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1. How do I qualify for the Homestead Exemptions?

You may qualify if you:
- Hold a complete fee simple title or life estate to your primary residence.
- As of December 31, preceding the tax year of the exemption you were a legal resident of South Carolina for 1 year.
- As of December 31, preceding the tax year of the exemption you were 65 years of age, or declared totally and permanently disabled by a state or federal agency having the authority to make such a declaration, or were legally blind as certified by a licensed ophthalmologist.

If these statements are true, you are qualified to receive the Homestead Exemption. If you are the surviving spouse of a person who was qualified, you may also be qualified to receive the benefit. For further information please contact the Auditor's Office.

2. Where do I apply for Homestead Exemptions?

You may apply for the Homestead Exemption at the County Auditor's Office. If you are unable to come in, you may authorize someone to come and apply for you. For locations and more contact the Auditor's Office.

3. What documents do I need?

You must provide the following documentation to prove eligibility: - If you are eligible by age, we need a driver’s license, birth certificate, Medicaid card, or Medicare card and social security number. If there is more than 1 person on the deed, we need the date of birth and social security number of the other homeowner. If deed is in a trust, we need the trust documents showing that you are the trust income beneficiary. - If you are eligible by disability, we need your disability Award Letter from Social Security. If you were declared disabled by any other state or federal agency, you will need to supply documentation from that agency. - If you are eligible because you are blind, we need a letter from the Commission for the Blind or from a licensed ophthalmologist.

4. Do I need to re-apply annually?

The only time you would need to reapply would be upon the death of the eligible owner or if you moved to a new home. Any changes that may affect your eligibility must be reported to the Auditor's Office immediately. Those changes would be:
- Change in disability status.
- Any change of ownership.
- Rental of your home.
- Remarriage of the surviving spouse.