York County 4% vs 6% Property Tax: Filing From Rock Hill

A small paperwork miss in Rock Hill can raise your property tax bill by about 50%. That jump usually comes down to how your home is classified at 4 percent or 6 percent. If you plan to live in the home as your primary residence, the 4 percent rate is a key savings you do not want to overlook.

In this guide, you will learn what the 4 percent vs 6 percent assessment means in York County, who qualifies, how to file from Rock Hill, and the timing traps that catch many buyers and homeowners. You will also get a practical checklist you can use right away. Let’s dive in.

4% vs 6% in York County

South Carolina taxes property based on an assessment ratio tied to how the property is used. If the home is your owner-occupied primary residence and you qualify as a legal residence, the county assesses it at 4 percent of fair market value. Most other property types, like second homes, rentals, or commercial, are assessed at 6 percent.

Because 6 is 50 percent higher than 4, moving from 4 percent to 6 percent increases the taxable base by about half. The millage stays the same, but the base is larger, so your bill rises accordingly.

Here is a simple example. If your home’s fair market value is 200,000 dollars:

• 4 percent taxable value: 8,000 dollars
• 6 percent taxable value: 12,000 dollars
• Difference in taxable base: 4,000 dollars

Your actual tax depends on total millage, but the higher base at 6 percent drives a larger bill.

One more timing detail matters. South Carolina property assessment rolls use a statutory assessment date, commonly January 1 of the tax year. Your status as of that date can affect which rate applies. Confirm how York County handles moves around January 1 with the auditor’s office.

Who qualifies for the 4% rate

To receive the 4 percent legal residence classification, you must own and occupy the property as your primary, permanent home. You should intend to return there when absent. You can claim only one legal residence at a time.

Counties typically ask for documents that show you live at the address. Common examples include:

• South Carolina driver’s license or state ID with the property address
• Voter registration tied to the property
• Vehicle registration at that address
• Utility bills or mail showing occupancy
• State or federal tax return listing the address

If you buy a home and move in, you must apply to the county auditor to receive the 4 percent classification. If you move out or convert the home to another use, you must notify the auditor. Special circumstances may apply to active-duty military, students, or other cases. Check current guidance with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and the York County Auditor.

How to file from Rock Hill

Filing for the 4 percent legal residence rate is straightforward if you prepare your documents and mind the timing.

Before or right after closing

• Update your South Carolina driver’s license or ID to your Rock Hill address.
• Update vehicle registration and, if applicable, your voter registration.
• Keep your deed and settlement statement handy.

Get the application

Contact the York County Auditor’s Office, including the Rock Hill location, or visit the county website to request the Legal Residence or Residential Assessment Ratio application. Ask how they accept submissions. Some counties offer in-person, mail, or online options.

Gather your documents

Have copies ready, such as:

• Proof of ownership, like a deed or settlement statement
• SC driver’s license or ID showing the Rock Hill address
• Voter registration card or confirmation
• Utility bills in your name at that address
• State or federal tax return listing the address, if requested

Submit and sign the affidavit

Submit the application with your supporting documents. You will typically sign an affidavit confirming the property is your legal residence. Keep copies of everything you file.

What to expect after filing

Processing times vary. Some counties update the classification quickly; others apply changes on the next tax year, depending on when you file and the January 1 assessment date. Follow up if you do not receive confirmation. After approval, verify the county record shows the 4 percent status.

Timing around January 1

Your status on or near January 1 can influence which rate applies for that year. If you move into your Rock Hill home after January 1, you may not receive the 4 percent rate for that tax year. Ask the York County Auditor whether your application can take effect mid-year or must wait until the next cycle.

Also, if you are buying a home, do not assume the seller’s 4 percent classification carries over to you. As the new owner, you must apply to receive the 4 percent rate.

Common pitfalls to avoid

You can avoid the most frequent headaches by planning ahead.

1. Assuming the 4 percent transfers at closing

• If you never file, the county can keep the home at 6 percent. File promptly with the required ID and address documents.

2. Missing the January 1 assessment nuance

• If you move close to January 1, do not guess. Ask the auditor how they treat your timing and whether your filing will apply to the current year.

