Charleston County Property Tax Appeal — South Carolina

Rob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026

Charleston County, South Carolina, has its county seat in the historic city of Charleston and includes major population centers like North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville. Property tax appeals are crucial here as approximately 40% of Charleston County's general revenues come from property taxes generated through the appraisal of real property , making tax accuracy vital for both homeowners and local services. The median property tax in Charleston County is $1,205 per year for a home worth the median value of $242,100 , with an effective property tax rate of 0.5% , which is slightly lower than the state average and about half of the national average . This translates to a median annual property tax bill that is approximately half the national median of $2,400.

Notable cities: Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville

Median Home

$242,100

Tax Rate

0.5%

Annual Tax

$1,205

Population

408,235

2026 Appeal Deadline: November 18, 2026

The appeal deadline for the 2026 reassessment is November 18, 2026 . This deadline applies to appeals of values in the reassessment notices mailed in August 2026.

Property in Charleston County, South Carolina — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Charleston County Assesses Property

4%of market value

Assessed by: Charleston County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: Every five years

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically mid-March to mid-April)

In Charleston County, the assessed value of your property is calculated by multiplying your home's market value by South Carolina's 4% assessment ratio for primary residences. For example, if your home's market value is $242,100 (the county median), at South Carolina's 4% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $9,684, resulting in approximately $1,205 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.5%. Non-primary residences are assessed at 6% of market value.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Assessor. A conference will be held before the Board of Assessment Appeals to settle disputes between property owners and the Assessor

Step 1: File a written objection with the Assessor by the date printed on your notice using the Notice or Objection Form included with the notice

Step 2: The Assessor will review your objection and either correct the error or schedule a conference to discuss your objection

Step 3: If you disagree after the conference, file a Protest Form and the property will be reviewed and inspected if necessary

Step 4: If you still disagree, you have 30 days to file a written appeal to the County Board of Assessment Appeals, a panel of private citizens

Step 5: If you disagree with the Board's decision, you may appeal to the SC Administrative Law Court

Required form: Notice or Objection Form (included with assessment notice)

Filing Methods

mail: Written objection must be filed with the Assessor - DO NOT send your objection to any other county agency or official

in-person:Charleston County Assessor's Office, 101 Meeting Street, Suite 135, Charleston, SC 29401

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales dataPhotos of condition issuesContractor repair estimatesProperty condition documentation

Charleston County Assessor Contact

Charleston County Assessor

Phone: (843) 958-4100

Address: 101 Meeting Street, Suite 135, O.T. Wallace County Office Building, Charleston, SC 29401

Website: https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/departments/assessor/index.php

Online Portal: https://sc-charleston.publicaccessnow.com/

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tax Exemptions in Charleston County

Homestead Exemption

$50,000 of the fair market value

Provides real estate property tax relief for South Carolinians who are age 65 and over, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind

Eligibility: Must be 65 or older, totally disabled, or legally blind; legal resident of SC for at least one year; have 4% primary residence assessment ratio Deadline: January 30th of the tax year

Legal Residence (Primary Residence)

Reduces tax ratio from 6% to 4%

Special assessment ratio that reduces taxes for primary residences

Eligibility: Resident of Charleston County and the home you own and occupy is your primary legal residence Deadline: Before the first penalty date for taxes due (typically January 15th)

Agricultural Use

Varies based on agricultural use value

Special assessment for property used for agricultural purposes

Eligibility: Property used to raise, harvest, or store crops, feed, breed or manage livestock, or produce plants, trees, fowl, or animals useful to man Deadline: January 15

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Complete exemption on house and up to one acre of land

Exemption for disabled veterans and surviving spouses

Eligibility: POW, Medal of Honor recipient, or military veteran totally disabled from service-related cause, or surviving spouse Deadline: Apply through SC Department of Revenue

Official Resources

Charleston County Assessor Website →

Official Charleston County Assessor's Office website with reassessment information, forms, and contact details

Charleston County Property Search →

Search for property records, sales data, and assessment information for Charleston County properties

South Carolina Department of Revenue - Property Tax →

State-level property tax information including exemptions for veterans, disabled persons, and other special programs

Charleston County Tax Estimator →

Calculate estimated property taxes for real estate parcels in Charleston County based on assessed values

Check Your Charleston County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Charleston County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Charleston County?

