SC SC Information Letter #15-11 2015-09-04

What were the significant South Carolina tax-law changes from the 2015 legislative session, as summarized by the Department (per SC IL #15-11)?

Short answer: SC Information Letter #15-11 is the Department's brief summary of the significant tax and regulatory law changes enacted in South Carolina's 2015 legislative session, organized into categories: (1) income, bank, withholding, and corporate license fees; (2) property taxes and fees in lieu of property taxes; (3) sales and use taxes; and miscellaneous items. Highlights include updated Internal Revenue Code conformity through December 31, 2014; the new South Carolina ABLE Savings Expense Fund (a tax-exempt account for disability expenses); amendments to the Abandoned Building and certified historic structure credits; an extended 'Angel Investor' credit application date; a new consumer-protection-services (identity-theft) income-tax deduction; a new authorization for a tax amnesty period (Code Section 12-4-397); several sales/use-tax changes (new exemptions for nonprofit construction materials and children's clothing donated to charity, suspended tax on viscosupplementation therapies, and a private-school use-tax exemption); and continued reductions in the interest rate paid on tax refunds. The Department stresses this is a general guide only, not an interpretation, and readers must consult the full legislation.

Apply this to your situation

This page answers the general question as of 2015. Ezel answers yours, under current South Carolina tax law, with citations.

Disclaimer: This is an official South Carolina Department of Revenue Information Letter with NO precedential value. The Department expressly states it is a summary of the main points of the legislation, not an interpretation by the Department, written in general terms and possibly omitting specific requirements — a guide only whose application depends on particular circumstances. Some items are temporary budget provisos. Consult the full text of each act and confirm current law before relying on it. This summary is informational only and is not legal or tax advice.

About this page: The plain-English summary, reader guidance, and Q&A below were written by Ezel based on the official state tax ruling. The original ruling (linked on this page as a PDF) is the authoritative source for any reliance.

View original ruling (PDF)

Plain-English summary

SC Information Letter #15-11 is the Department's broad summary of the significant tax and regulatory legislation enacted during South Carolina's 2015 legislative session. It is organized into categories: income taxes, bank taxes, withholding, and corporate license fees; property taxes and fees in lieu of property taxes; sales and use taxes; and a set of miscellaneous items (admissions tax, motor fuel, deed recording fee, alcohol, and the interest rate paid on refunds).

Key income-tax items included:

Internal Revenue Code conformity updated to the IRC as amended through December 31, 2014.
The new South Carolina ABLE Savings Expense Fund — a tax-exempt savings account for qualified disability expenses.
Amendments to the Abandoned Building Credit and the certified historic structure / certified historic residential structure credits.
An extended application date for the "Angel Investor" Credit, a postponed termination of the Community Economic Development Act, and a new consumer-protection-services (identity-theft) income-tax deduction.
Confirmation that teacher supplies reimbursements and Teacher of the Year awards are not subject to South Carolina income tax.

Key property-tax items included a disabled-veteran vehicle exemption extended to a surviving spouse, the new Forfeited Lands Emergency Development Act, a broad property tax recodification and reform, and a note that the Personal Property Tax Relief Fund was not funded.

Key sales and use tax changes included new exemptions for construction materials used by nonprofit corporations and children's clothing sold to a private charitable organization, an amended exemption for aircraft repair parts or supplies, suspended tax on viscosupplementation therapies, a private-school use-tax exemption, and a procedure for establishing and administering a tax amnesty period (Code Section 12-4-397).

Miscellaneous items included a deed recording fee clarification for realty held by the Forfeited Land Commission, human-trafficking hotline notice requirements, treatment of powdered or crystalline alcohol, a 2% (plus an additional 1%) reduction in the interest rate paid on tax refunds, admissions-tax provisions for a motorsports entertainment complex and nonprofit athletic booster organizations, a motor-fuel exemption for local-government school buses, and a nursing-home bed franchise-fee suspension.

What this means for you

This letter is a starting-point reference, not a rulebook. Use it to spot which 2015 changes might affect you — a new deduction or credit, a new sales-tax exemption, the ABLE account, or the tax amnesty period — and then read the full act and current statute (or ask a tax professional) before acting. The Department is explicit that the summary is written in general terms, may omit specific requirements, and is not its interpretation of the law.

Common questions

Q: What does this Information Letter cover?
A: The significant tax and regulatory law changes from South Carolina's 2015 legislative session, grouped into income/bank/withholding/license-fee, property tax, sales and use tax, and miscellaneous categories.

Q: What are some of the biggest 2015 changes?
A: Updated IRC conformity through December 31, 2014; the new ABLE disability-savings account; a new consumer-protection-services income-tax deduction; a tax amnesty authorization; and new sales/use-tax exemptions (nonprofit construction materials, donated children's clothing, private schools, and suspended viscosupplementation-therapy tax).

