The South Carolina PT 401 form serves as the official application for tax exemptions applicable to certain properties within the state. Owners or their agents must complete this form thoroughly to ensure timely processing and acceptance. Incomplete applications will be returned, leading to delays in obtaining the desired exemptions.
For assistance in filling out the form, please click the button below.
The South Carolina PT-401 form is a crucial document for individuals and organizations seeking property tax exemptions within the state. This application must be filled out by the legal owner or an authorized agent, ensuring that all required sections are completed to avoid delays in processing. The form requires basic information such as the owner’s name, address, and identification numbers, alongside specific details about the property in question, including its location, tax map number, and acquisition date. Applicants must indicate the type of exemption sought, whether for real property or vehicles, and provide relevant documentation, including deeds, registration cards, and financial statements. The form also outlines various classifications of exempt property, which include properties owned by educational institutions, charitable organizations, and certain veterans, among others. Each classification has specific requirements and documentation needed to substantiate the claim for exemption. Understanding the nuances of the PT-401 form is essential for applicants to navigate the exemption process effectively and ensure compliance with state regulations.
1350
dor.sc.gov
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUALS
Print Form
PT-401-I
(Rev. 6/18/24)
7092
MyDORWAY is the fastest, easiest way to apply for Property Tax Exemptions. If you apply for a Property Tax Exemption on MyDORWAY, you do not need to submit a paper copy of the PT-401-I. Visit MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov to get started.
Section A: Exemption information
1. Exemption year:
3. Exemption section (see instructions):
Applying as a surviving spouse
Real property:
Personal property:
2. Property type:
Real property (Complete Section C)
B(1)(A)
B(1)(d)
B(2)(b)
B(3)
B(29)
Personal property (Complete Section D)
B(1)(B)
B(1)(e)
B(43)
B(26)
B(37)
B(1)(C)
B(2)(a)
B(27)
B(53)
Section B: General Information
4. Owner information:
Check if address listed below is new. 5. Deceased spouse information (if applicable):
Name
SSN
Date of birth
Phone
Date of death
Email
Street address
Street address of former marital residence
City
State
ZIP
Section C: Real Property
6. Exemptions applied for (land only not available for individuals):
Land and building
Building
Land and mobile home
Mobile home
7.
Property information: (complete all applicable fields)
Mobile home tax map number
Date acquired
Tax map number
Number of acres
Mobile home year/make
Physical address
County
Mobile home permit number
Deed book/page number
Date mobile home purchased
8.
Explain the use of the property, land, and buildings:
Example: primary dwelling
9.
Do any other individuals, associations, or corporations occupy or use any part of this property?
Yes
No
If yes, explain the circumstances.
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Section C: Real Property (cont'd)
10.
Do you receive any rent for this property?
If yes, from whom?
11.
Do you lease or rent this property?
Section D: Personal Property
12.
Complete the chart below to apply for vehicle exemption:
Vehicle Identification Number
Type
Make
Year
Registered Owner
County of
Registration
13.
List any vehicles to be removed:
Section E: Declaration of Owner or Owner's Agent
I understand that a misstatement or concealment of fact in an application is sufficient grounds for the denial of this application for exemption. Under penalties of perjury, I declare and affirm that I have read and understood this form, and the information I have provided is true, correct, and complete.
Signature
Date
Important Reminders
·If you leave the Exemption year requested blank, it will default to the current year.
·Claims for exemptions must be received within two years from the date taxes were paid.
·If you are requesting refunds for two years, you must include the paid tax receipts.
·You will need to reapply if there is
oa change in status, or
oa change in ownership of previously exempted property
INSTRUCTIONS
MyDORWAY is the fastest, easiest way to apply for Property Tax Exemptions. If you apply for a Property Tax Exemption on MyDORWAY, you do not need to submit a paper copy of the PT-401-I.
Choose from one of the following ways to apply:
·If you don't have a MyDORWAY account, visit MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov. Under Applications & Searches, click Exempt Property Application. On the next screen, select Request Individual Property Exemption.
