Property Taxes - Taxes on Real property and merchants' inventory are levied on January 1 of each year and are based on ownership of such property and inventory as of January 1 of the preceding year. These taxes are billed and payable between January 1 and May 1 of the year in which they are levied. As of May 2, property taxes attach as an enforceable lien on property. The city bills and collects its own real property and merchants' ad valorem taxes.

Taxes on personal property are levied and billed in the month prior to the renewal of the annual vehicle registration through the State Highway Department and are payable prior to registration and tag purchase. Ad valorem taxes on personal property (vehicles) are billed and collected by the county treasurer and remitted to the city on a monthly basis. City property tax revenues are recognized in the year for which taxes have been levied and are collectible either during that year or within sixty days following year end.

The city's mill levy for 2006 (2005 tax year) is 81.08 with 72.13 mills dedicated to the general fund and 8.95 mills dedicated to the Capital Projects Fund. To compute your city taxes, simply determine the appraised value of your property (Aiken County Tax Assessor: 803-642-1583) and your assessment ratio. If you occupy your home, your assessment ratio is 4%; for commercial and rental residential property, the assessment ratio is 6%. To compute your taxes, multiply the appraised value by the assessment ratio, then multiply that result by the millage rate.

Local Hospitality Tax - A 1% tax is imposed on gross proceeds derived from charges for food and beverages served by restaurants, hotels, motels and other food service facilities, both dine-in and take-out within the City of North Augusta. This includes all food and beverages prepared or modified by convenience stores, fast-food service outlets, or grocery stores within the city limits.

Revenue generated by the hospitality tax shall be used for, but not limited to, the following purposes: Tourism-related buildings; civic/conference centers; parks; cultural, recreational or historic facilities; highways, roads, streets and bridges; advertisements and promotions; water and sewer infrastructure; and associated debt service.

Local Accommodations Tax - A 3% tax is imposed on gross proceeds derived from the rental or charges for any rooms (excluding meeting and conference rooms), campground spaces, lodgings or sleeping accommodations.

Revenue generated by the accommodations tax shall be used for, but not limited to, the following purposes: Tourism-related buildings; civic/conference centers; parks; cultural, recreational or historic facilities; highways, roads, streets and bridges; advertisements and promotions; water and sewer infrastructure; and associated debt service.

For questions or additional tax information, contact Loretta Mays, Tax Clerk, at 803-441-4215.