Spartanburg Homeowner Says He Paid Too Much Tax But Too Late to Get Refund

Homeowner Can't Get Tax Refund (Added: August 05, 2009)

Spartanburg homeowner says he paid too much tax but was told it's too late to get refund. (more)

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Spartanburg Homeowner Says He Paid Too Much Tax But Too Late to Get Refund

A homeowner in Spartanburg County is trying to get a refund for paying too much tax on his mobile home but the county says it's too late.

By: Dianne Derby | News Channel 7
Published: August 05, 2009

When first time homeowner Robert Hunter got his tax bill in 2003 he didn't question the amount. But recently he started to wonder why he was paying so much more than homeowners with more valuable homes. So he starting asking Spartanburg County why.

"They said the reason why you're taxes are so high is because you are paying for rental property," said Hunter. "Like someone is renting from me and I am paying rental property taxes."

He learned he was paying fifty percent more than he should have. He applied for a refund but could only get paid for 2 years. The reason: In most cases state law limits the time a person can file a claim for credit. See SC Code of Laws Section 12-54-85.

"You're talking almost $4000 the county is telling me that I can't get back," said Hunter.

Spartanburg County Assessor Gil Bulman declined to comment on camera but told us real property owners automatically are assessed at 6% percent as if they were renting out their home. He said they have to apply for the 4% percent special assessment if they actually live there. He said the county sends letters to taxpayers to make them aware of this special assessment but said thousands of taxpayers apply for the refund each year saying they didn't know.

"But if I owe them $350 they would come and take my home and auction it off," said Hunter.

The Hunters are happy they got two years back but say they're missing out on 5 years of refunds they could put to use. That's why they want to get the word out to others to prevent them from learning the same tough lesson.

"Everyone needs to check their tax receipt," said Robert's wife, Eula.

If you live in Spartanburg county and would like to get a copy of the special assessment application for your property click here. To apply for a refund visit the tax assessor's office.