Q: Can I rely on this letter as the law?
A: No. The Department states it is a general guide only, not an interpretation, that may omit specific requirements — you must consult the full legislation and current law.

Subject

Tax Legislative Update for 2015

Source

Landing page: https://dor.sc.gov/advisory-opinion-search
Original PDF: https://dor.sc.gov/sites/dor/files/policies/IL15-11.pdf

Original ruling text

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
300A Outlet Pointe Blvd., Columbia, South Carolina 29210
P.O. Box 12265, Columbia, South Carolina 29211

SC INFORMATION LETTER #15-11

SUBJECT:

Tax Legislative Update for 2015

DATE:

September 4, 2015

AUTHORITY: S.C. Code Ann. Section 12-4-320 (2014)
S.C. Code Ann. Section 1-23-10(4) (2005)
SC Revenue Procedure #09-3
SCOPE:

An Information Letter is a written statement issued to the public to announce
general information useful in complying with the laws administered by the
Department. An Information Letter has no precedential value.

Attached is a brief summary of most of the significant changes in tax and regulatory laws
enacted during the past legislative session. The summary is divided into categories, by subject
matter, as indicated below.
LEGISLATION

PAGE #

Numeric List of Bills by Subject Matter ..............................................

Summary of Legislation by Category:

Income Taxes, Bank Taxes, Withholding, and Corporate License Fees
Legislation.......................................................................................
Reenacted Temporary Provisos ......................................................

5
11

Property Taxes and Fees in Lieu of Property Taxes
Legislation.......................................................................................
Reenacted Temporary Provisos ......................................................

13
22

Sales and Use Taxes
Legislation.......................................................................................
Reenacted Temporary Provisos ......................................................
Reminder – Prior Legislation Effective in 2015 .............................

24
25
26

4. Miscellaneous
Administrative and Procedural Matters ..........................................
Miscellaneous Taxes .......................................................................
Other Items......................................................................................
Regulatory Legislation ....................................................................
Reenacted Temporary Provisos ......................................................

27
28
29
29
30

Temporary Provisos (New and Reenacted) – Numeric List...............

DISCLAIMER:
This is intended to be a summary of the main points of the legislation; it is not an interpretation
by the Department. Please refer to the full text of the legislation for specific details and
requirements.
Legislation regarding insurance premium taxes, unemployment taxes, distribution of funds,
millage rate changes, and other similar provisions are not summarized. There may be instances
where some tax or incentive related legislation briefly summarized is under the jurisdiction of
another state agency or political subdivision and not the Department. In such cases, questions
concerning these provisions should be made directly to the agency or political subdivision
having primary responsibility for the administration of these acts.

TEXT OF LEGISLATION:
A complete copy of the legislation can be obtained from the South Carolina Legislature website
at http://www.scstatehouse.gov/.

LIST OF BILLS BY SUBJECT CATEGORY
A list of significant changes in tax and regulatory laws (both permanent and temporary) enacted
during the 2015 legislative session is provided below. Temporary provisos are enacted in the
State budget and are only effective for the State fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Unless re-enacted,
temporary provisos expire on June 30, 2016.
This list is divided by subject matter with the bills listed in numeric order. The list of bills with a
link to the full text of each act is on the Department’s website, www.dor.sc.gov.

INCOME TAXES, BANK TAXES, WITHHOLDING and CORPORATE LICENSE FEES
BILL #

ACT # SUBJECT

350

Community Economic Development Act – Termination of Act Postponed

389

Business Development Corporations – Taxation of Banks

397

Internal Revenue Code Conformity

3701 – Proviso 1A.10

Teacher Supplies and Materials – Reimbursement Amount Not Taxable or
Refundable Income Tax Credit – Reenacted Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 1A.11

Teacher of the Year Awards – Not Subject to South Carolina Income Tax –
Reenacted Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 109.13

“Angel Investors” Credit – Application Date Extended- New Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 117.122 91

ABLE Savings Expense Fund – Tax Exempt Account for Disability Expenses - New
Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 118.11

Consumer Protection Services – Individual Income Tax Deduction– Reenacted
Temporary Proviso

3725 – Sec. 1

Certified Historic Structure and Certified Historic Residential Structure Credits –
Amended

3725 – Sec. 2 - 4

4230 – Sec. 9

Abandoned Building Credit – Amended
Exceptional Needs Children Tuition Funding Credits - New Temporary Proviso

PROPERTY TAXES and FEES IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES
BILL #

ACT # SUBJECT

Forfeited Lands Emergency Development Act – New

153

Disabled Veteran Vehicle Exemption – Surviving Spouse Eligibility

379

Property Tax Recodification and Reform

3701 – Proviso 1.53

Index of Taxpaying Ability – Imputed Value for Owner-Occupied Residential Property
– Reenacted Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 117.38