·If you are able to create a MyDORWAY account, get started at dor.sc.gov/MyDORWAY-signup. You will need your SSN along with line 1 from your last Individual Income Tax return, your last refund amount, or a Letter ID.
·If you are not using MyDORWAY, mail your application to this address: SCDOR, Government Services Division, PO Box 125, Columbia, SC 29214-0720
·We also accept applications in person at any of our service centers. Visit dor.sc.gov/contact/in-person for location information and hours.
Questions? We're here to help. Email us at Property.Exemptions@dor.sc.gov.
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EXEMPTION SECTIONS:
Required documentation is listed for each exemption.
For more information, SC Code Sections are available at dor.sc.gov/policy.
Real Property (Land and Home) Exemptions for Individuals
B(1)(A) - Dwelling home of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability
A veteran who is totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected disability may apply for a Property Tax exemption for a dwelling home they own solely, in fee or for life, or jointly with a spouse. VA Rating decision letters do not meet requirements of law. Provide copies of the following:
·Certificate from VA or Local County Service Officer certifying total and permanent service-connected disability, with the effective date
·Recorded deed
·Documentation that the 4% special assessment ratio for an owner-occupied dwelling from the county assessor's office has been granted, either solely to the applicant or jointly with a spouse
·Your marriage certificate if the home is jointly titled with a spouse
·Title, bond for title, or bill of sale if the property is a mobile home
A surviving spouse may apply for this exemption for the dwelling home they solely own or acquired from the deceased spouse, as long as the spouse remains unmarried, resides in the house, and owns the house in fee or for life.
If you are applying as a surviving spouse, provide copies of the following:
·Documentation from the VA showing that you are the survivor of the veteran
·Form DD 1300, Report of Casualty, if you are applying as the surviving spouse of a soldier killed in action
·Veteran's death certificate
·Recorded deed of distribution, or last will and testament. If the home was solely owned by the surviving spouse prior to the deceased veteran's death, then a copy of the recorded deed is necessary.
·Documentation that the 4% special assessment ratio for an owner-occupied dwelling from the county assessor's office has been granted, solely to the applicant
B(1)(B) - Dwelling home of a former law enforcement officer, who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a law enforcement service-connected disability in South Carolina
A former law enforcement officer who is totally and permanently disabled as a result of their law enforcement service- connected disability may apply for a Property Tax exemption for a dwelling home they own solely, in fee or for life, or jointly with a spouse. Provide copies of the following:
·Documentation from commanding officer certifying that the applicant was totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty in South Carolina, with the effective date
·Final order issued by Workers’ Compensation Commission of total and permanent service-connected disability in South Carolina, with the effective date
·Documentation from commanding officer certifying that the South Carolina law enforcement officer was killed in the line of duty in South Carolina
·Officer's death certificate
B(1)(C) - Dwelling home of a former firefighter, including volunteer firefighter, who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a firefighting service-connected disability in South Carolina
A former firefighter or volunteer firefighter who is totally and permanently disabled as a result of their firefighting service- connected disability may apply for a Property Tax exemption for a dwelling home they own in fee or for life, or jointly with a spouse. Provide copies of the following:
·Documentation from the fire department chief certifying the applicant was totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty in South Carolina, with the effective date
·Documentation from the fire department chief certifying that the South Carolina firefighter was killed in the line of duty in South Carolina
·Firefighter's death certificate
B(1)(d) - For the above B(1)(A), B(1)(B), and B(1)(C) Property held in trust
When a trustee holds the legal title to a dwelling for a beneficiary and the beneficiary qualifies for the exemption and uses the dwelling as their primary residence, the dwelling is exempt from property taxation. Provide copies of the following:
·The same documentation listed above for B(1)(A), B(1)(B), and B(1)(C)
·A copy of the signed trust agreement verifying the applicant is the income beneficiary
