Is South Carolina a Homestead Exemption State? Who qualifies?

While you are considering purchasing Greeville SC real estate, keep in mind that South Carolina is a homestead exemption state, and this program exempts the first $50,000.00 of the value of your home from all property taxes, and you may apply to the County Auditor's Office for the Homestead Exemption discount.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the Homestead Exemption, statements 1,2 and 3 must be true.  

    1. You hold complete fee simple title to your primary legal residence or life estate to your primary legal residence or you are the beneficiary of a trust that holds title to your primary legal residence. 

    2. As of December 31 preceding the tax year of the exemption, you were a legal resident of South Carolina for one calendar year 

    3. As of December 31 preceding the tax year of the exemption, you must be one of the following: 

                        a. 65 years of age, or 

                        b. declared totally and permanently disabled by a state or federal agency                                  having the authority to make such a declaration, or 

                        c. legally blind as certified by a licensed ophthalmologist. 

The earliest that an application can be made for the homestead exemption is on or after July 16 preceding the year that the exemption is to be claimed. Once application is accepted, you do not need to reapply again unless you move to a new home or the eligible owner dies.

Deadline for filing is the day before the tax bill would incur penalties. A failure to apply by that date is considered a waiver of the exemption for that tax year.

Documents you need to apply:

    Those 65 years or older who are applying because of their age will need their birth certificate or South Carolina Driver's License.

    Those who are applying because of disability will need documentation that certifies the disability from a federal or state agency. A person claiming to be totally and permanently disabled, but who has not been classified by one of the agencies, may apply to the state agency of Vocational Rehabilitation. 

    Those who are applying because of blindness will need documentation from an ophthalmologist who is registered with the South Carolina commission for the blind.

    Those who are the income beneficiary of a trust will also need to present a copy of the trust agreement. 

To get more information about South Carolina Homestead exemption requirements, Click Here.

Please contact us at 864-438-5050 for more information about Greenville SC real estate and homes for sale or to work with one of our Greenville SC real estate expert Realtors.