News Summary
Beaufort County has revealed a significant error in interest calculations on real property tax refunds, resulting in approximately $1.6 million owed to over 5,500 taxpayers since 2020. The issue came to light during a routine review in May 2025 and affects refunds issued without legally required interest. The county is collaborating with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to resolve the error and connect with eligible taxpayers for reimbursement.
Beaufort County, SC Discovers $1.6 Million Interest Owed to Taxpayers from Real Property Refunds Since 2020
The Beaufort County government has identified a significant error in the calculation of interest on real property tax refunds, which has resulted in approximately $1.6 million owed to taxpayers. This lapse in interest calculation dates back to 2020 and affects over 5,500 refunds issued since that time.
The discrepancy was first uncovered in May 2025 by the County’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the County Administrator during a routine review. They noted that the legally required interest calculations on refunds and appeals had ceased after 2020, leading to a substantial amount of unpaid interest for taxpayers.
Following the discovery of this error, the County Administrator promptly instructed the Assessor’s office to collaborate with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. This collaboration aims to accurately compute the owed interest and ensure compliance with the relevant state regulations governing property tax refunds.
In response to this situation, Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore emphasized the importance of immediate action once the discrepancy was identified. The county’s swift response illustrates their commitment to rectifying the oversight and honoring their obligations to the taxpayers.
Taxpayers who are eligible for refunds will be contacted directly by the County to provide details regarding the amounts owed and the reimbursement process. This outreach aims to ensure that all affected residents are informed and able to receive the refunds along with the applicable interest that they are entitled to.
Background on the Interest Calculation Lapse
The interest that is generally owed on property tax refunds is mandated by state law, which stipulates that taxpayers should receive interest on any refunds they are due. However, in this instance, due to the oversight, many taxpayers have not received this interest for refunds issued since 2020. The failure to calculate this interest correctly is not only a financial oversight but also a breach of statutory obligations.
Impact on Taxpayers
The impact of this oversight can be significant for those who have been waiting on their refunds. With over 5,500 refunds issued without the legally required interest, taxpayers can expect to receive a notification from the county detailing the amount owed to them and the steps necessary to claim their refund. The process aims to be as transparent and efficient as possible, ensuring that taxpayers receive the compensation they are lawfully entitled to.
Taxpayers with any inquiries pertaining to their real property interest refunds are encouraged to contact the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office at 843-255-2400 for assistance. The office is prepared to provide information and answer questions to help facilitate the refund process.
As the situation develops, the Beaufort County government will work diligently to rectify this situation and ensure compliance moving forward. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of oversight and accuracy in financial matters related to taxation.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Roughly $1.6M to be refunded to Beaufort County taxpayers
- Wikipedia: Tax Refund
- WSAV: Beaufort County Government Corrects Interest Calculation Lapse
- Google Search: Beaufort County tax refund
- The Island News: Free Tax Prep Back for Qualified Lowcountry Residents
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County tax interest
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Tax Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tax Calculation
- Bluffton Today: Dispute Between Beaufort County Officials Delays Tax Bills
- Google News: Beaufort County tax news
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.