·Documentation that the beneficiary has been granted the 4% special assessment ratio for an owner-occupied dwelling from the county assessor's office
B(1)(e) - For the above B(1)(A), B(1)(B), and B(1)(C) Eligible ownership requirements
A person who owns an interest in a house and meets all other requirements of this item and is otherwise an eligible owner but for the ownership requirement is deemed to be an eligible owner so long as the county assessor certifies to the South Carolina Department of Revenue that the house is located on heirs' property and the person is the owner-occupied resident of the house. For purposes of this item, heirs' property has the same meaning as provided in Section 15-61-320. Provide copies of the following:
·Certification from the county assessor's office that the house is located on heirs' property
B(2)(a) - Dwelling home of a paraplegic or hemiplegic person
A paraplegic or hemiplegic person may apply for a Property Tax exemption for a dwelling home and a lot up to one acre that they own solely or jointly with a spouse. For purposes of this exemption, "paraplegic" or "hemiplegic" includes a person with Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which has caused the same ambulatory difficulties as a person with paraparesis or hemiparesis. Provide copies of the following:
·Signed physician’s statement on the physician’s letterhead certifying the paraplegic or hemiplegic condition OR certifying that the Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis has caused the same ambulatory difficulties as mentioned above, including the effective date of ambulatory difficulties
A surviving spouse may apply for this exemption for the dwelling home they acquired from the deceased spouse, as long as the spouse remains unmarried, resides in the house, and owns the house in fee or for life.
·Former applicant's death certificate
·Recorded deed of distribution, or last will and testament
B(2)(b) - For the above B(2)(a) Property held in trust
·The same documentation listed above for B(2)(a)
B(43) - Dwelling home of a Medal of Honor or Prisoner of War recipient
A Medal of Honor recipient or Prisoner of War in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Conflict may apply for a Property Tax exemption for a dwelling home and a lot up to one acre that they own solely or jointly with a spouse. Provide copies of the following:
·Certificate from VA or Local County Service Officer certifying you are a recipient of the Medal of Honor or that you were a Prisoner of War
·Documentation from the VA showing that you are the survivor
·Former POW or Medal of Honor recipient's death certificate
·Recorded deed of distribution, or last will and testament. If the home was solely owned by the surviving spouse prior to the deceased spouse's death, then a copy of the recorded deed is necessary.
Personal Property (Vehicle) Exemptions for Individuals
Vehicles must be registered with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) before you apply for exemptions. If the vehicle is registered or purchased out of state, you must pay vehicle taxes up front. If the exemption is granted, the applicant may seek reimbursement from the county where the taxes were paid.
If you have previously been approved for an exemption and are adding or removing a vehicle, Veterans Administration (VA) documentation is not necessary.
If you are applying for a vehicle exemption, provide copies as defined for your specific exemption.
A marriage certificate must be provided for jointly titled vehicles. Prior to November 2018, this was not a requirement.
B(3) - Vehicle exemption for Disabled Veterans/Spouses
A veteran who is totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected disability may apply for a Property Tax exemption for two private passenger vehicles they own or lease. To qualify for the exemption, the vehicle must be registered solely in the name of the veteran, or jointly with a spouse. Provide copies of the following:
·South Carolina vehicle registration card; or South Carolina bill of sale; or South Carolina issued title
·Your marriage certificate if the vehicle is jointly titled with a spouse, or if the vehicle is solely in the spouse's name
·Vehicles titled solely in the spouse's name do not qualify until tax year 2024
B(3) - For the above B(3) Property held in trust
Effective tax year 2024, a trustee that holds the legal title to a vehicle for a beneficiary and the beneficiary qualifies for the exemption and uses this vehicle, the vehicle is exempt from property taxation. Provide copies of the following:
·The same documentation listed above for B(3)
·A copy of the fully executed trust agreement verifying the applicant is the income beneficiary
A surviving spouse may apply for this exemption for one vehicle they own or lease, for their lifetime or until their remarriage. Surviving spouses are allowed an exemption for only one vehicle.
