Horry County Property Tax Guide: Pay, Search, Due Dates & Exemptions
Horry County property tax can feel confusing because the Assessor, Auditor and Treasurer each handle different parts of the bill. The fastest path is to know whether you need to search a property record, pay a tax notice, correct an exemption, or question an assessed value.
This guide explains how to pay Horry County property tax, search tax bills and receipts, understand January 15 due dates, avoid penalty problems, apply for 4% legal residence, review homestead exemption rules, and use the correct office before you act.
Quick Answer: Where to Start
To pay or print a Horry County property tax receipt, start with the Treasurer or the county Tax Payments & Receipts portal. To question real property value, ownership, assessment ratio, acreage or parcel details, start with the Horry County Assessor.
For billing, personal property, vehicle tax, business personal property and homestead exemption questions, start with the Horry County Auditor. These office roles matter because using the wrong office can delay payment, exemption approval or an appeal.
Fast Route: Pick the Right Horry County Tax Office
Use this routing table before opening an official page. It helps you avoid paying the wrong notice, missing an exemption deadline, or sending a value appeal to the wrong office.
| Your Need | Start Here | Why | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay a real property tax bill | Treasurer | The Treasurer collects property tax payments and issues receipts. | Use Tax Payments & Receipts or pay by mail, phone or office. |
| Search a bill or receipt | Tax Payments & Receipts | The payment portal is the practical route for bill and receipt lookup. | Search by name, receipt, notice or property details shown by the portal. |
| Property value looks wrong | Assessor | The Assessor appraises and lists real property for taxation. | Review the assessment notice and file written objection on time. |
| Need 4% legal residence | Assessor | Legal residence changes the assessment ratio for qualifying primary homes. | Apply with proof before the applicable deadline. |
| Need homestead exemption | Auditor | Horry County lists homestead exemption under Auditor services. | Call or apply with age, disability or blindness proof. |
| Vehicle or high mileage issue | Auditor | Vehicle billing and discounts are Auditor topics, not real property valuation. | Use vehicle tax guidance and handle DMV-related receipt rules carefully. |
Horry County Property Tax Due Dates and Penalties
Horry County says real property tax notices are mailed to the owner of record on October 1 of the tax year. Payment is due in full on or before January 15 of the following year.
If a mailed payment is late, the United States postmark is the determining date for whether a penalty applies. Failure to receive the bill does not remove the account from penalty.
| Date or Timing | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 | Real property tax notices are mailed to the owner of record. | Check mailing address, mortgage escrow status and online bill lookup. |
| January 15 | Real property tax is due in full on or before this date. | Pay early, especially if mailing a check or using a lender/escrow account. |
| January 16 | Horry County penalty schedule begins after January 15. | Contact the Treasurer or check the notice for the correct updated amount. |
| February 2 | Another penalty date is listed by Horry County. | Do not pay the old amount if penalty has changed the balance. |
| March 17 | Another penalty date is listed by Horry County. | Confirm payoff before sending money or attempting online payment. |
| If delinquent taxes exist | Current bills may not be accepted online or by phone. | Search by name or tax ID and contact the Treasurer for payoff instructions. |
Important: If a payment cannot be processed, Horry County says it may be returned for corrections and additional penalties or fees may accrue. Review the notice before paying.
How to Pay Horry County Property Tax
Horry County gives several payment routes: online, by phone, by mail, in person and night deposit boxes. The right route depends on whether the tax is current, delinquent, escrowed, or tied to another issue.
Always include the tax notice or notice number when mailing or dropping off payment. Keep the receipt for your records and for income-tax or escrow documentation.
- Open the official Horry County Tax Payments & Receipts route.
- Search the correct property or notice.
- Review owner, address, tax year, notice number and balance.
- Check whether delinquent taxes block online payment of current bills.
- Choose e-check or card and review fees before submitting.
