Tax Collector FAQ | Greenville County Government

I did not receive a tax bill on my property; can I have the penalties taken off?

The only time you can request that the Tax Collector remove a penalty is when there is direct evidence that there has been an error on the part of the county.

What is the process for obtaining a tax bill on my car?

You need to contact the AuditorТs Office at 467-7040 for specific information. Generally, you provide proof of residency in the form of a driverТs license, utility bill, or rental agreement so that you will be taxed in the proper district. Provide proof that you own the vehicle, such as a bill of sale, previous vehicle registration, or title information. The Auditor will prepare a tax bill for you.

Why am I responsible to pay taxes on property I just bought?

The tax on a property follows the property not an individual. It is advised strongly that you check to see if there are any taxes due or land or mobile home before purchasing so you and the buyer can determine who will pay taxes. Taxes are not prorated on Mobile Homes.

Is there an appeal process for taxes?

Yes. Contact the Real Property Services Division at Greenville County Square, Suite 1000 (or call 467-7300) for the forms to appeal the assessed valuation of the property. Questions concerning the County's tax levies may be addressed to the Tax Collector's Office at 467-7050.

How do I qualify for Homestead Exemption?

You may qualify if you are...

age 65 on or before December 31, preceding the tax year in which you wish to claim the exemption
totally and permanently disabled
legally blind;
the surviving spouse of a qualifying applicant

Applicants Must Be

a legal resident of South Carolina for at least one year on or before December 31, preceding the year for which the exemption is claimed

AND

hold fee simple title or partial title to your house or mobile home or certain life estates or other proper titles as of December 31, preceding the year for which the exemption is claimed

How do I apply for the Homestead Exemption?

Applications may be made at any time of the year, at the Office of Real Property Services, Suite 1000 County Square, 301 University Ridge, Greenville S. C.

When applying you must submit the following:

Proof of Residency, such as your SC driver's license, SC Identification Card, or SC Resident Tax Return
If applying due to age you must also provide proof or age such as Medicare Card, birth certificate or SC driver's license
If you are applying because of disability or blindness, you must submit your certification indicating the original award date from the State or Federal agency that had authority to make the declaration.

For additional information you may call 864-467-7300.

What are deferred taxes?

Deferred taxes, or rollback taxes, accrue when real property is taxed based on agricultural use. When the use of the property changes these taxes, accumulative for a five year period, become due. Deferred taxes are calculated on the difference between what would have been paid if the property were not taxed on agricultural use, and the amount of taxes paid based on agricultural use.

Where do I pay property taxes?

Taxes are payable at the Greenville County Tax Collector's Office, Suite 700, County Square, (467-7050), or by mail to address on notice.

When are taxes due?

Real property taxes and personal property taxes, other than auto taxes, are due without penalty by January 15. Late payment penalties are added as follows: 3% on January 16, an additional 7% on February 2, and an additional 5% plus $15.00 execution cost on March 17.
Vehicle taxes are due by the end of the month in which the vehicle tag expires. Taxes on vehicles purchased from a dealer and for which the dealer secured the tag, are due 120 days after the purchase. Vehicle taxes are paid in advance and all other taxes are paid in arrears. (This allows for refunds of taxes on vehicles which are sold and the tag returned to either the County Auditor or Division of Motor Vehicles. Contact the County Auditor's office for information concerning refunds on vehicle taxes.)