Georgetown Property Tax rates in 2026 average about 1.30% of assessed value, and the County Assessor’s Office posts the latest figures on its official website. Homeowners can lower their bill with Georgetown property tax exemptions such as the homestead tax credit, senior rebates, and veteran relief. The online Georgetown property tax calculator lets you input market value and district to see an estimate before the 2026 Georgetown property tax deadlines on October 1. Payments are accepted through the Georgetown property tax payment portal, which also offers payment plans and receipt emails. For questions, call the Georgetown tax collector at (843) 545‑3017 or visit the office at 129 Screven Street.
Georgetown property tax bill explanations include line items for the municipal tax assessments, school district tax levy, and any commercial property tax rates if you own rental units. If you disagree with an appraisal, the Georgetown real estate tax appeal process starts with a written request to the Assessor’s Office, followed by a hearing before the tax board. Late payments trigger Georgetown property tax delinquency penalties, while a timely refund request follows the Georgetown property tax refund process outlined on the county site. The Georgetown tax parcel lookup tool on qpublic helps verify ownership, lien information, and district boundaries. Stay updated on the Georgetown property tax increase 2026 and related rebates by checking the county’s news alerts.
Search Georgetown County Property Tax
The Georgetown County Assessor’s Office operates the public records search portal for property owners, buyers, and researchers. The portal serves as the entry point for checking parcel details, ownership history, assessed values, sale dates, and current exemption status across every neighborhood in the county. Records cover residential parcels, commercial parcels, vacant land, agricultural tracts, and mobile home registrations.
Start a property search by opening https://qpublic.net/sc/georgetown and selecting the Georgetown County map layer. Enter the parcel identification number, owner name, or street address in the search box at the top of the page. The portal returns matching parcels with the assessed market value, legal description, building details, land area, and applied exemptions.
Each result page also displays a tax history tab showing prior years’ bills, payment status, and millage allocation by district. Users can print property record cards for lenders, title searches, closing preparation, or appeal documentation. Records older than the current digital archive require a direct request to the Assessor’s Office at (843) 545-3017.
Step-by-Step Search Process
- Open https://qpublic.net/sc/georgetown in a web browser.
- Choose Georgetown County from the list of available maps.
- Type the owner’s last name, parcel number, or street address.
- Click the matching parcel to view values, sales, and exemptions.
- Download or print the property record card for your records.
Georgetown County Property Tax Rates and Millage
Georgetown County property tax bills combine levies from several taxing authorities into one total millage rate. The Assessor’s Office calculates the final bill by multiplying the taxable assessed value by the combined millage rate. The 2026 countywide reassessment updated values to mirror current market conditions across every neighborhood.
The effective property tax rate in the City of Georgetown area runs near 1.30 percent of assessed value. The county median tax bill sits around $1,275, well below the national median of $2,400. Statewide South Carolina property tax rates average about 0.81 percent across all counties.
| Taxing Authority | Levy Type |
|---|---|
| Georgetown County | General operating millage |
| City of Georgetown | Municipal services millage |
| Georgetown County School District | School operating millage |
| Special Purpose Districts | Fire, drainage, or water millage |
The millage rate applied to your parcel depends on your physical location. A property inside the City of Georgetown pays both the county and the city levy. A property in an unincorporated area pays only the county levy plus any applicable special district rate.
Legal Residence Versus Other Real Estate
- Owner-occupied primary residence receives a 4 percent assessment ratio.
- Second homes, rentals, and commercial properties receive a 6 percent assessment ratio.
- Owner-occupied status requires a one-time application with the Assessor’s Office.
- The 4 percent ratio applies only to the primary residence claimed for tax purposes.
How Georgetown County Appraises Property
The Assessor’s Office assigns a market value to every parcel in Georgetown County using mass appraisal techniques. Appraisers review recent comparable sales, property characteristics, location factors, and recorded improvements to estimate fair market value. The office completes a full countywide reassessment every five years, with the most recent cycle finishing in 2026.
South Carolina law limits annual increases in assessed value for capped parcels. Capped parcels can grow by no more than 15 percent over five years. Properties that sell or undergo major renovation lose the cap and receive a full market valuation on the next tax bill.
Appraisal Data Inputs
- Recent comparable sales within the same neighborhood
- Land size, zoning classification, and waterfront frontage
- Building square footage, year built, and overall condition
- Permits on file for additions, renovations, pools, or accessory structures
Property owners receive an assessment notice each year by mail. The notice lists the prior year value, the new value, and the exemption status of the parcel. Reviewing the notice promptly helps owners decide whether to file an appeal before the deadline.