For the 2026 reassessment, the appeal deadline is November 18, 2026 . This deadline cannot be waived, and you must file your written objection by the date printed on your assessment notice. Failure to file written objection by the deadline will result in abandonment of appeal rights for the year . It's recommended to file early to ensure your appeal is processed in time.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Charleston County online?

Currently, Charleston County does not offer a fully online property tax appeal filing system. You must file a written objection using the Notice or Objection Form included with your assessment notice . The objection must be filed directly with the Assessor's Office and should NOT be sent to any other county agency . You can mail the form or deliver it in person to the Assessor's Office at 101 Meeting Street, Suite 135, Charleston, SC 29401.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Charleston County?

The homestead exemption in Charleston County exempts up to $50,000 of your home's fair market value from property taxes . For a home valued at the county median of $242,100, this exemption would reduce the taxable value by $50,000, saving approximately $250 annually in property taxes at the county's 0.5% effective rate. To qualify, you must be at least 65 years old, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind, and have been a legal resident of South Carolina for at least one year .

What happens at a Board of Assessment Appeals hearing in Charleston County?

The Board of Assessment Appeals conducts conferences to settle disputes between property owners and the Assessor regarding property value . This fifteen-member board appointed by County Council performs a quasi-judicial function by rendering impartial decisions on valuation disputes . During the hearing, you'll present your evidence such as comparable sales, photos of property conditions, or repair estimates, while the Assessor presents their valuation data. You'll be notified in writing of the Board's decision, and if you disagree, you may appeal to the SC Administrative Law Court .

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Charleston County?

The amount you can save depends on how much your property is overvalued. Statistics show that about 25% of homes in America are unfairly overassessed, and pay an average of $1,346 too much in property taxes every year . In Charleston County, with a 0.5% effective tax rate and 4% assessment ratio, every $10,000 reduction in your home's assessed market value saves approximately $20 per year in property taxes. If your property is under protest and not settled by December 31st, your assessment can be adjusted to no less than 80% until the appeal is resolved .

What evidence do I need for a Charleston County property tax appeal?

You need to submit sufficient proof that your property is overassessed, including valuations of similar homes nearby as evidence . Focus on apples-to-apples comparable sales near the date of value, document real condition or location drawbacks such as deferred maintenance, drainage issues, or road noise . Review your property record for basic accuracy including beds, baths, heated square footage, finished vs. unfinished areas, and major condition factors, as small errors can make a real difference . Bring photos, contractor estimates, and any documentation that supports your claim of overvaluation.

When will I receive my property tax assessment notice in Charleston County?

In Charleston County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year and typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March . For the 2026 reassessment, notices were mailed on August 20, 2026 . Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill . Tax bills are usually mailed in the fall around October 1st, with payment typically due by January 15, 2026 .

What is the Charleston County reassessment hotline and when should I call?

The reassessment hotline(843) 958-4144) is staffed by County appraisers Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The appraisers on the hotline will answer general questions about appealing, reassessment, and other assessment-related questions . Call volume is usually very high the first two weeks after reassessment notices are mailed , and also high after tax bills are mailed in early October and near the November 18, 2026 appeal deadline . For best results, call during off-peak times or after the initial rush.

For state-wide appeal information including South Carolina's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our South Carolina Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More South Carolina Counties

Greenville County (Greenville)Horry County (Conway)Richland County (Columbia)

← All South Carolina property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/departments/assessor/index.php | https://www.tax-rates.org/south_carolina/charleston_county_property_tax | https://smartasset.com/taxes/south-carolina-property-tax-calculator | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/south-carolina/charleston-county

Last verified: 2026-02-16