Richland County Property Tax Appeal — South Carolina

Rob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026

Richland County, home to South Carolina's capital Columbia, is the state's second-most populous county with approximately 416,147 residents. The county faces higher property tax burdens than most of South Carolina, with a median effective tax rate of 1.01%, slightly below the national average of 1.02%. With a median home value of $117,300 to $173,600 and median annual property tax bills ranging from $1,111 to $1,343, homeowners in Richland County pay less than the national median of $2,400 but more than most other South Carolina counties.

Notable cities: Columbia, Blythewood, Chapin, Irmo, Eastover

Median Home

$146,300

Tax Rate

1.01%

Annual Tax

$1,343

Population

416,147

2026 Appeal Deadline: 90 days from the date of the assessment notice

You have 90 days from the date you receive your assessment notice to file an appeal with the Richland County Assessor's Office. Assessment notices are typically mailed in April-May each year.

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

How Richland County Assesses Property

4%of market value

Assessed by: Richland County Assessor

Assessment cycle: Every five years with annual updates

Notices typically mailed: April-May

In South Carolina, property tax is calculated on the assessed value, which is 4% of the property's market value for owner-occupied homes. For example, if your home's market value is $146,300 (the county median), at South Carolina's 4% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $5,852, resulting in approximately $1,343 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.01%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Assessor. The Board of Assessment Appeals is an independent body that reviews property tax disputes between taxpayers and the Assessor. The Board consists of seven members who will evaluate the facts presented by both parties.

Step 1: Review your assessment notice carefully and compare your property's assessed value to similar properties in your neighborhood

Step 2: Contact the Richland County Assessor's Office at(803) 576-2640 or visit https://www7.richlandcountysc.gov/AssessorApps/Appeals to obtain an appeal form within 90 days of receiving your notice

Step 3: Complete the appeal form with detailed information about your property and gather supporting evidence such as recent appraisals, comparable sales, photos of property conditions, or repair estimates

Step 4: Submit your completed appeal form and all supporting documentation to the Assessor's Office for an informal review where staff will evaluate your claim

Step 5: If unsatisfied with the informal review, request a formal hearing before the Richland County Board of Assessment Appeals

Step 6: If still unsatisfied after the Board hearing, you may appeal to the South Carolina Administrative Law Court

Required form: Property tax appeal form available from the Assessor's Office

Filing Methods

online:https://www7.richlandcountysc.gov/AssessorApps/Appeals

phone:Call(803) 576-2640 to request an appeal form

in-person:Visit the Assessor's Office at 2020 Hampton Street, County Administration Building, Columbia, SC 29202

Evidence to Bring

Recent property appraisalsComparable sales dataPhotos of property conditionRepair estimates or contractor quotesEvidence of declining property values

Richland County Assessor Contact

Richland County Assessor's Office

Phone: (803) 576-2640

Address: 2020 Hampton Street, County Administration Building, Columbia, SC 29202

Website: https://www.richlandcountysc.gov/Government/Departments/Taxes/Assessor

Online Portal: https://www7.richlandcountysc.gov/AssessorApps/

Tax Exemptions in Richland County

Homestead Exemption

$50,000 exemption from fair market value

Complete exemption of taxes on the first $50,000 in fair market value of your legal residence

Eligibility: Homeowners who are 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blindDeadline: December 31 of the preceding tax year

Legal Residence (4% Assessment Ratio)

2% reduction in assessment ratio

Reduces the assessment ratio from 6% to 4% for owner-occupied primary residences

Eligibility: Property owners who occupy the home as their primary residenceDeadline: Apply when purchasing property or changing primary residence

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Varies based on disability rating

Property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans

Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disabilitiesDeadline: Contact Auditor's Office for specific deadlines

Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral

Defers tax payment until property is sold or transferred

Allows qualifying seniors to defer property tax payments

Eligibility: Homeowners 65 or older meeting income requirementsDeadline: Contact Auditor's Office for details

Official Resources

Richland County Assessor's Office Website →

Official website for property valuations, assessment information, and property record searches.

Richland County Online Appeal Portal →

File property tax appeals online and track the status of your appeal application.

Richland County Property Search Tool →

Search for property records, view assessment values, and compare properties in Richland County.

South Carolina Department of Revenue Property Tax Information →

State-level property tax resources including exemption applications and property tax laws.

Richland County Appeal Statistics

% Who Appeal

25%

Check Your Richland County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

You have 90 days from the date you receive your assessment notice to file an appeal with the Richland County Assessor's Office. Assessment notices are typically mailed out in April and May each year, so most appeals must be filed by mid-summer. The 90-day deadline is strict, and missing it means you'll have to wait until the next assessment cycle to appeal your property value.

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

To file an appeal online, visit https://www7.richlandcountysc.gov/AssessorApps/Appeals and create an account if you don't already have one. You'll need to provide your property information, the reasons for your appeal, and upload supporting documentation such as comparable sales data or property condition photos. The online system is available 24/7 during the appeal period, making it the most convenient option for most homeowners.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Richland County?

The homestead exemption in Richland County completely eliminates property taxes on the first $50,000 of your home's fair market value if you're 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind. For a home valued at $146,300 (the county median), this exemption would reduce your taxable value to $96,300, potentially saving you over $500 annually. You must apply through the Richland County Auditor's Office at(803) 576-2610 before December 31 of the preceding tax year.

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

At a Board of Assessment Appeals hearing, you'll present your case to a seven-member board that includes representatives appointed by County Council and local school districts. You'll have the opportunity to explain why your property assessment is incorrect and present evidence such as comparable sales, appraisals, or documentation of property defects. The Assessor's Office will also present their justification for the current assessment, and the Board will make an impartial decision based on the evidence presented.

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

While specific savings vary by property, successful appeals in Richland County can result in significant reductions to your tax bill. With the median home valued at $146,300 and an effective tax rate of 1.01%, even a 10% reduction in assessed value could save approximately $134 annually. National statistics show that about 25% of properties are overassessed by an average of $1,346, making an appeal potentially worthwhile for many homeowners.

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

Strong evidence for a Richland County property tax appeal includes recent sales data for comparable properties in your neighborhood (typically within the last 6-12 months), a professional appraisal dated close to the assessment date, photographs documenting any property damage or needed repairs, contractor estimates for necessary repairs, and any documentation showing declining property values in your area. The more specific and recent your evidence, the stronger your appeal will be.

Can I appeal my property taxes every year in Richland County?

While Richland County conducts comprehensive reassessments every five years, you can appeal your property value any year you receive an assessment notice showing a change in value. However, you must have valid reasons and new evidence for each appeal - you cannot simply re-submit the same appeal annually. If property values in your area have declined or your property has suffered damage, these would be valid reasons to file a new appeal.

What is the 4% assessment ratio and how does it affect my Richland County property taxes?

The 4% assessment ratio is a special rate for owner-occupied primary residences in South Carolina, compared to 6% for other residential properties. In Richland County, this means if your home has a market value of $146,300, your assessed value would be $5,852 (4% of market value) rather than $8,778 (6% of market value). This 2% difference saves homeowners approximately $295 annually on a median-valued home, making it essential to apply for this classification when you purchase your home.

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

Charleston County (Charleston)Greenville County (Greenville)Horry County (Conway)

← All South Carolina property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.richlandcountysc.gov/Property-Business/Property-Valuation/Assessment-Appeal | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/south-carolina/richland-county | https://www.tax-rates.org/south_carolina/richland_county_property_tax | https://boards.columbiasc.gov/richland-county-board-of-assessment-appeals/ | https://dor.sc.gov/tax/exempt-property

Last verified: 2026-02-16