Georgetown Property Tax Exemptions
Georgetown County offers several property tax exemptions that reduce the taxable value of qualifying parcels. Each exemption requires a one-time application with the Assessor’s Office. Most exemptions stay in place as long as the eligibility conditions continue. The standard exemption application form is South Carolina Form PT-401-I.
Common exemptions include the homestead exemption, the senior exemption, the disabled veteran exemption, and the surviving spouse exemption. Some exemptions stack on top of one another to lower the bill further. Taxpayers should review every category for which they might qualify.
| Exemption Type | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Homestead Exemption | Owner-occupied primary residence |
| Senior Exemption | Age 65 or older with income limits |
| Disabled Veteran | Service-connected disability rating |
| Surviving Spouse | Spouse of deceased service member |
| Legal Residence 4% | Owner-occupied primary residence |
Applications require proof of ownership, age, disability status, or military service. The Assessor’s Office reviews documents and applies the exemption to the next available tax bill. Late applicants may receive a refund covering up to three prior tax years after approval.
Documents Needed for Exemption Filing
- South Carolina Form PT-401-I
- Recorded deed or other proof of ownership
- Driver’s license or government photo ID
- Military discharge papers (DD-214) for veteran claims
- Disability award letter for veteran disability claims
Homestead Tax Credit and Senior Rebates
The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of an owner-occupied residence from school operating taxes. This credit applies automatically once the application is approved. Senior homeowners may receive extra school tax relief through state-funded programs.
Georgetown property tax rebates for seniors depend on age, income, and length of residency. South Carolina operates a separate school operating tax credit that exempts a portion of value from school levies for homeowners age 65 and older. The credit renews every year without reapplication as long as the homeowner stays eligible.
Senior Rebate Eligibility Factors
- Age 65 or older
- South Carolina residency
- Income limits set by the South Carolina Department of Revenue
- Ownership and occupancy of the primary residence
Disabled veterans with a service-connected rating of 10 percent or higher qualify for a separate property tax exemption. The exemption amount scales with the disability rating. Totally disabled veterans may receive a complete exemption on their primary residence.
Georgetown Property Tax Deadlines and Payment Schedule
Georgetown County follows South Carolina’s standard property tax calendar. Tax bills are mailed each fall based on the reassessment values. Property owners have several months to pay without penalty before delinquency begins.
The annual tax bill arrives by mail each fall. Payment without penalty runs through a deadline set by South Carolina state law. After that date, penalties and interest begin accruing on the unpaid balance.
| Tax Year Activity | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Reassessment notice mailing | Mid-September |
| Tax bill mailing | Refer to the official county website for the current date |
| Penalty-free payment window | Refer to the official county website for the current deadline |
| Delinquency begins | Refer to the official county website for the current date |
Refer to the official Georgetown County website or the current tax bill for the exact 2026 deadline. Deadlines shift each year based on state law and county calendar adjustments.
Payment Options
- Pay in full by the penalty-free deadline
- Pay half by an early set date and the second half by a later set date
- Enroll in an installment payment plan for delinquent balances
Georgetown Property Tax Payment Portal
Georgetown County operates an online portal for electronic property tax payments. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic check payments drawn on a personal bank account. Users receive an immediate confirmation email after each transaction.
The portal stores payment history for prior years. Property owners can download receipts for tax preparation, lender escrow accounts, or expense tracking. A small convenience fee applies to credit and debit card transactions, based on the processor’s published rate.
Online Payment Steps
- Visit https://www.gtcounty.org and locate the Tax Office page.
- Enter the parcel number or account number from the tax bill.
- Select the payment amount and method.
- Confirm the payment and print the confirmation receipt.
In-person payments are accepted at the Georgetown County Treasurer’s Office during posted business hours. Mail payments should include the payment stub from the tax bill and a check or money order. Postmark dates determine whether a mailed payment counts as on-time.
Georgetown County Tax District Boundaries
Tax district boundaries determine which millage rates apply to a specific parcel. Georgetown County contains the City of Georgetown, the Town of Andrews, the Town of Pawleys Island, and several unincorporated communities. Each boundary changes the total millage on a tax bill.
School district boundaries cover the full county under the Georgetown County School District. The school operating levy applies to every taxable parcel. Municipal levies apply only within city or town limits.
District Boundary Considerations
- Annexation can move a property into a higher municipal millage
- Special purpose districts add fire or drainage levies in some areas
- Verify current boundaries on the qpublic map before paying a bill
- Boundary changes take effect on the next tax bill after the change
Boundary changes happen through local annexation votes and state legislation. A property newly annexed into the City of Georgetown receives a municipal levy on the next tax bill. Property owners near a boundary line should verify their district before the next assessment cycle.
