How to Pay Property Taxes in Horry County, South Carolina

Where and how to pay Horry County property taxes

Horry County property taxes are collected by the Horry County Assessor's Office and the Horry County Treasurer's Office. You can pay online through the county website, by mail, in person at the Treasurer's Office in Conway, or by phone. Online payment is the fastest route and shows confirmation immediately. The county accepts checks, money orders, credit cards, and electronic bank transfers (ACH), though credit card payments may include a processing fee.

Your tax bill arrives in the fall, typically October or November, and is due by the end of the calendar year. The bill shows your property address, parcel number, assessed value, and the amount owed. If you pay after December 31, you will owe a penalty plus interest, which compounds monthly. Setting up automatic payment through your bank or the county website prevents missed deadlines.

Key Takeaways

• Horry County property taxes are due by December 31 each year, and penalties plus interest apply to any balance unpaid after that date.
• You can pay online, by mail, by phone, or in person at the Horry County Treasurer's Office in Conway.
• Online payment through the county website is the fastest method and provides immediate confirmation of receipt.
• If you cannot pay the full amount by the deadline, contact the Treasurer's Office to discuss payment plans or hardship options before the penalty takes effect.

Online payment through the Horry County website

The Horry County Treasurer's Office maintains an online payment portal on the county website. You will need your property address or parcel number to look up your bill. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and ACH transfers. Payment is processed immediately, and you receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

Credit card payments may carry a convenience fee (typically 2 to 3 percent) added to your bill by the payment processor. ACH transfers and debit card payments usually have no additional fee. If you are paying a large balance, ACH is the cheapest option. Save your confirmation number and the receipt for your records.

Mailing a check or money order

Mail payments to the Horry County Treasurer's Office, 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. Include your property address or parcel number on the check or money order. Mail takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive, so send it well before December 31 to avoid a late penalty. The postmark date does not count as the payment date—the office must receive it by the deadline.

Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the money order receipt. If your payment does not appear on your account within two weeks of mailing, contact the Treasurer's Office to confirm receipt. Do not assume the payment went through just because you mailed it.

Paying in person or by phone

The Horry County Treasurer's Office is located at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or card in person. Bring your tax bill or property address so staff can pull up your account.

To pay by phone, call the Treasurer's Office directly. They will verify your property information and take payment information over the phone. Phone payments are processed the same day you call. Have your bill or parcel number ready when you call.

What happens if you miss the December 31 deadline

Any balance unpaid after December 31 is subject to a penalty. Horry County charges a penalty on late property tax payments, and interest accrues monthly on the unpaid balance. The longer you wait, the more you owe. For example, a $1,000 unpaid balance will grow by the monthly interest rate each month you do not pay.

If you cannot pay by the deadline, contact the Treasurer's Office before December 31 to discuss options. Some counties offer payment plans for taxpayers facing hardship, though Horry County's policies vary. The sooner you reach out, the more options may be available to you. Waiting until after the deadline makes the debt larger and harder to resolve.

Understanding your property tax bill

Your Horry County property tax bill shows several pieces of information: your property address, the parcel number (a unique identifier for your land), the assessed value of your property, the tax rate, and the total amount due. The assessed value is set by the Assessor's Office and may differ from what you paid for the property or what it is worth on the market.

If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can file a formal challenge called an appeal. The deadline to file is usually in the spring following the tax year. Contact the Horry County Assessor's Office for the exact deadline and the forms you need. Lowering your assessed value lowers your tax bill going forward.

Setting up automatic or recurring payments

Many banks allow you to set up automatic payments to the Horry County Treasurer's Office through your online banking portal. You can schedule a one-time payment or a recurring payment each year. This removes the risk of forgetting the deadline. Confirm with your bank that the payment will arrive by December 31, since mail delays can occur.

Alternatively, the county website may offer an option to enroll in automatic payment directly. Check the Treasurer's Office website or call to ask whether this service is available. Automatic payment is especially useful if you own multiple properties in Horry County, since you can set each one to pay on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for paying property taxes late in Horry County?

Horry County charges a penalty on any balance unpaid after December 31, plus monthly interest on the outstanding amount. The exact penalty percentage varies and may change year to year. Contact the Treasurer's Office or check your tax bill for the current rate. The longer you wait to pay, the more the penalty and interest will add to what you owe.

Can I pay my Horry County property taxes with a credit card online?

Yes, the county's online payment portal accepts credit cards. Be aware that credit card payments typically include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, which is added to your bill. If you want to avoid the fee, use ACH transfer or debit card payment instead, both of which usually have no additional charge.

What if I own property in Horry County but live out of state?

You can pay online from anywhere with internet access, or by mail. Online payment is the fastest and most reliable option for out-of-state owners. Mail your check well in advance of December 31 to account for postal delays. Keep your confirmation number or receipt as proof of payment.

How do I find my parcel number if I do not have my tax bill?

The Horry County Assessor's Office maintains a public property search tool on the county website. Enter your property address to find your parcel number, assessed value, and other property details. You can also call the Assessor's Office or the Treasurer's Office and provide your address; staff will look up your parcel number for you.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount by December 31?

Contact the Horry County Treasurer's Office before the deadline to discuss your situation. Some counties offer payment plans for taxpayers facing hardship, though availability and terms depend on county policy. Reaching out early gives you the best chance of working out an arrangement before penalties take effect.