- Save or print confirmation, then verify posting later.
| Payment Method | How It Works | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Use Tax Payments & Receipts with e-check or accepted cards. | Fees can apply, and Safari may not process payments correctly. |
| Phone | Horry County real property guidance lists phone payment at 843-428-2126. | Phone convenience fees apply. |
| Send check or money order payable to Horry County Treasurer. | Include the tax notice and write the notice number on the check. | |
| In person | Pay at a Treasurer office with notice and accepted payment type. | Card and debit fees may apply in office. |
| Night deposit | Use Treasurer night deposit boxes after hours. | Checks or money orders only; include notice and notice number. |
How to Search Horry County Property Tax Bills and Receipts
The most useful search route for payment history is the Tax Payments & Receipts portal. For real property assessment details, use Horry County Assessor property tools and property record pages.
Search accuracy matters. A property may have separate real property, personal property, vehicle, camper, watercraft or business-related notices. Confirm the tax year and notice number before paying.
Online, Phone and In-Office Payment Fees
Convenience fees are separate from the tax amount. Horry County says it does not receive any portion of the listed processing fees.
Fee rules can change, so review the final payment screen or notice before submitting. Do not assume the cheapest route is the same for e-check, card, phone and in-office payments.
| Payment Type | Official Fee Detail | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Online e-check | Horry County Tax Payer Services lists online e-check as free. | Use Chrome or Edge if Safari payment processing fails. |
| Online card | A 2.35% payment processor fee is listed for credit/debit cards. | Review the final total before submitting. |
| Phone e-check | Phone e-check is listed with a $0.50 service fee. | Confirm the phone system accepts your current tax type. |
| Phone card | Phone card payments are listed with a 2.35% fee plus $0.50. | Ask for the full total before authorizing payment. |
| In-office credit card | A 2.35% fee is listed for credit cards. | Bring another payment option if you want to avoid card fees. |
| In-office debit card | A $3.95 flat charge is listed for debit cards. | Check current fee display at the counter. |
Vehicle receipt warning: Horry County says the South Carolina DMV will not accept receipts generated from online payments. For DMV-related vehicle tax needs, get an original receipt generated in the Treasurer’s office.
Assessor vs Auditor vs Treasurer in Horry County
Several offices contribute to the Horry County tax process. The Assessor, Auditor and Treasurer are not interchangeable.
Use this table to decide where to ask your next question.
| Office | Main Role | Use This Office For | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessor | Appraises and lists real property and maintains ownership information. | Real property value, legal residence 4%, agricultural use, assessment appeal, ownership records. | 843-915-5040 |
| Auditor | Responsible for tax billing and personal property value work. | Tax billing, homestead exemption, vehicles, personal property, business personal property. | 843-915-5050; Homestead 843-915-5051 |
| Treasurer | Collects taxes and manages payment receipts. | Payments, receipts, delinquent taxes, payoff questions and mailing payment. | 843-915-5470 |
4% Legal Residence Exemption in Horry County
South Carolina law provides a 4% assessment ratio for qualifying primary residential property. The alternative for property that is not approved as legal residence is generally the 6% assessment ratio.
Legal residence is not the same as the age 65, disability or blindness homestead exemption. Many new Horry County buyers miss this difference and get a much higher bill than expected.
| Topic | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 4% ratio | For an approved primary residence. | Apply with the Horry County Assessor and supporting documents. |
| 6% ratio | Common for second homes, rentals, vacation homes and non-legal-residence property. | Do not assume a home purchase automatically creates 4% status. |
| May 31 county reminder | Horry County has reminded recent buyers to apply by May 31 so that tax bills print at the 4% rate. | Apply early instead of waiting for the October bill. |
| First penalty date rule | Horry County assessment guidance says owners or agents must apply before the first penalty date for the tax year first claimed. | If you missed May 31, ask the Assessor whether a current-year correction is still available. |
| Proof | The Assessor may require documents showing the property is your legal residence. | Prepare SC driver’s license, vehicle registration, tax return or other required proof. |
- Open the Horry County legal residence or Assessor form page.
- Confirm the property is your primary residence.
- Gather required owner-occupant proof.
- Submit before the applicable deadline.
- Check your tax bill later to confirm the 4% ratio was applied.
SC Homestead Exemption in Horry County
The SC Homestead Tax-Exemption Program is for qualifying homeowners who are age 65 or older, totally disabled, or legally blind as of December 31 preceding the tax year of the exemption.
