Myrtle Beach Property Tax rates for 2026 average about 0.58% of assessed value, matching the latest Myrtle Beach real estate tax rates published by the Horry County Assessor’s Office. Homeowners can verify their Horry County property tax assessment through the online portal at horrycountysc.gov and run numbers with the South Carolina property tax calculator. Vacation home tax in Myrtle Beach follows the same millage but may lose the homestead exemption South Carolina, reducing the overall bill. Call the assessor at (843) 915‑5040 or email hcg.Assessor@horrycountysc.gov for clarification on any discrepancy.
Myrtle Beach Property Tax due dates fall on January 15 each year, and missing the deadline can trigger penalties and interest recorded in tax lien sales Myrtle Beach listings. Residents unhappy with their valuation can use the property tax appeal process Horry County, submitting the property tax assessment appeal forms Horry County online and citing recent South Carolina property tax law changes 2026. Senior property tax exemptions Myrtle Beach and low-income property tax relief Myrtle Beach provide additional credits, while the Myrtle Beach property tax rebate program offers refunds after a successful appeal. For beachfront property tax surcharge SC and rental property tax rules Myrtle Beach, consult the Horry County property tax records online for detailed bill explanations.
Search Myrtle Beach City Property Tax
Myrtle Beach property tax records sit with the Horry County Assessor’s Office, which handles every parcel inside city limits and the surrounding county. Owners, buyers, and real estate investors use the county portal to check assessed values, view active exemptions, review payment history, and pull parcel maps. The portal also surfaces recent sale prices, legal descriptions, and any open permits attached to each tax bill. Because Myrtle Beach is a city inside Horry County, all property tax functions flow through the county assessor rather than a separate municipal office.
Step-by-step search method:
- Open the Horry County Government website at https://www.horrycountysc.gov/
- Click the property search link on the homepage or in the assessor menu
- Enter the parcel number, street address, or owner name in the search box
- Pick the matching property from the result list
- Review the assessment details, including value, exemptions, and tax district
- Click the tax bill section for current charges, penalties, and payment status
- Save or print the record for personal files or appeal preparation
Records not found online can be requested by calling the Horry County Assessor’s Office at (843) 915-5040 or emailing hcg.Assessor@horrycountysc.gov. Staff can pull historical data or locate parcels by legal description when the digital system does not return a match.
Myrtle Beach Real Estate Tax Rates Breakdown
Myrtle Beach real estate tax rates combine county, school district, city, and special district millage into one annual bill. The combined effective rate in the Myrtle Beach area runs close to 0.58% of assessed value according to recent tax records, while broader Horry County shows effective rates between 0.33% and 0.49% depending on the source year. South Carolina applies a 4% assessment ratio to primary residences under the Legal Residence program and 6% to all other real property, shaping the final tax base before millage is applied.
| Jurisdiction Level | Typical Role | Assessment Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Horry County operations | General services | 4% or 6% |
| School district | Public education | 4% or 6% |
| City of Myrtle Beach | Municipal services | 4% or 6% |
| Special districts | Fire, water, drainage | 4% or 6% |
Millage rates shift slightly each budget year as the county, school board, and city council adopt new spending plans. The Horry County Auditor prints the final combined rate on every property tax bill, so reading the line items on a current bill gives the most accurate figure for any specific property.
Horry County Property Tax Assessment Process
The Horry County property tax assessment process assigns a fair market value to every parcel in the county, including every property inside Myrtle Beach city limits. The Assessor’s Office reviews sales data, building permits, and property characteristics each reassessment cycle to keep values current. South Carolina law requires a countywide reassessment at least once every five years, with the most recent cycle driving the values on current bills. Property owners receive an annual notice of assessment showing the new value, prior-year value, and instructions for filing an appeal.
Key data points on the assessment notice include:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Assessed market value for the current tax year
- Taxable assessment after the 4% or 6% ratio
- Exemptions in effect, such as Legal Residence or Homestead
- Deadline for filing an appeal if the owner disagrees with the value
Owners who believe the assessed value runs higher than the true market value can submit supporting evidence, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales, to the Assessor’s Office. In-person hearings are available by appointment for owners who want to present documentation face to face.
