Do You Qualify For Reduced Property Taxes?

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Janet Brown Jurosko, Berkeley County Auditor, wants to be sure that all Berkeley County property owners are receiving all the property tax exemptions that may be available to them.  The following information will help you determine if you qualify for an exemption.

The Homestead Exemption Act applies to the primary residence of homeowners who qualify in one of three ways: are 65 years of age or over, are totally and permanently disabled, or are legally blind.  This act exempts the first $50,000 off the value of the qualified applicant’s home.

The Homestead Exemption Act requires the taxpayer to come in to the county auditor’s office and apply. If you’re unable to come into the office please give the county auditor’s office a call. The exemption continues in effect unless there is a change in the title of the residence, change in disability or marital status, change of primary residence, the property is disposed of, or the dwelling is rented.  This act may apply to living trusts and other trusts if the trustee holds legal title to the home and the beneficiary of the trust is qualified by age or disability.

A taxpayer may be eligible for exemption of taxes on the qualified residence by the SC Department of Revenue if a homeowner has a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability.  This disability exemption may be from the Veterans Administration, Law Enforcement, or Fire-fighter services.

It also applies if the homeowner is a paraplegic or hemiplegic. For the purposes of this exemption, paraplegic or hemiplegic includes a person with Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which has caused the same ambulatory difficulties as a person with paraparesis or hemiparesis.  The auditor’s office would be happy to assist in the completion of this application form.

County officials encourage any homeowner who may qualify for these programs to contact the Berkeley County Auditor’s Office for assistance.  Please come by the office office located at 1003 Highway 52 in Moncks Corner or call for more information.  Visit their webpage at berkeleycountysc.gov for more information.

If you are already receiving one of these exemptions, you do not have to reapply unless your circumstances have changed as noted above.  You will see the exemption breakdown on your yearly tax bill.

Janet Brown Jurosko, Berkeley County Auditor

843-723-3800 (Charleston), 843-567-3136 (Saint Stephen), or 843-719-4727 (Moncks Corner)