reported to your County Auditor immediately. You will be required to re-apply if any of the following reasons are applicable:

1. Change in disability status
2. Receipt of rental payments
3. Remarriage of surviving spouse
4. Death of the eligible owner (which requires reapplication by the surviving spouse) if not jointly owned.

Do let us know if you have any other questions regarding the exemptions.

Thanks
Colin

Thanks again Blue and Colin for the details :)