South Carolina Property Tax Calculator Methods
A South Carolina property tax calculator helps owners estimate the annual bill before the official notice arrives. The calculation multiplies fair market value by the assessment ratio (4% for primary residences, 6% for non-owner-occupied and commercial), then applies the combined millage rate for every taxing district serving the parcel. For example, a $300,000 home in Myrtle Beach with the 4% Legal Residence ratio produces a taxable value of $12,000. The annual tax is calculated by multiplying the taxable value by the millage rate and dividing by 1,000.
| Step | Formula | Sample Figure |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Market value | Set by the county assessor | $300,000 |
| 2. Assessment ratio | 4% or 6% | 4% |
| 3. Taxable value | Value x ratio | $12,000 |
| 4. Millage rate | Sum of all districts | Varies by district |
| 5. Annual tax | Taxable x mills / 1,000 | Varies |
Third-party websites offer Myrtle Beach and Horry County calculators, but the most accurate estimate comes from the millage printed on a recent tax bill. Owners can verify their calculation against the actual bill after it arrives each fall.
Vacation Home Tax in Myrtle Beach Rules
Vacation home tax in Myrtle Beach follows the same millage schedule as primary residences, but the property loses the 4% Legal Residence assessment ratio when the owner does not occupy the home full time. Non-owner-occupied properties are taxed at the 6% ratio, producing a higher taxable value and a larger annual bill. Vacation rentals actively marketed as short-term rentals fall into the non-primary category, so the 6% ratio applies regardless of how often the owner uses the property personally.
Key factors that shape a vacation home tax bill include:
- Owner-occupancy status for the 4% Legal Residence ratio
- Active rental license status with the city of Myrtle Beach
- Length of owner use over the tax year
- Local accommodations or hospitality fees tied to short-term bookings
Owners considering a switch from long-term rental to vacation rental should model the tax change before signing up with a rental platform. The shift from 4% to 6% raises the taxable value by 50%, which translates directly into a 50% larger tax base before millage is applied.
Homestead Exemption South Carolina Eligibility
The Homestead Exemption in South Carolina reduces the assessed value of a primary residence for owners who meet specific age requirements. Current state law lets qualifying residents exempt the first $50,000 of fair market value from property tax. As of early 2026, Senate Bill 768 was advancing through the legislature to raise the exemption to $100,000 and reduce the age eligibility, so owners should confirm the law in effect before planning around any higher amount.
Eligibility requirements for the current Homestead Exemption include:
- Age 65 or older (subject to current law in effect at time of application)
- Use of the property as the primary legal residence
Applications are filed with the Horry County Assessor’s Office and require supporting documentation. Once approved, the exemption stays in place until the owner no longer meets the eligibility rules or transfers the property. Refer to the Assessor’s Office for the current list of documents required with the application.
Property Tax Appeal Process Horry County Steps
The property tax appeal process in Horry County gives owners a formal path to challenge an assessed value they believe runs too high. The appeal window opens when the Assessor’s Office mails the annual assessment notice and closes by the deadline printed on the notice. Late appeals are not accepted, so acting quickly when the notice arrives matters for any owner considering a challenge.
Steps in the Horry County appeal process:
- Review the assessment notice for accuracy on property description, square footage, and features
- Gather supporting evidence, such as a recent appraisal, comparable sales, or photos of property defects
- File the property tax assessment appeal forms with the Horry County Assessor’s Office by the deadline
- Attend the informal hearing with the Assessor’s Office to present the evidence
- File a written protest with the Horry County Board of Assessment Appeals if denied
- Proceed to the South Carolina Administrative Law Court for a final hearing if still denied
Owners who hire a licensed South Carolina property tax consultant or attorney typically see higher success rates, especially on higher-value or commercial parcels. The fee is often a percentage of the first-year tax savings, so the cost is usually recovered quickly when the appeal succeeds.
Property Tax Due Dates Myrtle Beach Calendar
Property tax due dates in Myrtle Beach follow a single annual cycle managed by the Horry County Treasurer. Real property tax bills are mailed each fall, with the most recent county mailing listing a payment deadline of January 15, 2026. Missing the deadline triggers penalties, plus interest that accrues on the unpaid balance. After enough time passes, the unpaid balance can be sold at a tax lien sale to recover the delinquent amount.
| Date | Action | Penalty if Missed |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (annually) | Tax bills mailed to owners | None |
| January 15 | Payment deadline | Penalties and interest apply |
| After deadline | Delinquent status | Additional penalties may accrue |
| Later in year | Tax lien sale (if unpaid) | Property lien recorded |
Property owners who pay through an escrow account with a mortgage lender usually do not need to act, as the lender pulls funds monthly and remits payment on the owner’s behalf. Owners who pay directly can use the online portal at https://portal.hctax.info/ to view the bill and submit payment by check, credit card, or electronic funds transfer.
