So it's the day of the sale. You've researched all of the properties you want to bid on. Now what?
As a registered bidder, you will sign in between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. When you arrive, you will meet us at the check in table to receive your bidder number card as well as other information related to the auction. With your bidder card, you will be asked to sign a bidder agreement. To help expedite the check-in process, you may review the contents of the agreement here.
Bidding will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Properties are auctioned in alphabetical order according to the defaulting owner's last name or company name as listed in Beaufort County’s tax system. The opening bid is a minimum bid that includes the delinquent taxes due and an estimate for the taxes owed for the upcoming tax year.
When multiple properties are owned by the same individual or company, the properties are auctioned in numerical order by Property Identification Number (PIN). If the successful bid amount for one property covers the minimum bid of subsequent properties, these subsequent properties are called add-ons. The successful bidder is purchasing just one property, not the subsequent properties. Add-on properties are skipped and not auctioned.
Bid payments, including deed preparation costs and recording fees, will be accepted at the tax sale location and must be paid in full with guaranteed funds before the 3:00pm the day of the tax sale. The deed preparation costs and recording fees are determined by the Register of Deeds Office and calculated based on the winning bid amount. A Temporary Tax Sale Receipt will be issued to and must be retained by the bidder.
If you couldn't make the auction this year, we will once again be broadcasting live on YouTube here.
Helpful Hints!
If personal property is auctioned at the tax sale, a bill of sale is issued to the winning bidder the day of the sale because the auctioned personal property does not have a redemption period.
AFTER THE TAX SALE - WHAT TO EXPECTA successful bidder who does not pay for their bid is subject to a fine of $500 per property pursuant to South Carolina State Statute 12-51-70, and the bidder may be prohibited from bidding in future Beaufort County tax sales.
If a property does not receive a bid at the tax sale, it is transferred to the Forfeited Land Commission where it is held until it is redeemed or bid upon.