Beaufort County to Refund $1.6M! Are YOU Owed Money?
Beaufort County to Issue $1.6 Million in Tax Refunds
Beaufort County, South Carolina, is preparing to refund approximately $1.6 million to its taxpayers due to a miscalculation of interest on real property tax refunds. The issue, which dates back to 2020, was discovered in May 2025 when it was brought to the attention of the CFO and County Administrator that interest calculations on refunds and appeals for real property had stopped being calculated in the Auditor’s office.
According to a press release, the County Administrator immediately directed the Assessor’s office to collaborate with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to rectify the situation and ensure compliance with the State Code. County Administrator Michael Moore stated, "Once we were made aware that calculations had ceased, the County began acting immediately. Every affected taxpayer will receive what they are owed as quickly as possible."
Who is Affected?
Since 2020, over 5,500 refunds were issued without the legally required interest. The total amount of unpaid interest owed to these taxpayers is approximately $1.6 million.
What Happens Next?
The Assessor’s Office has already completed the backlog of calculations and forwarded them to the Auditor’s Office for processing. The Treasurer’s Office is prepared to assist Finance staff in issuing the refund checks. County Council Chair Alice Howard expressed her gratitude to the County Administrator, the Finance team, and the Assessor’s Office for their swift action in calculating the refunds, emphasizing that "Making our taxpayers whole is simply the right thing to do."
How to Claim Your Refund
Taxpayers who are eligible for a refund will receive direct communication from Beaufort County with specific details about the amount they are owed and the reimbursement process. If you have any questions regarding real property interest refunds, please contact the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office at 843-255-2400.
This situation highlights the importance of accurate financial management and the commitment of Beaufort County to correcting errors and ensuring fairness to its taxpayers.