Personal Property Tax Relief Fund Not Funded – Reenacted Temporary Proviso

3725 – Sec. 2 - 4

Abandoned Building Credit – Amended

SALES AND USE TAXES
BILL #

ACT # SUBJECT

3568 – Sec. 1

Construction Materials Used by Nonprofit Corporations – New Exemption

3568 – Sec. 2

Parts or Supplies Used to Repair Aircraft – Amended

3568 – Sec. 3

3701 – Proviso 117.37

Children’s Clothing Sold to a Private Charitable Organization – New Exemption
Private Schools – Use Tax Exemption – Reenacted Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 117.57

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Medicines Exemption – Effective Date – Reenacted
Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 117.61

Viscosupplementation Therapies – Sales and Use Tax Suspended – Reenacted
Temporary Proviso

MISCELLANEOUS
BILL #

ACT # SUBCATEGORY SUBJECT
Administrative
& Procedural

526

Tax Amnesty Period - Procedure for Establishing and
Administering

3701 – Proviso 93.7

2% Reduction on Interest Rate on Tax Refunds – Reenacted
Temporary Proviso

3701 - Proviso 109.6

Voluntary Website Posting of Tax Return Information for
Candidates and Gubernatorial Appointees – Reenacted
Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 117.87

Additional 1% Reduction on Interest Rate on Tax Refunds –
Reenacted Temporary Proviso

Miscellaneous
Taxes
78

Deed Recording Fee – “Value” of Realty in Possession of
Forfeited Land Commission

3701 – Proviso 1.15

Local Government School Buses – Motor Fuel Tax Exemption –
Reenacted Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 33.10

Nursing Home Bed Franchise Fee – Suspension – Reenacted
Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 109.7

Admissions Tax Exemption for Payment to Nonprofit Athletic
Booster Organizations for Right to Purchase Athletic Event
Season Tickets – Reenacted Temporary Proviso

3701 – Proviso 118.8

Admissions Tax Rebate - Motorsports Entertainment Complex
Facility – Reenacted Temporary Proviso

Other
196 – Sec. 4

Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline – New Notice
Requirements and Fines

Regulatory
179

3701 – Proviso 117.109 91

Powdered or Crystalline Alcohol
Donation of Alcoholic Liquors - Reenacted Temporary Proviso

INCOME TAXES, BANK TAXES, WITHHOLDING,
and CORPORATE LICENSE FEES
Senate Bill 397 (Act No. 5)
Internal Revenue Code Conformity
Conformity Date. Code Section 12-6-40(A)(1)(a) has been amended, except as otherwise
provided, to update South Carolina’s income tax laws to conform to the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended through December 31, 2014, and includes the effective date provisions
contained therein.
Extension of Expiring Federal Provisions. Code Section 12-6-40(A)(1)(c) provides that if during
2015 the federal government extends, without otherwise amending, Internal Revenue Code
provisions expired on December 31, 2014, then these sections or portions of sections which have
been adopted by South Carolina will be extended in the same manner they are for federal income
tax purposes.
Effective Date: March 27, 2015

House Bill 4230, Section 9 (Act No. 92)
Exceptional Needs Children Tuition Funding Credits
Overview. This temporary proviso provides two credits for funding tuition for exceptional needs
children enrolled in eligible schools that have been approved by the Education Oversight
Committee. These credits are available for contributions made between July 1, 2015 and June 30,
2016, unless the legislature reenacts this proviso in the next legislative session.
One credit is a refundable credit for parents who pay tuition for their exceptional needs child to
attend an eligible independent school. The other credit is a nonrefundable credit for a person
(i.e., individual, corporation, partnership, or other similar entity) making qualifying contributions
to an eligible nonprofit scholarship funding organization. The nonprofit scholarship funding
organization receiving these contributions will award grants for the cost of tuition, up to $10,000,
for qualifying students with exceptional needs to attend an eligible independent school.
The cumulative amount of tax credits authorized under this proviso may not exceed $12 million.
The cumulative total amount of tax credits authorized for individuals making contributions of
tuition to eligible schools for children within their custody may not exceed $4 million.
If the credits claimed by all taxpayers exceed the limited amount, the Department shall allow the
credits on a first come, first serve basis.

To assist parents and contributors, the Education Oversight Committee, created under Title 59,
Chapter 6, shall publish a list of the approved schools and qualifying nonprofit scholarship
funding organizations on its website by September 1. (See www.eoc.sc.gov and click on
“Educational Credit for Educational Needs Children” on the right side of the page.) Every
nonprofit scholarship funding organization must apply to the Department by August 1, to be
considered an eligible organization whose contributors are allowed the tax credit by this proviso.
The terms “nonprofit scholarship funding organization,” “independent school,” and “eligible
school” are defined in the proviso.
Below is a brief summary of the two tax credits.

