South Carolina § 12-37-266 - Homestead exemption for dwellings held in trust; application of Section 12-37-250.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 12-37-266 — Homestead exemption for dwellings held in trust; application of Section 12-37-250., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-37-266. Homestead exemption for dwellings held in trust; application of Section 12-37-250.
(A) If a trustee holds legal title to a dwelling that is the legal residence of a beneficiary sixty-five years of age or older, or totally and permanently disabled, or blind, and the beneficiary uses the dwelling, the dwelling is exempt from property taxation in the amount and manner as dwellings are exempt pursuant to Section 12-37-250, if the beneficiary meets the other conditions required for the exemption. A copy of the trust agreement must be provided to certify this exemption. The trustee may apply in person or by mail to the county auditor for the exemption on a form approved by the department. Further application is not necessary while the property for which the initial application was made continues to meet the eligibility requirements. The trustee shall notify the county auditor of a change in classification within six months of the change. If the trustee fails to notify the county auditor within six months, a penalty must be imposed equal to one hundred percent of the tax paid, plus interest on that amount at the rate of one-half of one percent a month. In no case may the penalty be less than thirty dollars or more than the current year's taxes. This penalty and any interest are considered ad valorem taxes due on the property for purposes of collection and enforcement.
(B) The department shall reimburse the taxing entity for the taxes not collected by reason of the exemption in the same manner and under the same conditions as reimbursement is provided for the exemption allowed pursuant to Section 12-37-250.
HISTORY: 1980 Act No. 389, SECTIONS 1, 2; 1993 Act No. 164, Part II, SECTION 104B; 1997 Act No. 107, SECTION 1; 2006 Act No. 386, SECTION 55.F, eff June 14, 2006; 2015 Act No. 87 (S.379), SECTION 4, eff June 11, 2015.
Effect of Amendment
2015 Act No. 87, SECTION 4, in (A), added the second sentence, relating to proof for homestead exemption for property held in trust.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 12-37-266
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 12-37-266 cover?
Section 12-37-266 ("Homestead exemption for dwellings held in trust; application of Section 12-37-250.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 12-37-266?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 12-37-266" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 12-37-266 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.