<strong>From staff reports</strong>

The Beaufort County Treasurer’s Office began levying delinquent properties Aug. 5.

This is the process in which a Notice of Levy sign is affixed to a property as notification to the owner that the property taxes have not been paid.

Normally, only certain delinquent properties would be posted, those that had not signed and returned the Certified Delinquent Tax Notice. Unfortunately, the United States Postal Service has altered its delivery policy for certified notices due to the Coronavirus pandemic, which has prevented the proper receipt of taxpayer signatures. As a result, all delinquent properties will be posted to ensure successful notice and that the statutory guidelines are followed.

“We have fewer delinquent real property accounts than in previous years,” Beaufort County Treasurer Maria Walls said in a release. “This is always encouraging to see, especially in these unusual and challenging times.”

A few upcoming dates that are important to note:

Sept. 1 – A penalty of $25 will be added to unpaid properties, and personal checks will no longer be accepted for delinquent properties.

Sept. 8 – Bidder registration will open for anyone wishing to participate in the tax sale.

Sept. 13 – Delinquent properties will be advertised in the newspapers for three consecutive weeks.

Oct. 5 – Delinquent properties will be auctioned at the tax sale.

To prevent a property from being auctioned, taxes must be paid by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. No payments will be accepted for delinquent properties on the day of the auction.

To pay or for more information about the delinquency process, the tax sale or the Treasurer’s Office, you may visit www.BeaufortCountyTreasurer.com or call 843-255-2600.