Nonrefundable Credit for Contributions to Nonprofit Scholarship Funding Organizations. An
individual, partnership, corporation, or other similar entity is allowed a credit against income
or bank taxes for the amount of cash and the monetary value of any publicly traded securities
contributed to a nonprofit scholarship funding organization if: (a) the person does not
designate a specific child or school as the beneficiary of the contribution and (b) the
contribution is used to provide grants for tuition to exceptional needs children enrolled in
eligible schools. The credit is limited to 60% of a taxpayer’s total income tax or bank tax
liability for the tax year the contribution is made.
Other conditions of the credit are:
a. If the individual, partnership, corporation, or similar entity deducts the contribution on
the taxpayer’s federal income tax return and claims this credit, then the taxpayer must
add back the amount of the deduction for South Carolina income tax purposes.
b. A corporation or entity entitled to the credit may not transfer this credit to another entity
unless all of the assets of the entity are transferred in the same transaction.
Refundable Credit for Contributions as Tuition for Parents or Guardians. An individual is
allowed a refundable income tax credit for the amount of cash and the monetary value of any
publicly traded securities the individual contributes as tuition to an eligible school for an
exceptional needs child within his custody or care, up to $10,000 per child. If the child,
however, also receives a scholarship from a nonprofit scholarship funding organization then
the individual may only claim a credit equal to the difference of $10,000 or the cost of
tuition, whichever is less, and the amount of the scholarship.
Note: If an individual deducts the contribution on his federal income tax return and claims
this credit, then the individual must add back the amount of the deduction for South Carolina
income tax purposes.
For purposes of this proviso, “qualifying student,” “exceptional needs child,” and “tuition” are
defined as follows:
Qualifying student. A qualifying student is a student who is: (a) an “exceptional needs child,”
(b) eligible to be enrolled in a South Carolina secondary or elementary public school at the
kindergarten level or above for the current school year, and (c) a South Carolina resident.
6

Exceptional needs child. An “exceptional needs child” is:
(a)(i) a child who has been evaluated under the criteria of South Carolina Regulation 43-243.1,
and determined eligible as a child with a disability who needs special education and related
services, in accordance with Section 300.8 of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (20 U.S.C.A. Section 1400 et. seq.) or
(ii) a child who has been diagnosed within the last three years by a licensed speech-language
pathologist, psychiatrist, or medical, mental health, psychoeducational, or other comparable
licensed healthcare provider as having a neurodevelopmental disorder, a substantial sensory
or physical impairment such as deaf, blind, or orthopedic disability, or some other
disability or acute or chronic condition that significantly impedes the student’s ability to
learn and succeed in school without specialized instructional or services tailored to the
child’s unique needs; and
(b) a child whose parents or legal guardian must believe that the services provided by the
school district of legal residence do not sufficiently meet the needs of the child.
Tuition. Tuition is the total amount of money charged for the cost of a qualifying student to
attend an independent school including, but not limited to, fees for attending the school, textbook
fees, and school related transportation (i.e., transportation to and from school only).
This temporary proviso sets forth detailed requirements and procedures pertaining to
independent schools and nonprofit scholarship funding organizations. These include: (a) the
requirements for independent schools to be considered eligible schools by the Education
Oversight Committee and responsibilities of the Education Oversight Committee, (b) a nonprofit
scholarship funding organization’s operational requirements and application process to the
Department to be considered an eligible organization whose contributors are allowed the tax
credit, (c) the Department’s authority to oversee a nonprofit scholarship funding organization,
and (d) applicable appeal processes.
Effective Date: This temporary proviso is effective for State fiscal year July 1, 2015 through
June 30, 2016. It will expire June 30, 2016, unless reenacted by the General
Assembly in the next legislative session.

House Bill 3701, Part 1B, Section 117, Proviso 117.122 (Act No. 91)
ABLE Savings Expense Fund – Tax Exempt Account for Disability Expenses
Under Internal Revenue Code Section 529A, if a State establishes and maintains a qualified
ABLE program, certain income earned on ABLE accounts and distributions out of ABLE
accounts for qualified disability expenses are exempt from tax. South Carolina has adopted
Internal Revenue Code Section 529A.
This proviso provides that for the current fiscal year, the South Carolina ABLE Savings Expense
Fund is established in the Office of the State Treasurer. Individuals qualifying for the accounts
must be defined as entitled to such benefits based on blindness or disability under Title II or Title
XVI of the Social Security Act or individuals with a disability certification. The disability
certification must state that “the individual has a medically determinable physical or mental
7

impairment, which results in marked and severe functional limitations, and which can be
expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period
of not less than 12 months,” or that the individual is blind. The certification must include the
diagnosis and be signed by a physician.
Note: As of the date of this summary, the State Treasurer is reviewing the process of
establishing the South Carolina ABLE Savings Expense Fund.
Effective Date: This temporary proviso is effective for State fiscal year July 1, 2015 through
June 30, 2016. It will expire June 30, 2016, unless reenacted by the General
Assembly in the next legislative session.

