BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — Beaufort County government has identified and corrected a lapse in interest calculation on real property tax refunds dating back to 2020.

“I’d like to thank our County Administrator, the Finance team, and our Assessor’s Office for their quick work over the past few weeks to calculate these refunds,” said County Council Chair Alice Howard. “Making our taxpayers whole is simply the right thing to do.”

Earlier this year, it was brought to the attention of the CFO and County Administrator that interest calculations on refunds and appeals for real property, previously calculated in the Auditor’s office, had ceased back in 2020. The County Administrator directed the Assessor’s office to work with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to calculate the interest owed and return Beaufort County to compliance with State Code.

Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore said once they became of the discrepancy, they acted quickly. “Every affected taxpayer will receive what they are owed as quickly as possible.”

Since 2020, more than 5,500 refunds were issued without the legally required interest. At this time, the County owes approximately $1.6 million in unpaid interest.

Taxpayers eligible for a refund will receive communication from the County with details on the amount and process for reimbursement. For questions regarding the real property interest refunds, contact the Beaufort County Assessor’s Office at 843-255-2400.