Tax Lien Sales Myrtle Beach Procedures
Tax lien sales in Myrtle Beach let the county recover unpaid property taxes by selling the right to collect the debt to a third-party investor. The process starts after the January 15 deadline passes and the property remains delinquent. Investors who purchase a tax lien pay the outstanding tax amount plus penalties and interest, then hold the lien until the owner redeems the property by paying the full amount back or loses the property through foreclosure.
Key points about Horry County tax lien sales:
- Sales are held for prior-year delinquencies
- The minimum bid is the total amount of delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest
- Winning bidders receive a tax lien certificate, not ownership of the property
- Property owners have a redemption period to pay the lien holder back with interest
- If redemption does not occur, the lien holder can file a foreclosure action
Owners facing a tax lien sale should contact the Horry County Treasurer’s Office right away to discuss payment plan options. In many cases, the county accepts a structured payment that avoids the public sale and protects the owner’s equity in the property.
Senior Property Tax Exemptions Myrtle Beach
Senior property tax exemptions in Myrtle Beach stack on top of the standard Homestead Exemption to provide extra relief for older residents. The current South Carolina Homestead Exemption lets qualifying residents exempt the first $50,000 of fair market value, and the legislature was considering an increase to $100,000 in early 2026 under Senate Bill 768. Some local taxing districts in Horry County also offer senior-friendly millage reductions that appear automatically on the tax bill once the state exemption is in place.
Documents typically required to apply for senior exemptions include:
- Valid government-issued photo ID with date of birth
- Proof of South Carolina residency
- Deed or recorded title showing ownership of the property
- Completed Homestead Exemption application form
Approved applications remain in effect as long as the owner continues to meet the eligibility rules. When the owner moves or transfers the property, the exemption is removed and the bill reverts to the standard calculation for the next tax year.
How to Contest Property Tax Assessment Myrtle Beach
Learning how to contest property tax assessment in Myrtle Beach starts with reading the assessment notice as soon as it arrives in the mail. Owners have a limited window from the notice date to file a written protest with the Horry County Assessor’s Office. The strongest appeals include three or more comparable sales from the same neighborhood that closed within the past 12 months at a lower value than the county’s assessment. Photos of property defects, recent repair estimates, and a private appraisal also help support the case.
Common reasons for a successful assessment challenge include:
- County records showing incorrect square footage, bedroom count, or land size
- Comparable sales demonstrating a lower market value
- Documented property issues such as foundation problems, roof damage, or flooding history
- Recent purchase of the property at a price lower than the assessed value
- Market decline in the neighborhood after the last countywide reassessment
Owners who win an appeal receive a reduced assessment for the current tax year, and in some cases a refund for amounts already paid. The savings recur every year until the next reassessment cycle, so the long-term value of a successful appeal often exceeds the cost of hiring a property tax consultant.
Myrtle Beach Property Tax Rebate Program
The Myrtle Beach property tax rebate program provides refunds to qualifying homeowners who have already paid their annual tax bill. Refunds are issued in two main scenarios: an appeal that results in a reduced assessment, or a duplicate payment made in error. The county processes most refunds automatically when an appeal is granted, with the refund appearing as a credit on the next year’s bill or as a check mailed to the property owner.
To track a pending rebate, owners can:
- Check the property record on the Horry County Treasurer portal
- Call the Treasurer’s Office during business hours
- Review the next tax bill for a credit line item
Owners expecting a refund check should confirm their mailing address is current on file with the county to avoid delivery delays.
Condo Property Tax Rates Myrtle Beach
Condo property tax rates in Myrtle Beach follow the same millage schedule as single-family homes but use a different valuation method for the assessment. The Horry County Assessor’s Office values condos based on recent comparable sales within the same building or complex, adjusted for floor level, view, and unit condition. Owners who disagree with the assigned value can request the underlying sales data from the Assessor’s Office and use that to file an appeal.
Condo owners should pay attention to these tax factors:
- Owner-occupancy status for the 4% Legal Residence ratio
- Shared amenities that affect comparable sales
- Correct unit number, floor, and square footage on the county record
- HOA dues that include any tax-related assessments in the annual budget
Condos used as vacation rentals lose the 4% Legal Residence ratio and shift to the 6% non-owner-occupied ratio, raising the taxable value by 50%. Many condo owners in the Myrtle Beach area are surprised to learn this difference when their first post-purchase tax bill arrives.