House Bill 3725, Sections 2 through 4 (Act No. 68)
Abandoned Building Credit – Amended
Title 12, Chapter 67, providing a tax credit for a qualifying taxpayer rehabilitating an abandoned
building in South Carolina, has been amended as follows:

The credit installment period for the credit was shortened to 3 years from 5 years. Code
Section 12-67-140(B)(3)(a).
A credit installment may now be used against the taxpayer’s entire tax liability. Code Section
12-67-140(B)(5), limiting the credit to 50% of the taxpayer’s tax liability, has been deleted.
The credit has been expanded to allow it to be claimed against insurance premium taxes. The
credit can continue to be used against income taxes, corporate license fees, bank franchise
taxes, and savings and loan income taxes. Code Section 12-67-140(A)(1).
Code Section 12-67-160 was added to provide that a taxpayer may apply to the county or
municipality in which the building is located for certification that the building is an
abandoned building or state-owned abandoned building, as defined in Code Section 12-67120. The taxpayer may conclusively rely upon this certification. A copy must be included
with the first tax return for which the credit is claimed.
Code Section 12-67-120(8) was added to define “state-owned abandoned building.” A stateowned abandoned building is an abandoned building and its ancillary service buildings or a
project consisting of one or more abandoned buildings, the aggregate size of which is greater
than 50,000 square feet, that has been abandoned for more than five years, and, prior to the
taxpayer’s acquisition of such building, was most recently owned by the State, or an agency,
instrumentality, or political subdivision of the State. For purposes of this definition, the
taxpayer includes any entity under common control or common ownership with the taxpayer.
See SC Revenue Ruling #15-7 and SC Information Letter #15-9.
Effective Date: June 9, 2015
8

House Bill 3725, Section 1 (Act No. 68)
Certified Historic Structure and Certified Historic Residential Structure Credits –
Amended
Code Section 12-6-3535, providing two similar income tax credits to taxpayers making historic
rehabilitation expenditures in South Carolina, has been amended as follows:

Code Section 12-6-3535(A) provides that a taxpayer allowed the federal income tax credit
under Internal Revenue Code Section 47 for making qualified rehabilitation expenditures for
a certified historic structure located in South Carolina is allowed a credit of 10% of the
expenditures that qualify for the federal credit. Code Section 12-6-3535(A)(2) was added to
allow a taxpayer to elect a 25% tax credit in lieu of the 10% tax credit, not to exceed $1
million for each certified historic structure.
Code Section 12-6-3535(A)(1) provides that the credit is allowed against income taxes and
license fees imposed by Title 12. This subsection was amended to add that the credit can be
claimed against “a combination” of income taxes and license fees imposed by Title 12.
Code Section 12-6-3535(C)(1) has been amended to provide that the credit may be claimed
in equal installments over 3 years. Previously, the credit was claimed over a 5 year period.
Code Section 12-6-3535(C)(2) now provides that the credit earned by a general partnership,
limited partnership, limited liability company, or “other pass through entity, as defined in
Section 12-6-545,” must be passed through to its partners and may be allocated among
partners, including without limitation an allocation of the entire credit to one partner, in a
manner agreed by the partners. The amendment deleted the requirement that the allocation
be consistent with Subchapter K of the Internal Revenue Code and replaced the term “other
entity taxed as a partnership” with “other pass-through entity, as defined in Code Section 126-545.”
Code Section 12-6-3535(C)(2) was also amended to add that a taxpayer who makes a passthrough election under Internal Revenue Code Section 50(d) may elect to pass the credit
claimed to the tenant of the eligible structure or to retain the credit.
Effective Date: June 9, 2015

House Bill 3701, Part 1B, Section 109, Proviso 109.13 (Act No. 91)
“Angel Investor” Credit – Application Date Extended
This temporary proviso provides that the Department establish a schedule for investors pursuing
the angel investor tax credit in Title 11, Chapter 44, that includes the ability for taxpayers to
submit credit applications to the Department until July 31, 2015, or the date the aggregate credit
cap is reached, whichever is earlier. Code Section 11-44-70 provides that an angel investor
seeking to claim a tax credit shall submit an application to the Department in the year for which
the tax credit is claimed (i.e., by December 31 of the calendar year the investment was made).
Effective Date: This temporary proviso is effective for State fiscal year July 1, 2015 through
June 30, 2016. It will expire June 30, 2016, unless reenacted by the General
Assembly in the next legislative session.

