02/20/2026
I have been talking to my clients about this....
While it still has some steps to take it is definitely moving in the direction of Seniors (65+) Homestead Exemption amount on primary residence property taxes increasing
Today the South Carolina Senate has passed a bill (S.768) expanding the senior property tax homestead exemption, which now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If passed without changes, it goes to the Governor; if amended, it requires a conference committee, with potential implementation for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026.
South Carolina Policy Council +2
Key Next Steps and Details:
House Review: The House must review, debate, and vote on the bill. If the House passes it without amendments, it goes directly to the Governor for signature.
Potential Changes: If the House amends the bill, it returns to the Senate for approval. Differences could lead to a conference committee to negotiate a final version.
Proposed Changes: The bill increases the exemption from the first $50,000 of home value to $75,000 or $150,000, depending on residency duration.
New Requirements: For new applicants, the bill proposes stricter residency requirements: 5 years for a $75,000 exemption and 10 years for a $150,000 exemption.
Grandfather Clause: Residents already receiving the exemption (65+, disabled, or blind) will likely be grandfathered in, allowing them to see their exemptions increase without reapplying.
Non-severability Clause: A clause was added ensuring that if any part of the residency requirement is struck down in court, the entire bill fails.
South Carolina Policy Council +3
If approved, the expansion is expected to take effect for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
