South Carolina Property Tax Sale: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you've fallen behind on property taxes in South Carolina, the clock is ticking. SC counties have the right to sell your property at a tax sale to recover unpaid taxes — and the process moves faster than many homeowners realize. Here's everything you need to know to protect yourself.

How SC Property Tax Sales Work

South Carolina's tax sale process follows a specific timeline:

1. January 15: Property taxes become delinquent if not paid by this date
2. Penalties accrue: 3% penalty in January, increasing to 15% by March
3. Tax sale notice: The county sends written notice and publishes in local newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks
4. October/November: The annual tax sale is held (typically the first Monday in November in Richland County; dates vary by county)
5. Bidding: Investors bid on tax liens. The winning bidder pays your back taxes plus penalties and costs
6. 12-month redemption period: You have 12 months to repay the buyer what they paid plus interest (3-12% depending on bid)
7. If not redeemed: After 12 months, the buyer can petition for a Tax Deed — transferring ownership of your property

What This Means for You

Let's be blunt: you can lose your home over unpaid property taxes in South Carolina. It doesn't matter if you owe $500 or $50,000 — the process is the same. And unlike foreclosure, which requires a court process and takes months, a tax sale can move relatively quickly.

Your Redemption Rights

The good news: South Carolina gives you a 12-month redemption period after the tax sale. During this time, you can reclaim your property by paying:

• The amount the buyer paid at the tax sale
• Interest (ranging from 3% to 12% depending on the winning bid)
• Any additional taxes the buyer has paid since the sale
• Administrative costs

After 12 months, if you haven't redeemed, the buyer files for a tax deed, and a judge can transfer full ownership to them. At that point, your options are essentially gone.

How Much Back Taxes Can You Owe?

SC property taxes vary significantly by county and property value:

• Richland County (Columbia): ~0.6% of market value for owner-occupied, ~1.0% for non-owner-occupied
• Lexington County: ~0.5% for owner-occupied
• Greenville County: ~0.6% for owner-occupied

On a $200,000 home in Columbia, annual property taxes run roughly $1,200-2,000 for owner-occupied. Fall behind 2-3 years, and you could be looking at $3,000-6,000 plus penalties and interest.

Options to Avoid Losing Your Property

Option 1: Pay the Taxes

The simplest solution if you can manage it. Many SC counties offer payment plans for delinquent taxes. Contact your county treasurer's office to ask about installment options.

Option 2: Sell Before the Tax Sale

If you can't catch up on taxes, selling the property puts cash in your pocket instead of losing the property for pennies on the dollar at auction. A cash buyer like Campos Property Solutions can close in 7-14 days — often fast enough to beat the tax sale deadline.

When we buy, we pay off all delinquent taxes at closing from the sale proceeds. You walk away with the remaining equity free and clear.

Option 3: Apply for Tax Relief

SC offers several tax relief programs:

• Homestead Exemption: If you're 65+, disabled, or legally blind, the first $50,000 of your home's value is exempt from property taxes
• SC Homeowner Assistance Fund: Federal program that may help eligible homeowners catch up on delinquent property taxes
• Veteran exemptions: Additional exemptions for disabled veterans

Option 4: Negotiate with the Tax Sale Buyer

If your property has already been sold at tax sale, you still have 12 months. Some tax sale buyers are willing to negotiate — they'd rather get a guaranteed return than go through the tax deed process. But don't wait until month 11 to reach out.

Don't Lose Your Property Over Taxes

Property taxes are a priority lien — they come before everything, including your mortgage. If you're behind and can't catch up, selling before the tax sale protects your equity and credit.

Call Campos Property Solutions at 803-307-4860. We'll evaluate your property, factor in the tax situation, and make a fair cash offer so you can resolve this before it's too late.