Senate Bill 350 (Act No. 46)
Community Economic Development Act – Termination of Act Postponed
The Community Economic Development Act, enacted in 2000, authorizes grants to community
development corporations and community development financial institutions as provided in Title
34, Chapter 43. It also provides tax credits to investors in such entities pursuant to Code Section
12-6-3530. The amendment postpones the termination of the Act from June 30, 2015 to June 30,
2020.
Effective Date: June 3, 2015

Senate Bill 389 (Act No. 60)
Business Development Corporations – Taxation of Banks
Under Code Section 33-37-70, a South Carolina Business Development Corporation and its
subsidiary corporation are not subject to taxes based upon or measured by income which are
levied now or later by the State or any corporate license fee imposed by Chapter 20 of Title 12.
Code Section 33-37-70 has been amended to provide that any South Carolina Business
Development Corporation or subsidiary of such a corporation applying for and receiving a
charter to operate as a bank is subject to all taxes or corporate license fees applicable to banks,
including Chapter 11 of Title 12.
Effective Date: June 4, 2015

REENACTED TEMPORARY PROVISOS
The following temporary provisos were enacted in a prior legislative session
and were reenacted by the General Assembly in 2015. Temporary provisos
are effective for the State fiscal year July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, and
will expire June 30, 2016, unless reenacted by the General Assembly in the
next legislative session.
House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 118, Proviso 118.11 (Act No. 91)
Consumer Protection Services – Individual Income Tax Deduction
This temporary proviso allows an individual an income tax deduction for the cost incurred to
purchase “identity theft protection” and “identity theft resolution services” by monthly or annual
contract or subscription. The deduction is equal to actual costs for the contract or subscription
incurred in the tax year, up to $300 for an individual taxpayer or up to $1,000 for a joint return or
a return claiming dependents.
The deduction is available to:

A taxpayer who filed a return (paper or electronic) with the Department for any tax year from
1998 through 2012 or
A person whose personally identifiable information was on the return of another eligible
person, including minor dependents.
The deduction is not available to:
An individual who is enrolled in the identity theft protection and identity theft resolution
services offered free of charge by the State.
An individual who deducted the same actual cost as a business expense.
For purposes of this proviso, “identity theft protection” and “identity theft resolution services”
are defined as follows:
Identity theft protection. Identity theft protection means products and services designed to
prevent an incident of identity fraud or identity theft or otherwise protect the privacy of a
person’s personal identifying information by precluding a third party from gaining unauthorized
acquisition of another’s personal identifying information to obtain financial resources or other
products, benefits or services.
Identity theft resolution services. Identity theft resolution services means products and services
designed to assist persons whose personal identifying information was obtained by a third party,
minimizing the effects of the identity fraud or identity theft incident and restoring the person’s
identity to pre-theft status.
11

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 1A, Proviso 1A.10 (Act No. 91)
Teacher Supplies and Materials – Reimbursement Amount Not Taxable or Refundable
Income Tax Credit
This temporary proviso allows for a $275 reimbursement designed to offset expenses for
teaching supplies and materials incurred by all certified public school teachers, certified special
school classroom teachers, certified media specialists, and certified guidance counselors who are
employed by a school district or a charter school as of November 30 of the current fiscal year.
The reimbursement is not considered taxable income by South Carolina.
This proviso also provides that any classroom teacher, including a classroom teacher at a South
Carolina private school, not eligible for the teacher supply reimbursement described above may
claim a refundable income tax credit on his 2015 tax return. The credit is the lesser of $275 or
the amount spent on teacher supplies and materials. The return claiming the credit must be filed
on or before June 30, 2016. The return can be an original or amended return and may be for
expenses made after December 31, 2015.

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 1A, Proviso 1A.11 (Act No. 91)
Teacher of the Year Awards - Not Subject to South Carolina Income Tax
This temporary proviso provides for the following teacher of the year awards: (a) a $1,000 award
to each district Teacher of the Year, (b) a $25,000 award to the State Teacher of the Year, and (c)
a $10,000 award to each of the four Honor Roll Teachers of the Year. These awards are not
subject to South Carolina income tax.

PROPERTY TAXES and
FEES IN LIEU OF PROPERTY TAXES
Senate Bill 153 (Act No. 23)
Disabled Veteran Vehicle Exemption - Surviving Spouse Eligibility
Code Section 12-37-220(B)(3), which provides an exemption from property taxes on two private
passenger vehicles owned or leased by a disabled veteran, has been extended to the surviving
spouse of the disabled veteran, but is limited to one private passenger vehicle owned or leased by
the spouse for the spouse’s lifetime or until the spouse remarries.
Effective Date: June 1, 2015

House Bill 3725, Sections 2 through 4 (Act No. 68)
Abandoned Building Credit – Amended
Title 12, Chapter 67, providing a property tax credit to a qualifying taxpayer rehabilitating an
abandoned building in South Carolina, has been amended. The amendments include:
1.

Code Section 12-67-120(8) was added to define “state-owned abandoned building.” A stateowned abandoned building is an abandoned building and its ancillary service buildings or a
project consisting of one or more abandoned buildings, the aggregate size of which is greater
than 50,000 square feet, that has been abandoned for more than five years, and, prior to the
taxpayer’s acquisition of such building, was most recently owned by the State, or an agency,
instrumentality, or political subdivision of the State. For purposes of this definition, the
taxpayer includes any entity under common control or common ownership with the taxpayer.

