Lexington & Columbia Property Taxes 2025: Reassessment, Caps, Appeals

How will South Carolina’s 2025 property reassessment impact my tax bill in Lexington and Columbia?

Lexington and Columbia’s 2025 reassessment updates market values. A 15% cap applies, but point-of-sale resets, 4% vs 6% ratios, millage and exemptions shape your final bill.

Why this matters right now

If you live in Lexington County or Columbia/Richland County, you’ll see new assessed values in 2025. Your tax bill won’t automatically jump by the same percent as your new value, but you do need to know how the 15% cap, appeal deadlines, the 4% legal-residence classification, and exemptions like Homestead work together. Lexington County confirms the five-year cycle and mailed notices for 2025; Richland shows a 90-day appeal window. (Lexington County, Richland County SC)

The quick formula (so you can sanity-check your bill)

Taxable value × assessment ratio × millage rate − eligible credits/exemptions = property tax due.
In South Carolina, most owner-occupied homes qualify for a 4% assessment ratio instead of 6% for non-owner-occupied property. Lexington County’s guide lays out the ratios and step-by-step tax computation, including rollback millage in a reassessment year.

What changed in 2025

• Countywide reassessment: SC law requires every county to update values about every five years; Lexington implemented its program for the 2025 tax year and notes the next in 2030. (Lexington County)

• Rollback millage: In a reassessment year, local governments must apply “rollback millage,” which can soften bill increases even when values rise.

• Appeal windows: If you disagree with your new value, you generally have 90 days from the notice date to appeal in both counties. Don’t wait for the tax bill; that’s too late. (Richland County SC, Lexington County)

The 15% cap: what it does and where it stops

• The cap: In a reassessment, taxable value increases are limited to 15% over the five-year cycle.

• When the cap does not apply

  • Point-of-sale/ATI: After an assessable transfer of interest (ATI), the property is reappraised to current market value. This is the “point-of-sale reset.”

  • Additions and improvements: New construction, major renovations, and similar improvements are added at current market value and are not capped.

4% vs 6%: the single biggest lever on your bill

• 4% legal-residence status applies to owner-occupied primary homes that meet SC’s domicile rules and filing deadlines. It usually cuts the bill by more than one-third compared to 6%.

• When to apply: State guidance and county rules require timely filing; missing the window can default you to 6% for that year. (SC Department of Revenue)

Exemptions and credits you shouldn’t miss

• Homestead Exemption (65+, disabled, or legally blind): First $50,000 of fair market value of your legal residence is exempt from property taxes. Apply through your county auditor. (SC Department of Revenue)

• School-operating millage relief: Owner-occupied homes receive a school-operations exemption under the 2006 reform act. (SC Department of Revenue)

Lexington vs. Columbia: market context behind the new values

Reassessment pegs values to recent market conditions. Here’s a snapshot to frame expectations:

Sources: Redfin market trackers for Lexington and Columbia. These aren’t your assessed values, but they explain why Lexington owners may see larger value changes than Columbia owners. (Redfin)

How to read your reassessment notice

Your notice shows market value, taxable (capped) value, assessment ratio, and the last day to appeal. Lexington’s guide includes a labeled example that mirrors the one you received.

If your value looks wrong: step-by-step appeals

Lexington County

1. File a written objection with the Assessor within 90 days of the notice date. Use the tear-off form or submit online. (Lexington County)

2. Complete the informal review. If unresolved, request a formal review within the county’s stated timeline, then the Board of Assessment Appeals if needed. (Lexington County)

Richland County (Columbia)

1. File a written objection with the Assessor within 90 days of the reassessment notice. (Richland County SC)

2. If no notice was issued, the deadline is the first penalty date for that year’s bill. (Richland County SC)

What to include: recent comparable sales, a recent appraisal, photos of condition issues, permits or insurance docs that show deferred maintenance, and any relevant cost estimates.

Action checklist for homeowners in Lexington & Columbia

• Verify your classification: Make sure your home is properly coded at 4% if it’s your legal residence.

• Confirm exemptions: If eligible, file for Homestead with your county auditor. (SC Department of Revenue)

• Check the numbers: Compare “taxable (capped) value” vs “market value” on your notice.

• Appeal on time: Mark your 90-day deadline from the notice date for Lexington and Richland. (Lexington County, Richland County SC)

• Keep records: Save your notice, MLS comps, appraisals, and correspondence in one folder.

• Estimate impact: Use the formula above; remember rollback millage may offset some of the value change in 2025.

FAQ

Does the 15% cap mean my bill can’t go up more than 15%?
No. The cap limits the change in taxable value during reassessment, not your total tax bill. Millage and exemptions also affect the final amount due.

I just bought my house. Why is my value higher than my neighbor’s?
A recent sale can trigger a point-of-sale/ATI reset, which reappraises to current market value and is not capped in that year.

I live in my home but I’m taxed at 6%. Can I fix that?
Apply for the 4% legal-residence classification with your county. If you miss the filing window, you may be stuck at 6% for that year. (SC Department of Revenue)

Want a free 10-minute review of your 2025 reassessment for Lexington or Columbia? Send your notice and we’ll:

• Check your classification (4% vs 6%)

• Spot appeal-worthy errors

• Pull 3–5 relevant comps and draft a simple appeal letter template

By Courtney McCullough | Pawmetto Homes Team - ROG Reside — Lexington & Columbia, SC real estate. 

Reference links mentioned above

• Lexington County Assessor: 2025 Reassessment guide, appeal steps, and notice explainer.

• Richland County Assessor: assessment appeal instructions and timing. (Richland County SC)

• SC Department of Revenue: Homestead Exemption and legal-residence guidance. (SC Department of Revenue)

• Market context: Redfin pages for Lexington and Columbia. (Redfin)