Property Tax Refund Process South Carolina
The property tax refund process in South Carolina begins with identifying the reason for the refund and submitting the correct form to the county. Refunds fall into three categories: successful appeal refunds, duplicate payment refunds, and overpayment caused by a miscalculated bill. Each category has its own form and processing path, but every refund is issued by the Horry County Treasurer’s Office after approval by the Assessor’s Office. The Treasurer verifies the refund amount, confirms no other liens exist on the property, then releases the funds.
| Refund Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Successful appeal | Refer to the Treasurer’s Office for current timing |
| Duplicate payment | Refer to the Treasurer’s Office for current timing |
| Calculation error | Refer to the Treasurer’s Office for current timing |
Owners can speed up the process by submitting complete documentation with the original request and responding quickly to follow-up questions from the county. Outdated mailing addresses cause most refund delays, so confirming contact details before filing helps avoid extended waits.
Horry County Property Tax Records Online
Horry County property tax records are available online through multiple official portals, giving owners 24/7 access to assessment, billing, and payment history. The Assessor’s Office portal at https://www.horrycountysc.gov/ lets users search by parcel number, address, or owner name and view the full property record. The Treasurer’s portal at https://portal.hctax.info/ shows current bills, payment status, and any delinquent amounts.
Records available through each portal include:
- Parcel map and legal description
- Current and historical assessed values
- Active exemptions and special assessments
- Tax bill balance and payment history
- Recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens
Owners who need certified copies of records for legal or financial purposes can request them in person at the Register of Deeds office or through the mail. Certified copies include a raised seal and signature from the Register and are accepted by lenders, courts, and title companies nationwide.
Property Tax Bill Explanation Myrtle Beach
A Myrtle Beach property tax bill contains several line items that break down how the total amount is calculated. The top of the bill shows the parcel number, owner name, and property address. Below that, the bill lists the fair market value, the assessment ratio applied, the taxable value, and each individual taxing district with its millage rate. The total millage is multiplied by the taxable value and divided by 1,000 to produce the gross tax amount, then reduced by any applicable exemptions or credits.
Common line items on a Myrtle Beach tax bill include:
- Horry County general operations
- Horry County school district
- City of Myrtle Beach
- Fire protection district
- Water and sewer district
- Solid waste collection
- Legal Residence credit (4% ratio)
- Homestead Exemption credit
Owners who notice a line item they do not recognize or that does not match their property should contact the Assessor’s Office. Errors on the bill are usually correctable without an appeal, but only when the owner reports the discrepancy within the same tax year.
Rental Property Tax Rules Myrtle Beach
Rental property tax rules in Myrtle Beach require owners to use the 6% assessment ratio regardless of whether the rental is long-term or short-term. The 4% Legal Residence ratio is reserved for properties occupied by the owner as the primary legal residence. Landlords who rent out a property on a permanent basis pay tax on 6% of the fair market value, plus any local accommodations or hospitality fees that apply. Short-term vacation rentals licensed by the city of Myrtle Beach are subject to additional local rules, including business license requirements and hospitality fees collected at the point of sale.
Rental owners should track these tax-related responsibilities:
- Register the rental with the city of Myrtle Beach for short-term vacation stays
- Pay the local accommodations fee on each short-term booking
- File the South Carolina income tax return with rental income
- Claim allowable deductions for depreciation, repairs, and management fees
- Report the rental on the annual Horry County personal property tax return when applicable
Rental owners who fail to register a short-term rental risk fines from the city, plus back taxes and interest on unpaid local accommodations fees. The county can also place a lien on the property for unpaid amounts, complicating future sales or refinances.
Low-Income Property Tax Relief Myrtle Beach
Low-income property tax relief in Myrtle Beach combines state and local programs to reduce the tax burden on households with limited income. The South Carolina Homestead Exemption for qualifying residents already provides automatic relief for eligible owners. Local charities and nonprofit organizations in Horry County also offer emergency assistance for homeowners facing tax delinquency.
Applications for state-level relief are filed with the appropriate state agency. The Horry County Assessor’s Office can direct applicants to the correct agency based on individual circumstances.
