Vehicle Tax

When purchasing a vehicle, you are required to pay the state sales tax and County property taxes. State law requires you to pay state sales taxes upon the purchase of an automobile.

If you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, the dealership is allowed to process your registration and tag without paying your local property taxes. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) provides the registration information to the County, and the County will issue you a dealer tax notice with a 120-day grace period to pay your new vehicle property taxes. However, if you purchase a vehicle from an individual, you will need to take your bill of sale or title and proof of insurance to the Auditor’s Office to generate a new tax bill in your name. A paid receipt will be issued for you to obtain your registration and tag from the SCDMV.

Questions concerning appeals of valuation, please contact the Auditor’s Office.

Note: Failure to pay this 120-day tax notice may result in suspension of your South Carolina driver’s license and registration.