News Summary
Beaufort County, SC, is set to refund approximately $1.6 million in unpaid interest to over 5,500 taxpayers due to errors in property tax refund calculations dating back to 2020. The mistakes were corrected in May 2025, and officials are working swiftly to issue refunds. The collaboration between the Assessor’s Office and the South Carolina Department of Revenue aims to ensure compliance with state regulations while making the process transparent for taxpayers.
Beaufort County, SC is set to refund approximately $1.6 million in unpaid interest to taxpayers following the identification of errors in interest calculations on real property tax refunds that date back to 2020. The calculation mistake was recognized and corrected in May 2025, prompting immediate action from the county officials.
The lapse in interest calculations resulted in over 5,500 taxpayers not receiving the legally required interest on their refunds since 2020. Once the county was informed of the issue, they initiated corrective measures swiftly to address the oversight and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
The Beaufort County Administrator has instructed the Assessor’s Office to collaborate with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to accurately calculate the total interest owed to taxpayers. This cooperative effort aims to not only rectify the financial discrepancies but also adhere strictly to the South Carolina State Code regarding property tax refund procedures.
Once the calculations of owed amounts were completed by the Assessor’s Office, they were forwarded to the Auditor’s Office, which is responsible for processing the payments. The Treasurer’s Office has also been engaged and is ready to assist in issuing the refund checks to the affected individuals.
Taxpayers who are eligible for these refunds will be directly contacted by the county government. They will receive information detailing the amount owed and the steps required to claim their reimbursement. The swift action from the Beaufort County government emphasizes their commitment to ensuring that every affected taxpayer receives their rightful amounts as promptly as possible.
Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore has highlighted the importance of addressing this accounting error quickly, as it impacts a significant number of taxpayers in the region. The County Council has also commended the collaborative efforts of the County Administrator, Finance team, and Assessor’s Office for their efficient handling of this issue.
For any inquiries concerning the real property interest refunds, taxpayers are encouraged to reach out to the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office at 843-255-2400.
Background of the Issue
The error in the interest calculation originated when the county ceased the practice of calculating and distributing interest on property tax refunds in 2020. It was only in May 2025 that the issue was brought to light, leading to corrective actions. The county’s swift response is intended to rectify the financial impact on taxpayers and prevent similar issues in the future.
Regulatory Compliance
In accordance with South Carolina State Code, property tax refunds must include interest. The county’s effort to rectify this oversight aligns with their commitment to uphold the law and ensure fiscal responsibility. The collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Revenue is an essential step in accurately managing the refund calculations and safeguarding taxpayer interests.
The Beaufort County government remains dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability in its financial operations. As the community awaits the issuance of refunds, the prompt communication and action taken by the county reflect their responsibility toward the taxpayers they serve.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Discovers $1.6 Million Owed to Taxpayers
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Additional Resources
- WTOK News
- WSAV News
- Your Island News
- Island Packet
- Fits News
- Wikipedia: Property Tax
- Google Search: Beaufort County tax refunds
- Google Scholar: Tax Refund Calculation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tax
- Google News: Beaufort County tax refunds
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