Code Section 12-67-160 was added to provide that a taxpayer may apply to the county or
municipality in which the building is located for certification that the building is an
abandoned building or state-owned abandoned building, as defined in Code Section 12-67120. The taxpayer may conclusively rely upon this certification.
Effective Date: June 9, 2015

Senate Bill 78 (Act No. 59)
Forfeited Lands Emergency Development Act - New
Title 12, Chapter 59, “Forfeited Lands,” provides for the creation of a forfeited land commission
for each county to effect the sale of lands forfeited by delinquent taxpayers. This Act, the
“Forfeited Lands Emergency Development Act,” is summarized below.
Petition Department to Use Emergency Procedures. Code Section 12-59-140 was added to
provide that the county council may petition the Department to allow the county’s forfeited land
commission to utilize emergency procedures if certain legal and other adverse conditions exist.
Emergency procedures include establishing a revolving fund to pay for certain expenses and the
issuance of special source revenue bonds.
The petition to the Department must provide for: (1) all necessary documentation to support the
past and anticipated future adverse impacts, including historical data on the number and
percentage of properties bid into the forfeited land commission, (2) the loss of ad valorem tax
revenues associated with these properties, (3) the impact of any millage increases imposed by the
county to compensate for such lost ad valorem tax revenues, (4) the past and projected future
impact on the ability of the county to deliver essential public services, and (5) the past and
projected future impact on county development and employment opportunities.
Immediate Family Member Purchase Restrictions. Code Section 12-59-150 was added to provide
that an immediate family member of a forfeited land commission member may not purchase land
from the forfeited land commission on which his relative serves, unless the sale is through a
competitive bid process or a listing open to members of the general public for at least 10 days.
An immediate family member is a spouse, parent, sibling, or child of a forfeited land commission
member.
Effective Date: June 4, 2015

Senate Bill 379 (Act No. 87)
Property Tax Recodification and Reform
This Act made numerous changes to Title 12, including provisions pertaining to the assessment
of property taxes, county auditors, county treasurers, the collection of property taxes, and
forfeited lands property. Below is a numeric listing of the Act’s 67 sections with a brief
explanation of the amendment to, or repeal of, the specific code section.

Chapter 4 – South Carolina Department of Revenue (Act No. 87, Sections 1 and 2)
Code
Section
12-4-520(4)

Act §

Explanation

12-4-530

Code Section 12-4-520(4), relating to the Department’s dealings with
county officials, was amended to provide that the Department may
annually review the records of county assessors, auditors, treasurers, and
tax collectors. The word “may” replaced “shall.”
Code Section 12-4-530, relating to the Department’s investigation and
prosecution of property tax matters, was amended to provide that the
Department may initiate complaints, investigations, and prosecutions of
violations. The word “may” replaced “shall.”

Chapter 37 – Assessment of Property Taxes (Act No. 87, Sections 3 through 20)
Code
Section
12-37-30

Act §

Explanation

Code Section 12-37-30, relating to the assessment of local taxing entity
taxes, was amended to provide that the assessment is to be made on the
same assessment as made for county taxes, not state taxes.
Code Section 12-37-266(A), relating to the homestead exemption for
those 65 and over, blind, or disabled for dwellings held in trust, was
amended to require that a copy of the trust agreement be provided to
qualify for the exemption.
Code Section 12-37-290, relating to the homestead exemption for those
65 and over, blind, or disabled, was amended to: (1) increase the
exemption amount from $10,000 to $50,000 and (2) transfer duties
previously delegated to the Comptroller General to the Department.
Code Section 12-37-450(A), which requires that counties and
municipalities be reimbursed for revenue lost as a result of the business
inventory tax exemption, was amended to: (1) remove the reference to
reimbursement amounts attributed to debt service millage and make
certain clarifying changes consistent with this change and (2) require that
the reimbursement redistribution be attributed to the current tax year
millage rates.
Code Section 12-37-710, relating to the return and assessment of
personal property, was amended to delete “of full age and of sound
mind” as a qualification for persons who must file a personal property
return.
Code Section 12-37-715, which generally prohibits personal property
from being taxed more than once in any tax year, was amended to allow
newly acquired vehicles to be taxed more than once in a tax year.
Code Section 12-37-760, which requires a county auditor to prepare
property tax returns for a person who refuses or neglects to do it himself,
has been amended to provide that the auditor may prepare such returns.
The word “may” replaced “shall.”

