The Beaufort County Treasurer’s Office announced that all mobile homes listed on Beaufort County’s property records will be visited over the next few weeks, beginning on May 31, 2019, in order to update and confirm mobile home property records.
“It has been years since site visits were done,” said Beaufort County Treasurer Maria Walls. “As you would expect in a rapidly changing County, this has resulted in out dated information and it can affect everything; from the tax rate charged to the ability to collect the taxes.”
In partnership with Palmetto Posting, Inc., field agents will visit the locations of mobile homes listed on the County’s property records to verify basic information such as the mobile home’s existence, take pictures for the property’s record, and establish Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates.
Field agents will leave a courtesy notice at each location to indicate their visit and outline a number of useful tips for mobile home owners and occupants, such as what to do when a mobile home is sold or demolished. It is incumbent upon the property owner to notify the County of changes but many are simply not aware that they need to notify the County.
“This may seem like a simple record discrepancy but it can significantly impact a property owner,” explained Treasurer Walls. “For example, the Setoff Debt program is one of the methods used to collect delinquent mobile home taxes. During that process, a delinquent mobile home owner will contact the Treasurer’s Office to explain that the mobile home was sold or destroyed and they shouldn’t owe the tax. This can be a stressful matter, especially if their Income Tax Refund was garnished, but one that could have been avoided by better records.”
Rather than wait for a property owner to dispute a tax, the mobile home audit proactively seeks updates to the county’s data and ensures better management of mobile home property records. While this is the primary intent of the audit, other County services will also benefit, such as Emergency Management/911 by providing GPS coordinates and verification that a house number is displayed (a County requirement) so first responders know where they need to go in an emergency and are able to identify the home when they arrive.
If you or someone you know receives a courtesy notice, please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 843-255-2639 or https://www.beaufortcountytreasurer.com for assistance updating the property records.
Outside of updating their property’s records, residents can help first responders by also signing up for Smart911. With over 45 million people signed up, and a partner of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Smart911 provides first responders with information they need to help you fast. Signing up is easy and free.
For more information or general questions about delinquent tax collections, mobile homes, or the Treasurer’s Office, you may contact us at 843-255-2600 or www.BeaufortCountyTreasurer.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates and reminders.