·South Carolina vehicle registration card; or South Carolina bill of sale; or South Carolina issued title showing that you are the sole owner of the vehicle
B(26) - Vehicle exemption for Medal of Honor recipients
Medal of Honor recipients may apply for a Property Tax exemption for two private passenger vehicles that they own or lease. Provide copies of the following:
·Certificate from VA or Local County Service Officer certifying receipt of Medal of Honor
If you have previously been approved for this exemption and are adding or removing a vehicle, provide a copy of the South Carolina vehicle registration card; or South Carolina bill of sale; or South Carolina issued title.
B(27) - Vehicle exemption for persons required to use wheelchairs
Persons required to use a wheelchair may apply for a Property Tax exemption for two personal motor vehicles that they own or lease, either solely or jointly. Provide copies of the following:
·Signed physician’s statement on the physician’s letterhead certifying the required use of a wheelchair on a permanent basis, with effective date of permanent wheelchair use (must be from a South Carolina licensed physician)
B(29) - Vehicle exemption for Prisoner of War
A Prisoner of War (POW) in World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Conflict may apply for a Property Tax exemption for two private passenger vehicles (not exceeding three-quarters of a ton) that they own or lease. To qualify for the exemption, the vehicle must be registered solely in the name of the veteran, or jointly with a spouse. Provide copies of the following:
·Certificate from VA or Local County Service Officer certifying you were a Prisoner of War
·Your marriage certificate if the vehicle is jointly titled with a spouse
·Former POW's death certificate
·Documentation from the VA showing that you are the survivor of the qualified former POW
If you have previously been approved for this exemption and are adding or removing a vehicle, VA documentation is not necessary.
B(37) - Vehicle exemption for parent or legal guardian of a minor child who is blind or requires the use of a wheelchair
A parent or legal guardian of a minor who is blind or requires the use of a wheelchair may apply for a Property Tax exemption for one personal motor vehicle that they own or lease, provided the vehicle is used to transport the minor. Provide copies of the following:
·Signed physician’s statement on the physician’s letterhead certifying the minor is blind or required to use a wheelchair, with effective date (must be from a South Carolina licensed physician)
·The minor's original birth certificate showing parents' names, or court documentation of legal guardianship
If you have previously been approved for this exemption and are adding or removing a vehicle, documentation of legal guardianship and certification of the minor's disability is not necessary.
B(53) - Renewable energy resource exemption for solar panels
A property tax exemption for solar panels placed on the rooftops of residential homes. In order to qualify for the exemption, the solar panels system must be installed and running and cannot exceed 20 kilowatts.
Provide copies of the following:
·A table for assets owned as of December 31 of the preceding year
·Identify the items you are seeking the exemption for with the dates of acquisition, cost at acquisition, accumulated depreciation, and net values
Completing the South Carolina PT-401 form is an important step in applying for a tax exemption. It is essential to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in processing. Follow the steps outlined below to ensure the form is filled out correctly.
Once the form is completed, review it for accuracy. Make sure all required documents are attached, as incomplete submissions will be returned. Mail the application to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, Property Division, Columbia, South Carolina 29214-0303.
The PT-401 form is an application for tax exemption in South Carolina. It is used by property owners or their agents to request exemptions from property taxes for certain types of properties, including real estate and vehicles. Completing this form accurately is crucial for the application to be accepted.
The form can be submitted by the legal owner of the property or by an authorized agent acting on behalf of the owner. It is essential that all sections of the form are filled out completely to avoid delays in processing.
The form requires various details, including:
Providing all requested information is vital for a smooth application process.
The PT-401 form can be used to apply for exemptions on various properties, including:
Each type of exemption has specific eligibility requirements that must be met.
Qualification for an exemption depends on several factors, including the type of property and the owner's status. For example, veterans with a service-connected disability may qualify for exemptions on their homes. It's important to review the specific criteria outlined in the PT-401 instructions to determine eligibility.
