Auditor

Department Information

Auditor: Clarissa Parks
Email: cparks@mccormickcountysc.org
Deputy Auditor: Landarius Houston
Email: lhouston@mccormickcountysc.org
Location:
133 South Mine Street
McCormick, SC 29835
Room 103
Office Hours: M-F 9:00am - 5:00pm
Office Phone: (864) 852-2107
Fax: (864) 852-0071

The mission of the McCormick County Auditor’s Office is to provide the citizens of McCormick County with accuracy and courtesy in the performance of their responsibilities. To ensure that all taxpayers are taxed equally and fairly in accordance with the South Carolina laws and regulations as established by the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

Functions and Responsibilities

Sets the property tax levy.
Processes appeals on real estate and personal property.
Administers property taxes on personal property, motor vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, & business personal property.
Administers the Homestead and Veterans’ Exemptions.

The Auditor's Office Does Not:

Place values on real property. Contact the Assessor's Office for information regarding property values.

Give information on paid taxes. Contact the Treasurer Office for information regarding paid taxes.

Issue business licenses or federal ID numbers. Contact the Department of Revenue for business licenses or federal ID numbers.

Collect any money, contact the Treasurer/Tax Collector's Office for information regarding Tax Collection.

Collect or turn in license plates. You can return your plate to any SCDMV.

Department Links:

SC Dept of Revenue

SC Department of Motor Vehicles Forms

SC DNR

The Auditor's Office manages the following programs:

Homestead Exemption
High Mileage / Vehicle Value Appeals
Registering a Vehicle / Address Changes
Refunds of Vehicle Taxes
Pleasure and Business Boats
Business Personal Property Tax Returns
Motor Vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

How are property taxes calculated?

Each piece of property is assessed based on its use. An Assessment Ratio is multiplied by the market value of the property to determine the assessed value. The applicable millage rates are multiplied by the assessed value to determine the taxes due.

What are the various assessment rates currently in use?

The current assessment ratios for the state of South Carolina are as follows based on fair market value:

Prmary Residences	4%
Other Real Estate	6%
Personal Property(Watercraft, Aircraft, Campers, Business Personal Property)	6% - 10.5% (See County Auditor for details on the 6% rate on Watercraft and Campers)
Commercial boats	10.5%
Primary-residence Boats	10.5%
Agricultural Property (privately owned)	4%
Agricultural Property (corporate owned)	6%
Manufacturing & Utility Property	10.5%
Railroad, Airline, & Pipeline Property	9.5%
Motor Vehicle	6% - 10.5%
Motor Vehicle(s) titled in a business	10.5%
Motor Homes (See County Auditor for details on the 6% rate.)	6% - 10.5%

What is School Tax Credit and who qualifies for it?

School Tax Credit is an exemption from school operating millage calculated on the appraised value of residential property. South Carolina law allows this exemption for taxpayers who own the home in which they reside and are claiming legal residence. This is an automatic exemption for homeowners who have been given the 4% primary residence assessment ratio.

I have received a tax bill on a motor vehicle I have sold. What do I need to do?

If you did not transfer your license plate to another vehicle you may disregard the tax notice. However, when you sell a vehicle you may be entitled to a prorated refund of taxes.

When I purchased my car, the dealership said they would take care of my taxes and tag. Why do I now have a bill?

The Dealer was referring to sales tax and tags, not property tax. If purchased from a dealership in South Carolina, you have 120 days from the date of purchase to pay property taxes, If purchased from a dealership from another state, taxes are due before you can obtain a tag.

If I want to transfer my license plate to a replacement vehicle, what do I now do?

Take the registration for your previous vehicle along with the title to your replacement vehicle to the Division of Motor Vehicles and register your replacement vehicle. You will not need to pay property taxes on the replacement vehicle until the registration on your previous vehicle expires.

I am a Senior Citizen, Do I qualify for a reduction on my motor vehicle taxes?

Currently there are no discounts on the vehicles taxes because of age. However, the DMV will discount your vehicle renewal fee by two dollars if you are over 64 years of age. If you are over 65 years of age, then four dollars will be discounted from the renewal fee.