Beaufort County, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort County Government has announced a refund of approximately $1.6 million in unpaid interest on property tax refunds dating back to 2020. Over 5,500 taxpayers will receive compensation due to an error in interest calculations that was identified in May 2025. The Assessor’s Office has completed the necessary calculations in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Revenue, and eligible taxpayers will soon receive direct communication regarding their refunds.
Beaufort County to Refund Approximately $1.6 Million in Unpaid Interest on Property Tax Refunds
Beaufort County Government has announced that it will refund approximately $1.6 million in unpaid interest on property tax refunds dating back to 2020. This decision follows the identification of an error in the interest calculation for real property tax refunds, a situation that has affected over 5,500 refunds issued without the required interest since 2020.
The issue was first brought to the attention of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and County Administrator in May 2025. It was discovered that interest calculations on refunds and appeals for real property had ceased entirely during that period. In response to this lapse, the County Administrator directed the Assessor’s Office to work collaboratively with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to accurately determine the owed interest.
Now, Beaufort County is taking steps to comply with state regulations regarding interest calculations on tax refunds. The Assessor’s Office has successfully completed calculations of the owed interest and has forwarded this information to the Auditor’s Office for processing. The Treasurer’s Office is prepared to assist the Finance staff in issuing refund checks to affected taxpayers in a timely manner.
County Council Chair Alice Howard has emphasized the importance of ensuring that taxpayers are compensated fairly and completely. Eligible taxpayers will be receiving direct communication outlining the details of their refunds, including the amount owed and the process for reimbursement.
To assist taxpayers with any questions they might have regarding the real property interest refunds, the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office has made themselves available at the contact number 843-255-2400.
Background of the Issue
The issue of unpaid interest on property tax refunds reportedly began in 2020 when the interest calculations on refunds and appeals were inadvertently halted. The situation went unnoticed until it was discovered in 2025, leading to an extensive review of the refund process and the necessary calculations moving forward.
Since the discovery, the county has moved quickly to rectify the situation by ensuring that the calculations adhere to the relevant state laws. The collaborative efforts between the Assessor’s Office and the South Carolina Department of Revenue were crucial in ensuring accurate calculations and facilitating the return of funds to the taxpayers affected by this oversight.
As the county begins processing these refunds, it is anticipated that eligible homeowners will receive clear communication regarding their individual amounts and the next steps they need to take. The proactive approach taken by county officials demonstrates a commitment to restoring trust and ensuring accountability within local government operations.
Conclusion
The Beaufort County government’s decision to refund unpaid interest on property tax refunds reveals their commitment to rectifying past oversights. By addressing the issue and informing taxpayers promptly, the county aims to ensure that all affected individuals receive the compensation they are rightfully owed.
FAQs about Beaufort County Property Tax Refunds
What is the total amount being refunded to taxpayers?
Approximately $1.6 million in unpaid interest on property tax refunds will be refunded.
How many taxpayers are affected by this issue?
Over 5,500 refunds were issued without the legally required interest since 2020, affecting many taxpayers.
When did the county identify the issue?
The problem was identified in May 2025 when it came to the attention of the CFO and County Administrator.
How will taxpayers be informed about their refunds?
Eligible taxpayers will receive direct communication detailing the amount owed and the reimbursement process.
Who can taxpayers contact for more information?
Taxpayers can direct their questions regarding the refunds to the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office at 843-255-2400.
Key Features of Refund Process
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Refund Amount | $1.6 million |
| Affected Taxpayers | Over 5,500 refunds |
| Year of Issue | 2020 |
| Communication | Direct notifications to eligible taxpayers about refunds |
| Contact Information | Beaufort County Assessor’s Office: 843-255-2400 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Auditor Unveils Website Enhancements and Refunds
Beaufort County to Compensate $1.6 Million in Tax Refund Interest
Beaufort County Announces $1.6 Million Taxpayer Refund
Beaufort County to Refund $1.6 Million in Unpaid Interest
Beaufort County Discovers $1.6 Million Owed to Taxpayers
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Beaufort County to Refund Interest Returns
- Your Island News: County Government Corrects Interest Calculation Lapse
- Island Packet: Property Tax Refund Interest Mishap
- WSAV: Beaufort County Government Corrects Interest Calculation Lapse
- Wikipedia: Property Tax
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.