Georgetown County School District Tax Levy
The Georgetown County School District levies a school operating millage on every taxable parcel in the county. The school levy funds K-12 education, capital projects, and debt service on school construction. The levy appears as a separate line item on every tax bill.
The school levy rate changes after public hearings and board votes. Senior homeowners age 65 and older receive a state-funded credit that exempts a portion of value from the school operating levy. The credit applies automatically once the senior exemption is approved.
School Levy Notes
- The school operating levy applies countywide
- Senior homeowners receive a school tax credit
- School debt service levies may apply in some districts
- School board meeting minutes track proposed levy changes
Parents and homeowners can attend school board meetings to hear proposed millage changes before adoption. Public hearings provide a chance to ask questions and submit comments. Meeting schedules appear on the school district’s official website.
Reading Your Georgetown Property Tax Bill
Each tax bill lists the assessed value, exemption amount, taxable value, millage rate, and total tax owed. The bill breaks out individual levies from each taxing authority. The owner can see how much goes to the county, the city, the school district, and any special districts.
The total millage rate shown on the bill represents the combined levy from all taxing authorities. Multiplying the taxable value by the millage rate, then dividing by 1,000, produces the annual tax amount before credits.
Bill Line Items
- Assessed market value
- Exemption deduction
- Taxable value after exemptions
- County, city, school, and special district millage
- Credits, including homestead or senior relief
- Total annual tax due
Compare the millage breakdown year over year to spot levy changes. Millage increases need public hearings and council votes before adoption. Tracking these votes helps property owners anticipate future tax bills.
Georgetown Real Estate Tax Appeal Process
Property owners who disagree with their assessed value may file an appeal with the Georgetown County Assessor’s Office. The appeal must be filed in writing within the window printed on the assessment notice. Missing the deadline forfeits the right to appeal for that tax year.
Appeals proceed in stages. The first stage is an informal review with the Assessor’s Office. The second stage is a formal hearing before the County Board of Assessment Appeals. Final appeals may proceed to the South Carolina Administrative Law Court.
Appeal Filing Steps
- Review the assessment notice and gather comparable sales.
- Complete the appeal form available from the Assessor’s Office.
- Submit the form with supporting evidence before the deadline.
- Attend the scheduled hearing or designate a representative.
Strong appeals include recent comparable sales, photos of property defects, and documentation of any errors in the property record. A successful appeal can reduce the assessed value and lower the tax bill for the current year and future years.
Georgetown Property Tax Delinquency and Liens
Unpaid property taxes become delinquent after the penalty-free deadline. Penalties and interest accrue on the unpaid balance according to South Carolina state law. Continued nonpayment can result in a tax lien on the property and eventual tax sale.
Tax liens attach to the parcel, not the owner. The lien remains with the property through any sale or transfer. Buyers should check the qpublic portal for outstanding liens before closing on a purchase.
Delinquency Consequences
- Monthly interest accrues on the unpaid balance
- Extra penalties may apply for late payment
- A tax lien attaches to the parcel record
- The county may initiate a tax sale after extended nonpayment
Property owners facing delinquency should contact the Treasurer’s Office promptly. Payment plans may be available for taxpayers experiencing financial hardship. Bringing the account current stops further interest accrual and removes the lien threat.
Georgetown Property Tax Refund Process
Overpayments or duplicate payments may qualify for a refund. The refund process begins with a written request to the Treasurer’s Office. Supporting documents include the original bill, payment receipts, and a written explanation of the overpayment.
Approved refunds process through the County Auditor and the South Carolina State Treasurer. Refund timing depends on the amount and the verification required. Refunds under a certain dollar amount may process faster than larger claims.
Common Refund Triggers
- Duplicate payment by mail and online
- Tax paid on an exempt parcel after exemption approval
- Successful appeal that reduces the assessed value
- Clerical error on the original tax bill
Refunds apply to current and prior tax years depending on the situation. Property owners who miss a refund window for one year can still claim it in subsequent years. The Treasurer’s Office reviews each refund request individually.
Georgetown Property Tax Calculator
The Georgetown County Property Tax Estimate Calculator runs on the official county website. Users input the market value of a property and select the taxing district to generate an estimated tax bill. The calculator updates when new millage rates take effect.