When submitting the PT-401 form, you may need to include various supporting documents, such as:
Providing these documents helps establish eligibility and ensures a smoother review process.
The completed PT-401 form should be mailed to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, Property Division, at the following address:
South Carolina Department of Revenue Property Division Columbia, South Carolina 29214-0303
If the PT-401 form is submitted incomplete, it will be returned to the applicant. This can lead to delays in the processing of your exemption request. To avoid this, double-check that all required fields are filled out accurately before submission.
If your application for exemption is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision. The process for appeals can vary, so it is important to review the denial notice for specific instructions on how to proceed.
Yes, there is typically a deadline for submitting the PT-401 form, which can vary depending on the type of exemption being requested. It is advisable to check with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for the exact deadlines to ensure your application is considered.
Completing the South Carolina PT-401 form can be a straightforward process, but several common mistakes can lead to delays or rejections. One frequent error is failing to provide complete and accurate information. All sections of the form must be filled out. Incomplete applications will be returned, which can significantly delay the exemption process.
Another mistake is not supplying the necessary identification numbers. Applicants often forget to include their Social Security number or Federal Identification number. This information is crucial for verifying identity and ensuring the application is processed correctly. Without these details, the application may be considered incomplete.
Many applicants also overlook the requirement to indicate the year(s) for which they are applying for the exemption. This step is essential, as it helps the Department of Revenue understand the specific tax year in question. Failing to specify the year can result in confusion and delays in processing the application.
Additionally, some people mistakenly provide incorrect property information. It is vital to accurately identify the county where the property is located and to list the tax map number. Errors in this information can lead to complications in the assessment of the property and may result in a denial of the exemption.
Another common oversight involves the submission of supporting documentation. Applicants must attach the required documents, such as a deed or title to real property and any IRS Determination Letters. Failing to include these documents can lead to the application being returned for missing information.
Lastly, applicants sometimes do not check the appropriate boxes for the exemptions they are requesting. Each exemption category has specific requirements, and selecting the wrong option can lead to denial. It is essential to review the application carefully to ensure that all applicable boxes are checked and that all information is accurate and complete.
The South Carolina PT-401 form is an essential document for individuals and organizations seeking property tax exemptions. However, it often works in tandem with various other forms and documents to ensure a comprehensive application process. Below is a list of ten commonly used forms and documents that may accompany the PT-401, along with a brief description of each.
Understanding these forms and documents is crucial for a successful application process. Each serves a specific purpose and provides necessary information that supports the PT-401 application. By ensuring all required documentation is complete and accurate, applicants can help streamline the review process and enhance their chances of receiving the desired tax exemption.
The South Carolina PT-401 form is used for applying for tax exemptions on property. It shares similarities with several other documents related to tax exemptions and property ownership. Here are six documents that are similar to the PT-401 form:
When filling out the South Carolina PT-401 form, consider the following guidelines:
Additionally, avoid these common pitfalls:
Many believe that they can send in the PT-401 form even if some sections are incomplete. However, any missing information will lead to the application being returned, delaying the exemption process.
Some think that only the property owner can fill out the PT-401 form. In fact, an authorized agent can also complete the application on behalf of the owner.
There is a common belief that the PT-401 form is a standalone document. However, applicants must provide various supporting documents, such as deeds, financial statements, and IRS letters, depending on the type of exemption sought.
Many assume that any property can receive an exemption. However, only specific types of properties, such as those used for educational or charitable purposes, qualify under South Carolina law.
Some individuals believe they can submit the PT-401 form after the deadline without consequences. Late submissions can result in the denial of the exemption, so timely filing is crucial.
Filling out the South Carolina PT-401 form can be a straightforward process if you keep a few key points in mind. Here are some important takeaways to consider:
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the process of filling out and submitting the South Carolina PT-401 form with confidence. This proactive approach will help ensure that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently.