It’s property tax time – and the offices of the Assessor, Auditor and Treasurer each have a pivotal role in the process of collecting taxes.

• The Assessor: Appraises all property at fair market value and places them on the tax rolls. The Assessor is a non-elected office. Contact the Assessor’s Office at 576-2640 or AssessorOffice@richlandcountysc.gov.

   

• The Auditor: Creates and mails tax notices. The Auditor is an elected office, currently held by Auditor Paul Brawley. Contact the Auditor’s Office at 576-2600 or rcauditor@richlandcountysc.gov.

   

• The Treasurer: Collects tax payments. The Treasurer is an elected office, currently held by Treasurer David Adams. Contact the Treasurer’s Office at 576-2250 or treasurer@richlandcountysc.gov.

This week, the Auditor’s Office mailed about 175,000 real estate tax bills, 33,000 business tax bills and 12,000 personal property tax bills. As you prepare to pay your taxes, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• If the property is your legal residence, ensure “Yes” is in the legal residence box at the top right of the notice. If not, contact the Assessor’s Office.

   

• Check to see if you qualify for the Homestead Exemption program. Taxpayers who were 65 years or older on Dec. 31, 2017 and residing in South Carolina on Dec. 31, 2016, legally blind or 100 percent disabled are exempt from paying taxes on the first $50,000 value of their homes. Visit the Auditor’s Office site at richlandcountysc.gov for more information.

• Avoid penalties by paying your taxes by Jan. 15, 2019.

   

• You can pay your taxes in person, by mail or online. Visit richlandcountysc.gov and navigate to the Treasurer’s Office for more information.

Did you know: The Auditor’s Office includes on your tax bill information that shows how your tax dollars are spent? The bill has a tax distribution chart that outlines the percentage of your bill that is used to pay for a variety of things, such as garbage collection and fire service. The bill also lists the dollar amount that supports the library, education, recreation and more. Take note of your tax notice and see how your tax dollars are used in the community.