Property Tax Lien Foreclosure Timeline SC
The property tax lien foreclosure timeline in South Carolina follows a structured legal process that gives owners multiple opportunities to redeem the property before losing it. After a tax lien is sold, the owner has a redemption period during which they can pay the lien holder the full amount plus interest to clear the lien. If the lien is not redeemed, the lien holder can file a foreclosure action in court. The court schedules a hearing, and when the owner does not respond or fails to pay, the court issues a judgment that allows the property to be sold at a public auction.
Owners facing foreclosure should contact an attorney experienced in South Carolina property tax law as soon as possible. Many foreclosure cases are resolved through payment plans, lien payoff, or successful appeals of the underlying assessment before the auction takes place.
Beachfront Property Tax Surcharge SC
Beachfront property tax in South Carolina is generally billed through the standard county and city millage, with additional local fees that may apply for oceanfront parcels. Owners of oceanfront property in Myrtle Beach pay the standard county and city millage on top of any special district fees, and they may also be subject to local stormwater and beach renourishment fees that appear on the tax bill. These local fees fund the periodic sand replacement projects that protect beachfront properties from erosion.
Costs to factor in for beachfront property ownership:
- Standard county and city property tax based on millage
- Special district fees for stormwater and beach renourishment
- Flood insurance, mandatory in most designated zones
- Higher insurance premiums tied to wind and storm exposure
- Potential special assessments for seawall or dune restoration projects
Beachfront owners who lose the 4% Legal Residence ratio because the property is a vacation rental see a significant tax increase from the ratio change alone. Adding special district fees to that 6% valuation pushes the annual bill well above the rates charged on inland properties of similar value.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
Property tax questions for any parcel inside Myrtle Beach are handled by the Horry County Assessor’s Office and the Horry County Treasurer’s Office. The Assessor’s Office manages valuations, exemptions, and appeals, while the Treasurer bills and collects payments. Each office is reachable by phone, email, or in person at the county complex.
| Department | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Horry County Assessor’s Office | (843) 915-5040 | hcg.Assessor@horrycountysc.gov |
Official websites and search portals:
- Horry County main website: https://www.horrycountysc.gov
- Tax payment portal: https://portal.hctax.info/
Property owners are encouraged to call ahead or email before visiting in person to confirm document requirements, especially during peak appeal season in the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Myrtle Beach property tax helps owners avoid surprise bills, claim eligible exemptions, and keep records up to date. The Horry County Assessor’s Office handles every parcel inside Myrtle Beach, offers online tools, and answers common questions about rates, due dates, and appeals. Use this guide to find phone numbers, email contacts, and step‑by‑step actions for common tasks.
What are the current Myrtle Beach real estate tax rates and how are they calculated?
The county applies a millage rate of about 0.35 percent on assessed value for most residential properties. Assessors calculate taxable value by applying the legal residence multiplier of 4 percent to the fair market price, then subtract any approved exemptions. For example, a home valued at $200,000 with a homestead exemption of $50,000 results in a taxable value of $150,000, producing an annual tax of roughly $525. Check the online portal for the exact millage for the tax year.
How can I pay my Myrtle Beach property tax bill and what are the due dates for 2026?
Payments are due January 15, 2026. The county accepts online payments through the Taxpayer Services page, credit or debit cards, and mailed checks. To pay online, log into the portal, select “Pay Online,” and follow the prompts. If you choose mail, send the check to the address listed on your bill. Phone assistance is available at (843) 915‑5040 for troubleshooting.
Where do I find the Horry County property tax assessment appeal forms?
Appeal forms are downloadable from the Assessor’s Office website. After reviewing your bill, complete the “Assessment Appeal Request” form, attach supporting documents such as recent sales data, and submit it by the deadline noted on the notice—usually within 30 days of bill issuance. Mail the packet to 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526 or email a PDF to hcg.Assessor@horrycountysc.gov.
Can seniors in Myrtle Beach qualify for a homestead exemption or other tax relief?
South Carolina offers a 4 percent legal residence exemption for owners who live in the home full‑time. Seniors may also qualify for additional state‑level relief, which can reduce the taxable portion further. To apply, submit a completed exemption form with proof of age and residency through the online portal or by mail. Contact the Assessor’s Office for current senior‑specific thresholds.
How do I verify if my vacation home in Myrtle Beach is subject to a beachfront surcharge?
Properties located on designated coastal zones may incur a surcharge added to the base millage. The county’s GIS map shows surcharge boundaries; you can view it in the portal under “Parcel Details.” If your parcel falls within the zone, the bill will list a separate line item for the surcharge. Call (843) 915‑5040 to confirm the classification and request a written explanation.