Approximately $1.6 Million To Be Refunded to Taxpayers

In a move that demonstrates its continued commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and service to the public, Beaufort County Government has identified and corrected a lapse in interest calculation on real property tax refunds dating back to 2020.

In May of this year, it was brought to the attention of the CFO and County Administrator that interest calculations on refunds and appeals for real property, previously calculated in the Auditor’s office, had ceased back in 2020. The County Administrator directed the Assessor’s office to work with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to calculate the interest owed and return Beaufort County to compliance with State Code.

“Once we were made aware that calculations had ceased, the County began acting immediately,” said Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore. “Every affected taxpayer will receive what they are owed as quickly as possible.”

Since 2020, more than 5,500 refunds were issued without the legally required interest. At present, the County owes approximately $1.6 million in unpaid interest to affected taxpayers. The Assessor’s Office has completed the backlog of calculations and forwarded them to the Auditor’s Office for processing. The Treasurer’s Office is also prepared to assist Finance staff with issuing the refund checks.

“I’d like to thank our County Administrator, the Finance team, and our Assessor’s Office for their quick work over the past few weeks to calculate these refunds,” said County Council Chair Alice Howard. “Making our taxpayers whole is simply the right thing to do.”

Taxpayers eligible for a refund will receive direct communication from the County with details on the amount and process for reimbursement. For questions regarding the real property interest refunds, please contact the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office at 843-255-2400.