BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Berkeley County property owners who received a property assessment notice this year have less than three weeks to challenge the valuation before the county’s appeal deadline.
County officials are reminding residents that written appeals must be submitted by Aug. 10, which is 90 days after the assessment notices were mailed in May.
The notices were not sent to every property owner. According to Berkeley County, only those whose property value or assessment changed for the 2026 tax year received a notice.
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Officials emphasized that an assessment notice is not a property tax bill. Instead, it informs property owners that a change has been made to the assessed value of their property or to its tax assessment.
Assessment notices are typically generated the year after a qualifying change occurs. Changes that can trigger a notice include the construction of a new building, property renovations or additions, an assessable transfer of interest, subdivision of property, or the loss of the 4% legal residence assessment ratio.
Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect must submit their appeal in writing through the county’s OneBerkeley portal at this link. Residents must first create an online account before filing an appeal and may upload supporting documentation to strengthen their case. Property owners who agree with their assessment do not need to take any action.
Assessment notices are also available through Berkeley County’s online property records, where notices remain attached to a property’s record for the years they were issued. Residents seeking an estimate of their upcoming tax bill can use the Berkeley County Auditor’s online tax estimator.
At the same time, the Berkeley County Auditor’s Office is encouraging residents to determine whether they qualify for property tax exemptions that could reduce their tax burden.
Among the available programs is the Homestead Exemption, which is available to qualifying homeowners who are at least 65 years old or have been declared disabled by the Social Security Administration or another authorized agency.
Active-duty military members assigned to South Carolina may also qualify for exemptions on personal property taxes, including taxes on vehicles, watercraft, motor homes and aircraft.
In addition, certain disabled veterans may qualify for exemptions administered through the South Carolina Department of Revenue, including benefits available to veterans with a 100% disability rating.
Applications and forms for exemptions are available through the OneBerkeley Portal or the Berkeley County Auditor’s Office. County officials encourage residents with questions about assessments, appeals or exemptions to contact the appropriate county office before the Aug. 10 deadline.