3. Delaying DMV and voter updates

• Counties often need a driver’s license or voter registration with your new address. Update these early to avoid delays.

4. Claiming 4 percent on more than one home

• You can have only one legal residence. Claiming more than one can lead to audits, penalties, or retroactive tax bills.

5. Refinance and escrow surprises

• Lenders often pull tax numbers from county records. If your record still shows 6 percent, escrow estimates can jump. Verify the county record before you refinance and share approval documents with your lender.

6. Title changes to trusts or LLCs

• Moving your property into an entity can affect eligibility. Talk with the county auditor and your attorney before changing title if you want to preserve the 4 percent status.

7. Late or incomplete applications

• Incomplete documentation can cause delays or denials. Use the county’s checklist, submit complete proofs, and follow up to confirm approval.

8. Relying only on seller statements

• Sellers may not know the current classification. Verify with the county and file your application at or right after closing.

Quick checklist for Rock Hill

Use this to stay on track:

Immediate actions after buying or moving in:

• Update SC driver’s license, ID, and vehicle registration to your Rock Hill address.
• Update voter registration, if applicable.
• Keep your deed and settlement statement together.
• Contact the York County Auditor to request the legal residence application and confirm how to submit it.
• File the application with all required proofs. Keep copies and proof of delivery.
• Verify the county record shows 4 percent after approval.

Before refinancing:

• Confirm your current county classification. If it shows 6 percent in error, file for 4 percent and request written confirmation.
• Share county approval with your lender so escrow can reflect the correct rate.

If you move out or buy a second home:

• Notify the York County Auditor if the property is no longer your primary residence.
• Remember you can claim only one legal residence at a time.

When in doubt:

• Call the York County Auditor for definitive answers on documents, deadlines, and effective dates.
• Review South Carolina Department of Revenue guidance for statewide rules.

What it means for your budget

Because the 6 percent rate increases the taxable base by about 50 percent, leaving a primary home classified at 6 percent can create a noticeable jump in your tax bill. This can also affect your monthly mortgage payment if your lender escrows taxes. If the county record still reflects 6 percent when you refinance, your escrow analysis might be higher than it needs to be.

The fix is simple. Confirm your legal residence classification with the county, file the application with full documentation, and verify the change is reflected in the record. Then share any county approval with your lender so they can update escrow.

Final thoughts and local help

The 4 percent legal residence rate is one of the most valuable homeowner benefits available in York County. If you plan to live in your Rock Hill home as your primary residence, file the application, track your documents, and confirm your status before your first tax bill or any refinance. If your situation involves unique timing, a title change, or a move around January 1, call the York County Auditor to confirm how your facts apply.

If you want a simple, step-by-step plan as you buy, sell, or refinance in Rock Hill, reach out. We can walk you through the filing timeline, coordinate with your lender, and help you avoid escrow or tax surprises. Get started with a quick consult from Unknown Company.

FAQs

What does 4% vs 6% mean in York County property taxes?

• South Carolina applies a 4 percent assessment ratio to owner-occupied legal residences and 6 percent to most other property types, which increases the taxable base about 50 percent at 6 percent.

How do I prove Rock Hill residency for the 4% rate?

• Provide documents such as a South Carolina driver’s license or ID with the property address, voter registration, vehicle registration, utility bills, and, if requested, a tax return listing the address.

Does the seller’s 4% status transfer to me at closing?

• No. As the new owner, you must file your own application with the York County Auditor to receive the 4 percent legal residence classification.

How does the January 1 assessment date affect my filing?

• Your status as of January 1 may determine the rate for that tax year, so ask the York County Auditor how they treat moves and applications filed near that date.

Can I keep the 4% rate if I put my home in a trust or LLC?

• It depends. Title changes can affect eligibility, so consult the auditor and an attorney before transferring ownership if you want to preserve the 4 percent classification.

Do I need to reapply when I refinance my Rock Hill home?

• Usually no, but verify the county record still shows 4 percent and give your lender confirmation so escrow estimates reflect the correct rate.

What if I forget to apply for 4% after buying in Rock Hill?

• The county may continue to assess at 6 percent, raising your tax bill. File the application as soon as possible and ask the auditor whether any retroactive relief is available.