Departments > Tax + Finance

Chester County Auditor

Chester County Auditor's Office plays a vital role in ensuring accuracy and fairness in the taxation process. Staff members work to process motor vehicle tax-related adjustments, including handling high mileage and reappraisal appeals, and managing tax bill adjustments for real property. They are also responsible for the initial setup of vehicle tax records, integrating new vehicles into the county's system.

Beyond the mechanics of taxation, the Auditor's Office also serves as a point of contact for residents navigating the complexities of property taxes, notably through the administration of the Homestead Exemption, which provides significant relief to eligible homeowners.

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View and Pay Taxes Online 2025 Chester County Tax Levy
On This Page

  • Hours

    8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
    Monday - Friday

  • Location Address

    1476 J. A. Cochran Bypass
    Chester, SC 29706

  • Mailing Address

    PO Box 580
    Chester, SC 29706

  • Phone

    (803) 385-2607

  • Fax

    (855) 929-4277

Responsibilities and Services

Homestead Exemption

If you think you may qualify for the Homestead Exemption, contact our office to apply.
SC DOR Eligibility Details Call: (803) 385-2607

  • Property Tax Billing and Distribution

    The Auditor's Office calculates property taxes for all real estate and personal property within Chester County, ensuring accurate assessments based on established tax rates. This includes generating detailed tax bills and managing their timely distribution to property owners, facilitating the crucial funding of county services and initiatives.

  • Homestead Exemption Program

    As a service to eligible residents, the Auditor's Office accepts and processes applications for the South Carolina Homestead Exemption. This program provides significant property tax relief on primary residences for qualifying individuals (e.g., senior citizens, those with disabilities), and the Auditor's Office plays a key role in ensuring these benefits are accurately applied.

  • Motor Vehicle Tax Adjustments and Refunds

    The Auditor's Office handles processes related to motor vehicle license plates that may result in tax refunds or adjustments to tax bills. This includes managing scenarios where vehicles are sold, moved out of state, or other circumstances where a recalculation of the associated property taxes is necessary.

  • Motor Vehicle High Mileage & Reappraisal Appeals

    To ensure fair taxation, the Auditor's Office provides the opportunity for residents to appeal motor vehicle valuations based on high mileage or reappraisal assessments. They oversee the process of reviewing these appeals and making necessary adjustments to tax bills in accordance with established guidelines.

  • Real Property Tax Adjustments and Refunds

    Beyond initial billing, the Auditor's Office manages adjustments and refunds related to real property taxes. This could involve addressing errors in assessment, changes in property ownership, or other factors that require a modification of the original tax bill.

  • First-Time Vehicle Tax Setup and Integration

    For new vehicles entering the county's tax system, the Auditor's Office is responsible for the initial setup of the vehicle's tax record. This involves integrating vehicle information into the tax database to ensure accurate billing in future tax cycles.

Forms + Information

Property Tax Exemptions

  • How to apply for a Property Tax Exemption

    Download

  • Property Tax Exemption Application for Individuals
    (PT-401-I)

    Download

  • Property Tax Exemption for Organizations
    (PT-401-O)

    Download

Levies

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does L.O.S.T Credit mean on my tax bill?

    The L.O.S.T Credit is a credit given to you from the collection of the one-cent sales tax.

  • What is the Homestead Exemption and who is eligible for it?

    To qualify for the South Carolina Homestead Exemption, a homeowner must meet one of the following criteria as of December 31st of the year before the tax year for which they are applying: be a legal resident of South Carolina and either be 65 years of age or older, be officially declared totally disabled by a recognized state or federal agency, or be certified as legally blind by a licensed ophthalmologist registered with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. This exemption can reduce the taxable value of the property by up to $50,000.

  • Do I need to pay property taxes before registering my boat and/or motor?

    Yes. As of January 1, 2020, property tax must be paid prior to registering your boat and/or motor with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

  • Do I return a license plate to the Auditors Office?

    No, please return all license plates to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SC DMV).

  • If I want to transfer my license plate to a newer vehicle, will I have to pay the difference in the taxes?

    No, you will not pay taxes on the newer vehicle until it's time to renew the license plate.

  • Do I have to pay property taxes before transferring a tag?

    If your tag is still valid and has not expired, you will go directly to the SC DMV to transfer your tag. However, if your tag is expired or is close to being expired, please visit our office first.