Blown away by your SC property tax bill? Don’t call the office, their voicemail is full.

If you have questions about your property tax bill, you’re not alone.

But heading to the Horry County assessor’s office — or trying to it by phone — for answers may cost you time.

“We generally see an influx of calls each October .. as folks receive their tax bills,” county spokeswoman Mikayla Moscov said.

“As we have reiterated throughout the year, it’s imperative folks update their information with the assessor before October to ensure the bill reflects their current property ownership.”

The office’s phone system Oct. 6 sent callers directly to voicemail due high customer volume as people waited in line to speak with a employee.

The assessor’s office explains on its website that price fluctuations contribute to changes in annual bills.

“The market value of property will continue to change. Unfortunately, property values do not all change at the same rate; some increase or decrease at a faster rate due to location, desirability of the neighborhood or property age and physical condition, etc. The key word in the reassessment program is accuracy,” the county’s website says.

“Taxes cannot be levied fairly unless the true value of each property is known. Correct assessments are not possible unless correct appraisals of property are made in light of present value, not what it was worth in past years.”

Here’s what you need to know about payment deadlines, exemptions and how to potentially save thousands of dollars next tax season.

Penalties stack up once a payment becomes delinquent

Between Jan. 16 and March 16, penalties escalate from 3% to 15%, with additional fees if a bill remains unpaid after April 30.

On a $3,166 bill, the total amount due would swell to $3,640 by March 16.

Property owners have until Jan. 15 to make an assessment appeal, and only the following representatives are authorized to make presentations:

• The taxpayer
• An uncompensated immediate family member
• Taxpayer’s full-time employee
• A partner or partnership
• An attorney
• A certified public accountant
• An IRS agent
• A state-licensed real estate appraiser

The “4%” rate could save property owners thousands

A critical money-saving measure for Horry County homeowners is establishing their property as a legal, primary residence, which lowers assessment ratios from 6% of overall value to 4%.

County officials don’t ask about residency status when generating tax bills, so property owners have to make sure they take steps to qualify at the 4 percent rate.

To do so, residents much complete a special assessment application, provide standard forms of identification such a valid driver’s license and a state tax return showing their name and resident.

Newly arrived residents are eligible for a one-year assessment at the 4 percent rate if they provide a state tax return once it becomes available.

This story was originally published October 6, 2023 at 2:40 PM.