South Carolina describes the homestead exemption as a complete exemption of taxes on the first $50,000 in fair market value of the legal residence for eligible homeowners. Horry County directs homestead questions to the Auditor.
| Requirement | What Horry County or SC Guidance Says | Document Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Age 65+ | Age qualification is based on the required timing before the tax year. | Bring a driver’s license when applying due to age. |
| Totally disabled | Certification from a state or federal agency with authority may be required. | Bring official disability certification, not only a doctor note. |
| Legally blind | A letter from an optometrist may be needed. | Ask the Auditor what current proof is accepted. |
| Legal residence | Homestead applies to a legal residence, not a vacation or rental home. | Make sure the 4% legal residence issue is handled too. |
| Do not confuse programs | Horry County says homestead is not the same as Legal Residence. | You may need both the Assessor and Auditor depending on the issue. |
- Contact the Horry County Auditor Homestead Exemption office.
- Confirm age, disability or blindness eligibility.
- Gather proof before applying.
- Verify the exemption appears correctly on future tax notices.
Horry County Tax Estimator and Assessment Ratio Check
Horry County provides a tax estimator through the Assessor. It can help you compare likely taxes under the legal residence and non-legal residence approach.
The estimator is not a final bill. Use it as a planning tool, then verify the final tax notice, millage, exemptions and property classification.
- Open the Horry County Assessor tax estimator.
- Confirm whether the property is legal residence or non-legal residence.
- Use the appraised value carefully.
- Compare the estimate with the actual tax notice.
- If the notice is wrong, contact the correct office quickly.
How to Question or Appeal a Horry County Property Value
If you disagree with a real property assessment, Horry County’s Questioning Values page explains written objection and appeal routes. A value complaint should focus on market value, special use value, assessment ratio, acreage, tax map number or similar assessment elements.
When the Assessor increases fair market value by about $1,000 or more, Horry County says a notice must be issued. The taxpayer must serve written objection to the County Assessor within 90 days for listed assessment issues.
| Appeal Stage | Deadline or Rule | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment notice review | Written objection is generally due within 90 days of the notice for listed issues. | Notice, property record, comparable sales and a specific requested value. |
| No assessment notice | Horry County states written objection must be served by January 15 of the following year. | Written objection explaining fair market value, special use value, ratio or assessment issue. |
| Assessor response | The Assessor responds in writing with the initial and redetermined assessment and appeal procedures. | Compare the decision against your evidence. |
| Board of Assessment Appeals | A taxpayer may appeal within 30 days after the Assessor’s response. | Written notice of intent to appeal and organized evidence packet. |
- Open Horry County’s Questioning Values page.
- Read the 90-day and January 15 rules carefully.
- File the objection in writing with the Assessor.
- Keep delivery proof and copies of all evidence.
- Watch for the Assessor response and any 30-day appeal window.
Evidence Checklist for a Horry County Property Tax Appeal
A strong value appeal is not just a complaint about the tax amount. It should explain why the assessment, ratio, acreage, classification or value is wrong.
Put the strongest proof first and connect each document to the value or correction you want.
| Evidence | Best For | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable sales | Market value disputes. | Use similar properties, location, size, condition and sale timing. |
| Recent closing statement | New buyers whose value does not match purchase evidence. | Show purchase date, price and arm’s-length sale details. |
| Photos of damage or condition | Flooding, roof, foundation, interior or deferred maintenance issues. | Date photos and connect them to repair costs or value impact. |
| Repair estimates | Condition problems that need measurable cost. | Use contractor estimates, invoices or inspection findings. |
| Survey or deed record | Acreage, lot, legal description or ownership errors. | Highlight the exact difference from county records. |
| Legal residence proof | 4% assessment ratio issues. | Use residence, ID, vehicle registration and tax-document proof requested by the Assessor. |
| Homestead proof | Age, disability or blindness exemption problems. | Use Auditor-approved proof for eligibility. |
New Horry County Homeowner Checklist
New buyers in Horry County should not wait until the October tax notice to review tax status. The most expensive mistakes often involve legal residence, mailing address, escrow assumptions or owner-of-record issues.
- Search the property record after closing.
- Confirm owner name and mailing address.
