Auditor’s Department | Frequently asked questions

When I purchased my car, the dealership told me they would take care of my tags and taxes, why did you send me a tax bill?

Do I have to pay taxes again if I want to transfer a tag to a vehicle I just purchased?

How do I get the high mileage reduction?

I just turned 65, can I get the Homestead Exemption now?

When I purchased my car, the dealership told me they would take care of my tags and taxes, why did you send me a tax bill?

The dealership collects your South Carolina Sales Tax and DMV fee. The bill you receive is for the personal property taxes.

Do I have to pay taxes again if I want to transfer a tag to a vehicle I just purchased?

No taxes are due at the time of transfer. Just go to any DMV branch to transfer the tags. You will pay taxes on the vehicle when it is time for the tag to be renewed.

How do I get the high mileage reduction?

You may come in to apply or as a convenience to our taxpayers, the high mileage section on the front of your tax bill may be completed and mailed in for a corrected bill. You must be sure to apply before the last day of the month in which the tag expires.

I just turned 65, can I get the Homestead Exemption now?

You may apply for the homestead Exemption any time after you reach the age of 65. The law states that you must be 65 on or before December 31st of the previous year in which you wish to claim the exemption.

For Your Information:

• Appeal of Vehicle Taxes - You may appeal any property tax on your vehicle by contacting the Auditor's Office. You can apply for a reduction of taxes based on high mileage or you may have a dealership give you a written appraised on the over all condition of the vehicle. According to state law, this appeal must be done by the last day of the month in which the tag expires. If you miss this deadline, you cannot appeal your bill for that year.
• Refund of Vehicle Taxes - If you sell a vehicle, you can surrender your tag and receive a refund on your taxes for the unused months. You must provide written proof of sale of the vehicle and a receipt from the DMV showing the tags have been surrendered. If you move out of state, you can mail your South Carolina tag, South Carolina registration and proof of your registration in the new state to the Auditor's Office to receive a refund for the unused months.
• Motor Homes - are now taxed at the 6% tax rate.
• All marine equipment tax information is provided to us by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. By law, the Auditor's office is required to tax from this information. Contact the Department of Natural Resources at:

• All manufacturers, utility, fee-in-lieu agreements, property of merchants and certain businesses are required to file a return with the South Carolina Department of Revenue or the Berkeley County Auditor's Office on all furniture, fixtures and unlicensed equipment. A return is mailed out each January and is to be filed by April 30th to avoid penalties. If you do not receive a Business Personal Property Return, please contact the Auditor's Office.
• Personal property such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, campers and motor homes are also billed yearly and are taxed a year in advance.
• Temporary 45 Day License Tag - A person who newly acquires a vehicle may purchase a 45 day temporary tag from the Auditor's office. The cost of the tag is $5.00, which may be paid by cash, check, or money order. A bill of sale or the title must be presented to the Auditor's office.
• If you are moving into the state of South Carolina and want to register your motor vehicle, you must first pay property taxes on the vehicle. Bring or fax a copy of your title or registration card to the Auditor's Office, and a tax bill will be prepared based on the value of the vehicle. After the taxes are paid, the paid receipt must be taken to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles along with your out of state title and insurance information in order to obtain a South Carolina license tag and title. You have 45 days to register your vehicle.
• If you purchased a vehicle from an individual, the property taxes must be paid before you can register the vehicle. A copy of the title or bill of sale must be presented to or faxed to the Auditor's Office and a tax bill will be prepared. The paid tax receipt must be taken to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, along with your bill of sale and insurance information in order to obtain a South Carolina license plate and title. You have 45 days to register your vehicle.
• If you purchased a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer may pick up your new tags for you from the Department of Motor Vehicles. You will pay the dealer South Carolina Sales Tax and registration fees. By law, the Department of Motor Vehicles will provide the vehicle information to the Auditor's Office. You will receive a Property Tax Bill which must be paid within 120 days of the date of purchase.
• At the time of purchasing a vehicle, you may prefer to transfer a license plate if the vehicle being purchased is in the same name. You will be taxed on the new vehicle when it is time for the tag to be renewed.