The estimate serves as a planning tool only. Final bills depend on exemptions, credits, and assessed values set by the Assessor’s Office. Property owners can use the calculator to compare the cost of properties in different districts before purchasing.
| Calculator Input | Result |
|---|---|
| Market value (numeric) | Estimated annual tax |
| District selection | Total millage applied |
| Exemption toggle | Taxable value adjustment |
| Senior credit toggle | Credit amount applied |
The calculator runs on https://www.gtcountysc.gov/385/Property-Tax-Calculator. Users enter the property’s market value, choose the correct district from the drop-down menu, and review the output. The result updates immediately as inputs change.
Georgetown Tax Parcel Lookup
The tax parcel lookup tool sits inside the qpublic public portal. Each parcel has a unique parcel identification number assigned by the Assessor’s Office. The parcel ID supports ownership transfers, deed recording, and lien searches.
Looking up a parcel returns the owner’s name, parcel ID, mailing address, legal description, acreage, and current assessed value. The record also shows the latest sale price and date for parcels that transferred ownership.
Parcel Lookup Uses
- Verify ownership before buying or selling
- Check for liens or unpaid taxes
- Confirm the legal description for deed preparation
- Review the property’s assessment history
The Register of Deeds maintains official ownership records in a separate index. A parcel lookup on qpublic reflects the Assessor’s records. For an official deed search, contact the Register of Deeds directly through the Georgetown County website.
Georgetown Property Tax Payment Plans
Payment plans help property owners spread delinquent tax balances over multiple months. Plans require a written agreement with the Treasurer’s Office and regular monthly installments. The plan stops further penalty accrual as long as the taxpayer stays current.
Plan eligibility depends on the balance, the taxpayer’s financial situation, and prior payment history. Missed installments restart the penalty clock. Completing the plan brings the parcel current and clears the lien.
Plan Enrollment Steps
- Contact the Treasurer’s Office to request a payment plan.
- Provide documentation of financial hardship.
- Agree to a monthly installment amount and schedule.
- Make each installment on time to keep the plan active.
Property owners with multiple parcels in delinquency can combine balances into a single plan. Plans run up to a maximum length set by county policy. Early payoff ends the plan without extra charges.
Commercial and Rental Property Tax Rates in Georgetown County
Commercial properties in Georgetown County receive a 6 percent assessment ratio. Rental properties also receive a 6 percent ratio unless the owner qualifies for a separate agricultural or industrial exemption. The 4 percent legal residence ratio applies only to owner-occupied primary homes.
Commercial property owners should review the millage breakdown on their tax bill each year. Vacant commercial land receives the same 6 percent ratio as improved commercial property. Special purpose commercial properties may qualify for fee-in-lieu arrangements through county economic development programs.
Commercial Tax Considerations
- Rental income does not affect the assessed value
- Capital improvements trigger a reassessment
- Vacant commercial land still owes full property tax
- Industrial fee-in-lieu agreements may apply for new facilities
Investors considering rental property in Georgetown County should run the online calculator for an estimated annual tax. The estimate helps project net rental income and cash flow. Combined with insurance and maintenance estimates, the tax estimate supports a complete investment analysis.
Georgetown Property Tax on Rentals
Rental property owners pay the 6 percent assessment ratio on the value of each rental parcel. Rental income does not affect the assessed value directly. The Assessor’s Office values rental parcels based on comparable sales, building size, and overall condition.
Long-term rentals and short-term vacation rentals both receive the 6 percent ratio. Owners who live in one unit of a duplex while renting the other may claim the 4 percent legal residence ratio on their own unit. The rented unit still receives the 6 percent ratio.
Rental Tax Considerations
- Rental income does not change the assessed value
- Vacancy does not reduce the assessed value
- Repairs under a threshold do not trigger reassessment
- Major renovations remove the assessment cap
Landlords should track renovation costs and permit filings. Improvements that add square footage or new systems trigger a reassessment. Routine repairs under the permit threshold do not affect the assessed value.
Georgetown Property Tax Notice Mailing Schedule
Reassessment notices mail out by mid-September each reassessment year. Tax bills mail in the fall. Each mailing contains the parcel ID, assessed value, exemption amount, and total amount due. Notices go to the property owner’s mailing address on file with the Assessor’s Office.
Owners should update their mailing address after any move. A missed notice can lead to an unexpected delinquency. Forwarding mail through the U.S. Postal Service does not update county records.
Mailing Schedule Items
- Reassessment notice: mid-September
- Property tax bill: fall
- Reminder notice: late November (if unpaid)
- Delinquency notice: after the penalty-free deadline (if unpaid)
Property owners can sign up for email notifications through the county website. Email alerts supplement mailed notices. Signing up helps owners avoid missing a deadline.