- Apply for 4% legal residence if the home is your primary residence.
- Check whether homestead exemption may apply if you are 65+, disabled or blind.
- Ask your lender whether taxes are escrowed.
- Search the tax portal after October billing and verify the amount before January 15.
Buyer warning: A closing credit, escrow account or deed recording does not automatically prove that your Horry County bill is correct. Verify the bill yourself.
Assessable Transfer of Interest and Reappraisal Warning
Horry County Tax Payer Services explains Assessable Transfer of Interest, often called ATI, as a transfer of an existing interest in real property that can subject real property to appraisal under South Carolina law.
This matters for buyers, inherited property, life estates and ownership changes. If a transfer changed your value or classification, review official ATI guidance before assuming the bill is wrong.
- Open Horry County Tax Payer Services.
- Find the Assessable Transfer of Interest section.
- Review Article 25 and ATI exemption resources if applicable.
- Contact the Assessor for real property assessment questions.
Personal Property, Rentals and Business Property
Horry County Tax Payer Services says if you owned property in Horry County on December 31 of the prior year and it was not your legal residence, you may be required to complete and submit a Personal Property Return.
This is important for second homes, rentals, furnished units, business property, watercraft, campers and other non-standard property tax notices.
| Situation | Possible Office | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Second home or rental | Auditor / Assessor | Personal property return, 6% assessment ratio and furniture/fixture reporting. |
| Business property | Auditor | Business personal property and equipment assessment. |
| Vehicles | Auditor / Treasurer / DMV | Vehicle notice, high mileage discount timing and DMV receipt rules. |
| Watercraft, camper or aircraft | Auditor | Whether a separate notice applies and whether ownership changed. |
Unclaimed Funds, Refunds and Address Problems
Horry County Tax Payer Services includes tools for undeliverable assessments, undeliverable notices, unclaimed funds and unclaimed stormwater checks. These are useful if you moved, changed mailing address, sold property or expected a refund.
For unclaimed tax refunds, Horry County says taxpayers must claim funds directly. Third-party representatives cannot claim refunds on behalf of taxpayers.
- Open Horry County Tax Payer Services.
- Use the unclaimed funds or returned notice search tools.
- Update address if your record appears in returned notices.
- Follow the county’s refund request instructions.
- Include valid ID when required.
Mortgage Escrow and Tax Receipt Tips
If your lender pays from escrow, do not assume the tax was paid only because your mortgage statement mentions escrow. Search the Horry County tax portal after bills are issued and again before the January 15 due date.
If the bill is unpaid close to the deadline, contact your mortgage servicer and the Horry County Treasurer. Keep screenshots, confirmation numbers and payment receipts.
Annual real property bills are generally mailed in October. That is a good time to confirm escrow status.
Do not wait until penalties start. Verify the balance before the due date.
Receipts help with escrow disputes, refinance records and tax documents.
Failure to receive a bill does not remove penalties, so keep address records current.
Common Horry County Property Tax Mistakes
Most property tax problems come from wrong-office routing, missing legal residence status, assuming escrow paid, or ignoring appeal deadlines.
Legal residence is a primary-home assessment ratio issue. Homestead is a separate exemption for age, disability or blindness eligibility.
Payment is due by January 15. Penalty dates can change the amount due quickly.
Always confirm the tax year, notice number and property before submitting payment.
Horry County says DMV will not accept online payment receipts for vehicle tax purposes.
Assessment objections must be submitted in writing within the official window.
Second homes, rental property, furnished units and business property may involve separate personal property reporting.
Horry County Property Tax Contacts and Office Locations
Horry County lists regular public hours for key offices as Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Always check current holiday closures before visiting.
| Office | Main Conway Location | Phone | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treasurer | 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526 | 843-915-5470 | Payments, receipts, delinquent taxes, tax payoff questions. |
| Assessor | 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526 | 843-915-5040 | Real property value, legal residence, assessment appeal, ownership listing. |
| Auditor | 1301 Second Avenue, Ste. 1C41, Conway, SC 29526 | 843-915-5050 | Tax billing, homestead, personal property, vehicles. |
| Auditor Homestead | 1301 Second Avenue, Ste. 1C41, Conway, SC 29526 | 843-915-5051 | SC Homestead Tax-Exemption Program. |
Related Property Tax Guides
These internal guides can help you understand property tax basics before using official Horry County systems.
