Real estate - Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Beaches - Hilton Head's #1 visitor attraction is its beaches which stretch for 12 miles. The island's sandy beaches are wide due to 7 1/2 foot tides. There are 4 public beach accesses, one located off the Pope Ave traffic circle as well as 3 at mid island. Water temperatures varying from a low of 52 in January to a high of 84 in July and August.

Climate - The climate on Hilton Head is semi-tropical with enough seasonal changes to make things interesting. Temperatures in the 70's in December are not uncommon and comfortable outdoor weather is available year-round. Overall, the year-round average of midday and evening temperatures are 75 and 55 degrees, respectively. The average maximum temperatures varies from 59 in January to 89 in July and August.

Hilton Head and South Carolina Taxes - South Carolina’s State Income Tax system is similar to, and generally based upon, the Federal system. Indeed, in calculating your annual State tax, you use the taxable income figure from your Federal Return as your original basis. You are allowed certain deductions from your total income and are taxed on the remainder. You are not taxed, for example, on real property which is owned out-of-state. You are liable for taxes on earned income amassed in other states, although you may be eligible for credit for taxes on the income which was paid to other states.

If a non-resident of South Carolina earns income during a tax year, The non-resident must file a non-residents income tax return with the South Carolina Dept. of Revenue. This requirement applies to non-residents who earn income in the State of South Carolina as a result of a real estate sale.

South Carolina law requires a withholding at the time of closing of a percentage of the gain on the sale of real estate and that estimated withholding be forwarded to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The required withholding is seven percent (7%) of the amount of the gain for individuals and five percent (5%) of the amount of the gain for corporations. The withholding at the time of closing only applies to non-residents of South Carolina. If you are a South Carolina resient there will be no withholding.

The following chart shows the sliding scale of South Carolina’s State tax rate for personal income:

Two percent (2%) on the first $2,000

Three percent (3%) on the next $2,000

Four percent (4%) on the next $2,000

Five percent (5%) on the next $2,000

Six percent (6%) on the next $2,000

Seven percent (7%) on all over $10,000

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX

Personal property taxes vary from district to district throughout Beaufort County, for each district sets its own rate. Hilton Head Island is currently divided into seven tax districts.

REAL ESTATE TAX

The County tax assessor places an appraised value on your real estate, based upon comparable sales, the property’s condition, etc. This appraised value is then multiplied by 4% for residents (6% for non-residents and corporations), to determine the “assessed value” of a property. The assessed value is then multiplied by the millage rate for your district. A $100,000 home, for example, has an assessed value of $4,000 ($100,000 x 4%). That $4,000 is then multiplied by the current millage rate, which is Hilton Head’s District 510 is .2252 for the 2002 fiscal year. The tax for that home would be $900.8\0.

There is relief in sight, however. In 1995, Governor David Beasley enacted the Tax Relief Program, which permits the state to reimburse homeowners the 97.9 millage rate on education on primary residence homes throughout the state which are valued under and up to $100,000. For a $100,000 home, that amounts to a $391.60 in tax relief! Although the Tax Relief Program must be renewed annually at the discretion of the Legislature and Governor, it was renewed in 1996. Also, if you are over 65, chances are you can deduct $50,000 from the appraised value before you multiply by 4% and the millage rate.

It’s important to remember, of course, that the information given here is general in nature; if you have specific questions about your personal tax situation, you should check with:

County Auditor’s Office in Beaufort – 843-470-2555

Tax Assessor’s office – 843-470-2521

Arts and Entertainment - Hilton Head Island is celebrated for much more than its recreational offerings; now, it shares acclaim for its arts and cultural pursuits. The island is endowed with a strong medley of visual and performing arts including dance, theater, music and art. The Self Family Arts Center is a new state of the arts showcase for the visual and performing arts. It features a 2,288 square foot art gallery, and a theater with 2 level seating for 352 patrons.

Recreation - Hilton Head is world renown for its golf courses. There are 20 18 hole golf courses on Hilton Head, one 9 hole course and one 27 hole course. One of the favorite PGA events of the year is played at Harbour Town Golf Links. There are fourteen 18 hole courses just off the island.

Tennis players will find 112 courts in many surfaces available to the public on Hilton Head, many are lighted. There are also 66 private courts.

Boaters will find 9 marinas on Hilton Head with over 1,100 slips as well as 350 dry storage slips. At several marinas, a variety of powerboats and waverunners can be rented, and at most harbors charter boats or sailing instructions are available.

Golf Course Information can be found by clicking on the "Dudley's Top Ten" button on our home page.

Shopping and Dining - Hilton Head features over 300 shops in 30 different arenas including The Mall at Shelter Cove. The island has 9 major supermarkets, movie theaters, bowling alley as well as national companies including Barnes and Noble, Pier One, Saks Fifth Avenue, Talbots, Staples and Wal Mart. Just over the bridge in Bluffton you'll find Target, Home Depot and one of the largest Factory Store outlets in the state. Hilton Head amazingly has over 200 restaurants to choose from.

AWARDS

Real estate - Hilton Head Island