Since property tax rates vary from state to state, county to county, and even slide as the housing market fluctuates, it can be hard to figure out your tax responsibilities.

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Property tax 101

Here’s a quick refresher on the basics of property taxes:

Property taxes are determined by your local government

They fund local public services like law enforcement, public education, fire safety, and libraries

Most property taxes apply to real property like land, buildings, and homes

Your property taxes are calculated by the local tax assessor, who bases the tax rates based on market values and the local tax rate

Property taxes can change yearly due to market conditions and ever-changing local budgets

Property taxes are how local governments collect funding from the citizens in the community who benefit from local public services and attend public schools.

MORE:

Is car insurance tax deductible?

What is the property tax rate in Fairfield County?

Fairfield County’s average tax rate is 0.65% of your home’s assessed value—just above the South Carolina state average of 0.55%.

Based on that rate, you can expect to pay an average of $593 a year in property taxes for a home valued at $91,000.

How Fairfield County property taxes are determined

All property in Fairfield County is located in multiple taxing districts, such as county, city, and school districts. Each of these districts has its own budget.

The county auditor helps to review the budgets and determine county- and district-wide tax rates.

On the other hand, your

local tax assessor

calculates your property’s assessed value based on the property’s fair market value. (If you feel your property was overvalued, you can

request a review

with the assessor.)

The tax rate is applied to your property value to determine the amount you have to pay.

There are a few exemptions to property tax requirements in South Carolina. The Homestead Exemption law provides tax relief for residents of South Carolina who are over 65 or permanently disabled. The exemption excludes the first $50,000 from the market value of an individual's residence.

What do Fairfield County property taxes pay for?

Fairfield County uses the money from property taxes to fund multiple public services, including the following:

Libraries

Law enforcement

Public health

Fire safety

Water and sanitation

If you want more details on how your county assesses and allocates property taxes, you can attend the budget meetings in Fairfield County. They are open to the public.

MORE:How to deduct a car accident from your taxes

How to pay property taxes in Fairfield County

Fairfield County property taxes are due on or before August 31st of each year. Failure to pay your taxes on time can result in penalties, fines, and your property being sold at a delinquent tax sale. If your taxes become delinquent, you will receive a notice by the beginning of April.

There are a few tax payment options for homeowners in Fairfield County. You can pay online, by mail, or through your mortgage payment. Here’s how:

Online: You can pay your property tax bill online through the

Fairfield Tax Assessor’s website

By mail: Make your check payable to the Fairfield County Assessor and send it to: 101 South Congress Street, P.O. Drawer 60, Winnsboro, SC 29180

Through your mortgage: Fairfield County sends tax information to your mortgage lender if you choose to have your taxes rolled into your loan. Contact your lender to learn about your options.

MORE:

South Carolina car insurance laws—what you should know

How to save money on homeowners and car insurance in South Carolina

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When are property taxes due in Fairfield County?

Fairfield County property taxes are due August 31st annually.

How do I get my Fairfield County South Carolina property tax statement?

Your property tax statement will be mailed to you by August, just before your property tax payment is due. If you pay property taxes through your mortgage, your lender will receive the bill.

Are property taxes high in Fairfield County?

Fairfield County residents pay an average of $593 a year in taxes at a rate of 0.65%. This rate is slightly higher than the state average but significantly lower than the national average.

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