Property taxes in Columbus County are among the highest in the state, with a median of 1.11%, compared to 0.97% in Mecklenburg County, the highest in the state. Property values in Columbus County have risen dramatically in recent years, leading to a corresponding rise in taxes.
Property owners in Columbus County have a number of options for reducing their tax burden. The first is to appeal their assessed value. If the property owner can demonstrate that their assessment is too high, or that there are errors in the assessment, they may be able to reduce the amount of taxes they owe. Additionally, local government programs such as homestead exemptions, tax abatement, deferment, and credits can help reduce the amount of taxes owed.
Columbus County also has a property tax relief program for elderly and disabled citizens. This program exempts up to $75,000 of the taxable value of a primary residence from taxes. The amount of the exemption is determined based on household income, with the maximum exemption increasing with higher incomes. In addition, there is an additional exemption of up to $3,500 for those who are 65 or older.
Although property taxes in Columbus County are among the highest in the state, there are ways to reduce the impact of these taxes for property owners. By appealing assessments, taking advantage of local government programs, and taking advantage of the property tax relief program for the elderly and disabled, property owners can potentially reduce their tax burden significantly. Those who are facing significant tax burdens due to rapidly rising property values may also be able to appeal their assessments or take advantage of exemptions or other forms of relief. While property taxes in Columbus County remain high, there are several methods available to help mitigate the financial burden that comes with them.
This article was contributed on Nov 12, 2023