Georgetown County Property Tax History and Trends
Georgetown County property values shifted after the 2026 reassessment. Many parcels saw market value increases reflecting coastal real estate demand. The City of Georgetown approved a millage adjustment in October 2026 to roll back the operating rate following the reassessment.
County median property tax bills remain below state and national medians. South Carolina caps assessed value increases at 15 percent over five years for capped parcels. This cap softens year-over-year spikes for long-term owners.
Recent Reassessment Outcomes
- 2026 countywide reassessment completed
- Market values updated to current levels
- City of Georgetown rolled back millage rate
- 15 percent five-year cap protects existing owners
Future reassessment cycles will revalue parcels again based on the next set of comparable sales. Tracking millage changes through council meeting minutes helps owners forecast tax bill growth over time.
Georgetown Property Tax Deductible Expenses
Property taxes paid on real estate used for personal purposes may qualify for the federal itemized deduction on Schedule A. Taxpayers must itemize to claim the deduction. The deduction caps at $10,000 per household for combined state and local taxes.
Property taxes paid on rental or commercial property get deducted on the federal business return. Schedule E handles rental property deductions. Schedule C handles business property deductions. Both schedules require accurate records of every payment.
Deduction Tracking Tips
- Save every tax bill and payment receipt
- Track the date and amount of each payment
- Separate personal and rental property expenses
- Consult a tax professional for complex situations
Escrow accounts held by mortgage lenders pay property taxes on behalf of the homeowner. The lender receives a copy of the tax bill and disburses funds from escrow. Homeowners receive an annual escrow statement showing the tax payments made.
Georgetown Tax Appraisal Procedures
The Assessor’s Office follows standardized appraisal procedures set by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Procedures include data collection, sales verification, neighborhood delineation, and statistical analysis. The goal is fair and equitable valuation across all parcels.
Field appraisers visit neighborhoods on a rotating schedule to check property characteristics. Visits confirm building size, construction quality, and any visible improvements. The office updates records after each field visit.
Appraisal Procedure Steps
- Collect recent sales data for each neighborhood
- Verify sale prices with buyers and sellers
- Adjust sales for time, location, and physical differences
- Apply adjusted sales to subject parcels
- Review the results for equity across neighborhoods
Property owners who see errors in the property record should contact the Assessor’s Office. Corrections to building size, acreage, or features can change the assessed value. The office reviews correction requests and updates records when verified.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
| Department | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Georgetown County Assessor’s Office | Phone: (843) 545-3017 |
Official Assessor Website: https://www.gtcounty.org
Public Search Portal: https://qpublic.net/sc/georgetown
Reassessment Information: https://gtcounty.org/reassessment
Property Tax Calculator: https://www.gtcountysc.gov/385/Property-Tax-Calculator
Register of Deeds: https://www.gtcountysc.gov/178/Register-of-Deeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Georgetown Property Tax information helps residents pay the right amount, avoid penalties, and claim available exemptions. The Assessor’s Office offers an online portal, phone support, and in‑person assistance. Knowing how to check your bill, use the calculator, and file an appeal saves time and money.
How can I check my Georgetown Property Tax bill online?
Visit the county’s property tax calculator at gtcountysc.gov. Enter the market value, choose your district, and the tool shows the estimated tax. The same page links to the QPublic portal where you can view the exact bill, parcel number, and payment history. Review the figures before the due date to catch any errors.
What deadlines apply to Georgetown property tax payments in 2026?
Payments are due by March 15 for the first installment and by September 15 for the second. If you miss a deadline, a 2 % penalty plus interest is added. The county sends notices two weeks before each due date, but you can also set up email alerts in the online portal. Paying early avoids extra charges.
Which exemptions are available for Georgetown homeowners?
Homeowners can apply for the Homestead Exemption, which reduces the taxable value by a fixed amount. Seniors aged 65 or older may qualify for an additional credit. Disabled veterans and surviving spouses of veterans also receive reductions. To claim an exemption, submit the PT‑401‑I form to the Assessor’s Office by the filing deadline posted on the website.
How do I appeal my Georgetown property assessment?
First, review the assessment details on the QPublic search page. If you disagree, file an appeal form with the Assessor’s Office within 30 days of receiving the notice. Include recent sales data or a professional appraisal that supports a lower value. The appeal board holds a hearing, and you receive a written decision within six weeks.
What are the penalties for delinquent Georgetown property taxes?
If a bill remains unpaid after the September deadline, a 5 % delinquency fee is applied. Interest accrues at 1 % per month on the outstanding balance. The county may place a tax lien on the property, which can affect credit and prevent sale until the debt is settled. Contact the tax collector at (843) 545‑3017 to arrange a payment plan and stop further fees.