Official Horry County Property Tax Links
Use these official links when you are ready to search, pay, apply, appeal, request records or confirm an account-specific amount.
Horry County Property Tax FAQs
When are Horry County real property taxes due?
Horry County says real property tax notices are mailed October 1 and payment is due in full on or before January 15 of the following year.
Where do I pay Horry County property tax online?
Use the official Horry County Tax Payment portal or the Tax Payments & Receipts link from Horry County Online Services.
Can I pay a current bill online if I owe delinquent taxes?
Horry County says if delinquent taxes are owed, current bills cannot be accepted online or by phone. Search delinquent taxes and contact the Treasurer if needed.
What payment methods does Horry County accept?
Horry County lists online, phone, mail, in-person and night deposit box payment routes. Fees and accepted payment types vary by route.
Does Horry County charge online payment fees?
Horry County lists online e-check as free and card payments with a payment processor fee. Review the final payment screen before submitting.
What happens if I miss the January 15 due date?
Penalties begin after January 15 and Horry County lists penalty dates of January 16, February 2 and March 17. Contact the Treasurer or review your notice for the correct updated amount.
Does not receiving a bill remove penalties?
No. Horry County says failure to receive the bill does not exempt the account from penalty.
Which office handles property tax payments?
The Horry County Treasurer handles payments, receipts and delinquent tax collection questions.
Which office handles real property value?
The Horry County Assessor appraises and lists real property and maintains ownership information.
Which office handles homestead exemption?
Horry County lists homestead exemption under the Auditor’s Office. The homestead phone number shown by Horry County is 843-915-5051.
What is the Horry County 4% legal residence rate?
The 4% assessment ratio is for qualifying primary residential property. Property that is not approved as legal residence is generally assessed at 6%.
Is legal residence the same as homestead exemption?
No. Horry County says homestead is not to be confused with Legal Residence. Legal residence is a 4% assessment ratio issue, while homestead is for qualifying age, disability or blindness situations.
When should I apply for legal residence?
Horry County has reminded recent buyers to apply by May 31 so bills print at 4%. The Assessor guide also discusses applying before the first penalty date for the tax year first claimed.
Who qualifies for South Carolina homestead exemption?
The program is for homeowners who are age 65 or older, totally disabled, or legally blind as of December 31 preceding the tax year of the exemption.
How much is the South Carolina homestead exemption?
South Carolina describes homestead as a complete exemption of taxes on the first $50,000 in fair market value of the legal residence for eligible homeowners.
How do I appeal a Horry County assessment?
Use Horry County’s Questioning Values guidance. Written objection to the County Assessor is generally due within 90 days of an assessment notice for listed assessment issues.
What if I did not receive an assessment notice?
Horry County says when there is no notice of property assessment, the taxpayer must give written objection by January 15 of the following year for listed assessment issues.
What happens after the Assessor responds to my protest?
Horry County says a taxpayer may appeal a real property tax assessment to the County Board of Assessment Appeals within 30 days after the Assessor’s response.
Can I use an online receipt for DMV vehicle registration?
Horry County says the South Carolina DMV will not accept receipts generated from online payments. You need an original receipt generated in the Treasurer’s office for DMV purposes.
What is the Horry County Treasurer phone number?
Horry County lists the Treasurer phone number as 843-915-5470.
What is the Horry County Assessor phone number?
Horry County lists the Assessor phone number as 843-915-5040.
What is the Horry County Auditor phone number?
Horry County lists the Auditor phone number as 843-915-5050, with homestead exemption at 843-915-5051.
Is CountyPropertyTaxes.us an official government website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Use official Horry County and South Carolina pages for final account-specific action.
Bottom Line
For Horry County property tax, use the Treasurer for payment and receipts, the Assessor for real property value and 4% legal residence, and the Auditor for billing, homestead, vehicles and personal property. Check the bill after October, pay before January 15, and file written value objections before the official deadline.
Pay StepsSearch Bills4% Legal ResidenceHomesteadAppealOfficial Links