There are 13 different property types taxed in Beaufort County. Depending on the property type, there are a few departments, and even some State agencies, involved in the taxation process. No matter the .property type, the Beaufort County Treasurer’s Office is tasked with the responsibility of collecting the taxes.
Helpful Hints!
Keep in mind that you may be eligible for certain tax discounts, also called exemptions or special assessments. Be sure to check that out because we do not want you to pay more in taxes than necessary.
WHAT TAX DISCOUNTS COULD I BE ELIGIBLE FOR?If you have received a bill but are not sure what property type the bill is for, you can determine this by finding the Property ID, also called a PIN, on your bill. The alpha characters at the beginning of your Property ID indicate the property type.
Real Property (R)
Valued by: Beaufort County Assessor
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Real property is land and any improvements on the property, such as a dwelling or other building.
Mobile Home (M)
Valued by: Beaufort County Assessor
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Mobile homes are prefabricated structures, built in a factory on a permanently attached chassis. Like vehicles, mobile homes must be titled with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and then that title needs to be registered with Beaufort County Building Codes.
Helpful Hints!
You must obtain a permit from Beaufort County Building Codes before moving a mobile home.
Motor Vehicle (MV)
Valued by: Beaufort County Auditor
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Motor vehicles must be registered with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Helpful Hints!
Helpful hint: Before you can register your car, the property taxes must be paid.
If your vehicle is already registered with DMV, your motor vehicle tax bill will be generated by the 15th of the month prior to your registration expiring. Once you've paid your taxes, DMV will send your decal and registration by postal mail within 3-10 business days to the address listed in their records.
Aircraft (AC)
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Aircrafts must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Commercial Boat (CBT)
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Commercial boats are vessels used for trawling in South Carolina State waters, within the General Trawl Zone, and must be registered with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Corporation (CORP)
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Corporations transacting or conducting business within the State of South Carolina are required to file a corporate return with the South Carolina Department of Revenue as long as the corporation's charter or authority to do business is registered with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Documented Vessel (DV)
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Documented vessels are vessels five tons or more used in fishing activities on navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), or used in coastwise trade, and must be registered with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) unless it is exempt from documentation.
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE)
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Owners of businesses in Beaufort County using equipment, furniture, fixtures, or machinery are required to file an annual personal property return with the South Carolina Department of Revenue . If you don't file this form, the Auditor's Office may use an estimated value that may be greater than your actual property value.
Merchant (MER)
Valued by: South Carolina Department of Revenue
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Business personal property taxes are assessed annually on business furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Assets claimed and depreciated for federal income tax purposes are reported on the South Carolina Department of Revenue's (DOR) PT-100 form annually. If you don't file this form, DOR may use an estimated value that may be greater than your actual property value. If your business closes, you must notify them and properly close the account to prevent future billing.
Rental (RENTR)
Valued by: Beaufort County Auditor
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
When a residential property is not the owner’s legal residence. the dwelling and its contents are taxed separately. Property owners are required to file an annual rental property return with the Auditor's Office. If you don't file this form, an estimated value may be used that is greater than your actual property value.
Helpful Hints!
If you do not rent your property, you will complete the rental property return each year and indicate that you do not rent the property.
Signs (SI)
Utility (UT)
Valued by: Beaufort County Auditor
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Utility companies include water and sewer companies, power companies, telephone companies, wireless telecommunication companies, and cable companies.
Watercraft (WC)
Valued by: Beaufort County Auditor
Taxes calculated by: Beaufort County Auditor
Watercraft such as boats, motors, jet skis, sailboats, or wave runners must be registered with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and titled in the owner’s name.
Helpful Hints!
Helpful hint: Before you can register your watercraft, the property taxes must be paid.