Hilton Head Island property taxes in 2025 are calculated by Beaufort County based on assessed value (4% of fair market value for primary residences, 6% for second homes/investments) multiplied by a millage rate around 0.228 per $1 of assessed value, plus the town’s stable 21.4 mill rate with no increase for FY2025. The median effective rate stands at 1.41% (higher than SC’s 0.72% but varying by ZIP: 0.46% in 29926, 0.83% in 29928), with a typical annual bill of $3,865 on a $403,550 home.​
Calculation Example
For a $500,000 primary residence: assessed value is $20,000 (4%), yielding about $4,560 in county tax at 0.228 millage ($20,000 × 0.228). A second home at the same value assesses at $30,000 (6%), resulting in roughly $6,840. Use Beaufort County’s tax calculator at beaufortcountyauditor.com/calc for personalized estimates.​
Exemptions and Payments
Owners qualify for homestead exemptions (reducing value for seniors/disabled over 65) or other deductions lowering the effective rate to as low as 0.74% median. Bills are due by specified dates (check hiltonheadislandsc.gov/finance/taxes.cfm); pay online or appeal assessments if overvalued via the Assessor’s Office. Rates support beach renourishment, housing, and infrastructure priorities.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.teamhiltonhead.com/2025/02/01/understanding-property-taxes-on-hilton-head-island/)
[2](https://www.ownwell.com/trends/south-carolina/beaufort-county/hilton-head-island)
[3](https://www.teamhiltonhead.com/2025/08/27/understanding-property-taxes-on-hilton-head-island-bluffton-what-buyers-and-sellers-should-know/)
[4](https://hiltonheadislandsc.gov/news/news.cfm?NewsID=3150)
[5](https://www.ownwell.com/trends/south-carolina/beaufort-county/hilton-head)
