How do I file a homestead exemption in Richland County?

File with the Richland County Assessor. Apply through your county auditor's office.

Who handles homestead exemptions in Richland County?

The Richland County Assessor handles homestead exemption applications for homes in Richland County, South Carolina.

Is there a fee to file for the Richland County homestead exemption?

No. Filing with your assessor or appraisal office is free.

Richland County, SC Homestead Exemption: How to File

2026 change: South Carolina's homestead exemption covers the first $50,000 of fair market value of your legal residence (SCDOR property tax exemptions ↗). For tax year 2026 only, budget Proviso 117.220 (Act 259) adds a temporary $25,000 for people who qualify for the regular exemption, for a total of $75,000 (SCDOR Information Letter #26-23, Oct. 1, 2026 ↗). SCDOR says your county auditor administers it and decides whether the additional amount applies to your account. See what it's worth on your bill with the South Carolina homestead exemption calculator.

In Richland County, the median owner-occupied home is worth $242,800 and the median homeowner pays $1,637 a year in real estate taxes, an effective rate of about 0.67% (Census ACS 2020-2024).

Median home value	$242,800
Median real estate taxes	$1,637 a year
Effective tax rate	0.67% (median taxes ÷ median value)
Where to file	Richland County Assessor ↗ Phone listed on the office page: 803-576-2600

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, tables B25077 and B25103 (county FIPS 45079). Local add-on exemptions: not listed here unless the county publishes them; ask the office above.

Who owns homes in Richland County

Richland County has 101,223 owner-occupied homes; 60.3% of occupied homes are owned, below the statewide 71.9% for South Carolina.
30,778 Richland County owner households (30.4%) are headed by someone 65 or older, below the statewide 34.9%. South Carolina programs in our verified data that cover older owners: Homestead Exemption.
About 31,245 veterans live in Richland County (9.7% of adults). See veteran property tax relief by state.
33.1% of Richland County owners have no mortgage (below the statewide 42.9%).
The median Richland County home was built in 1989 (statewide: 1992).

South Carolina statewide program

Homestead Exemption: Exempts all property taxes on the first $50,000 of fair market value of your legal residence. For tax year 2026 the state temporarily authorized an additional homestead exemption for certain recipients; your county auditor decides whether it applies to you. Who qualifies and how to apply in South Carolina →

Estimate your savings

Other large counties · South Carolina down payment assistance (DPA Finder)

South Carolina counties with similar home values

Each files through its own office: Lexington County (Lexington County Auditor) · Spartanburg County (Spartanburg County Assessor) · Anderson County (Anderson County Auditor) · Horry County (Horry County Auditor) · Greenville County (Greenville County Auditor)

Related guides

New to owning a home? How down payment assistance works (DPA Finder).

Think your home is valued too high? Run the free “Is my assessment too high?” check to compare your notice with your own value estimate and see your appeal deadline.