Every property in South Carolina is appraised at 100% of fair market value by the county assessor and assessed at one of two ratios: 4% for owner-occupied primary residences (the legal residence rate), or 6% for other property. The local millage rate applies to the assessed value. If your appraised value is too high, you may be overpaying — and if your home isn't on the 4% legal residence rate, you're definitely overpaying.

Property owners can appeal by filing written notice of appeal with the county assessor within 90 days of the assessment notice. If the assessor doesn't adjust, the appeal goes to the County Board of Assessment Appeals. Further appeals go to the Administrative Law Court.

Filing the initial appeal with the assessor and the Board of Assessment Appeals is free. South Carolina reassesses every 5 years; in non-reassessment years, only physical changes (additions, demolitions) trigger value updates.

The 4% legal residence rate requires an application — confirm with the county assessor that your primary home is correctly classified. Act 388 exempts owner-occupied homes from school operating taxes and caps reassessment increases at 15% per 5-year cycle. The Homestead Exemption excludes the first $50,000 of fair market value for homeowners 65+ or 100% disabled.