12-37266(A)

12-37-290

12-37450(A)

12-37-710

12-37-715

13-37-760

Code
Section
12-37-850
(Repealed)
12-37-890

Act §

Explanation

12-37-900

12-37-940

12-37-970

12-37-2420

12-37-2610

12-37-2630

12-37-2660

12-37-2725

12-37-2735
(Repealed)

Code Section 12-37-850, which prohibits interference with auditor
actions by any court of this State, was repealed.
Code Section 12-37-890, which addresses where personal property shall
be returned for taxation, was amended to eliminate references to certain
animals, vehicles, and bank assets.
Code Section 12-37-900, relating to property tax returns, was amended
to: (1) clarify that a person required by law to list real property must
deliver this information to the county assessor, not the auditor, (2) delete
special rules for agricultural products, and (3) delete the authority of the
county legislative delegation to waive the penalties for failure to file such
return.
Code Section 12-37-940, relating to the valuation of certain kinds of
personal property, was amended to delete provisions regarding the
valuation of money and certain other personal property.
Code Section 12-37-970, relating to property required to be assessed and
returned to the Department, was amended to remove merchants’
inventories.
Code Section 12-37-2420, relating to property tax returns for airline
companies, was amended to: (1) change the date of filing from April 15
to April 30 and (2) delete obsolete language.
Code Section 12-37-2610, relating to tax years for motor vehicles, was
amended to: (1) replace references to motor vehicle licenses with motor
vehicle registrations, (2) remove references and procedures for two-year
motor vehicle licenses, (3) provide an exception for certain transfers of
motor vehicle registrations, and (4) provide that notices of sales by
dealers must be furnished to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
rather than the Department.
Code Section 12-37-2630, relating to motor vehicle taxes, has been
amended to require that returns for new motor vehicles be made within
45 days after the motor vehicle is first taxable in a county.
Code Section 12-37-2660, which requires the DMV to furnish the county
auditor with a list of license registration applications, was amended to:
(1) reduce the time the DMV must provide the list from 90 days to 60
days and (2) require that the list be in the form of electronic media.
Code Section 12-37-2725, relating to the cancellation of license plates
and registration certificates upon the transfer of title of a licensed vehicle,
was amended to: (1) change the location for returning these items from
the county auditor to the DMV and (2) clarify the process for obtaining a
tax refund for a portion of the remaining tax year.
Code Section 12-37-2735, relating to the establishment of the Personal
Property Tax Relief Fund, was repealed.

Chapter 39 – County Auditors (Act No. 87, Sections 21 through 30)
Code
Section
12-39-10
(Repealed)
12-39-40(A)

Act §

Explanation

12-39-60

12-39-120

12-39-160

12-39-190

12-39-200

12-39-220

12-39260(A)

Code Section 12-39-10, relating to the appointment of the county auditor,
was repealed.
Code Section 12-39-40(A), which allows the county auditor to appoint a
deputy auditor, was amended to require that the appointment be filed
with the State Treasurer instead of the Comptroller General.
Code Section 12-39-60, relating to the time and place for filing tax
returns to the county auditor, was amended to: (1) change the deadline
for receiving tax returns from April 15 to April 30 and (2) clarify that the
county auditor may provide public notice of the location for receiving tax
returns.
Code Section 12-39-120, which gives the county auditor the authority to
enter buildings to value property, was clarified to provide that the
auditor’s determination is of the value of taxable personal property
located in the building, not the value of the building itself.
Code Section 12-39-160, relating to special levies, was amended to
provide that the county auditor may report the amount of property subject
to special levies to certain other entities. The word “may” replaced
“shall.”
Code Section 12-39-190, which requires the county auditor to enter taxes
on the duplicate retained in his own office, was amended to eliminate the
requirement that the auditor enter the taxes in the number of columns that
the Department directs.
Code Section 12-39-200, relating to forms for county duplicates, was
amended to allow the Department to determine the types of acceptable
format for county duplicates.
Code Section 12-39-220, relating to assessments of real property omitted
from the duplicate or return, was amended to: (1) replace certain
references to the county auditor with references to the county assessor
and to clarify the functions of the county assessor, (2) require the
assessor to immediately appraise the omitted real property, including
additions and improvements, and notify the county auditor who must list
it for taxation, (3) eliminate the 20% penalty for omitted property and
make it subject to all applicable penalties, (4) provide that adjustments
determined by the assessor for omitted property may not extend back
further than 3 years from the year the adjustments are determined, or a
prior year before the year the improvement was made, whatever period is
shorter, and (5) provide a definition of “improvement,” as “a change to
any real estate or structure which betters the value thereof while not
constituting regular maintenance.”
Code Section 12-39-260(A), which addresses records of sales and
conveyances, was amended to provide that the county auditor may, but is
not required to, keep a record of all sales and conveyances of real
property made in the county.

Code
Section
12-39-270

Act §

Explanation

Code Section 12-39-270, relating to the county auditor’s abatement book,
was amended to remove a requirement that annual settlements between
the county auditor and treasurer be according to the record in the
abatement book.

Chapter 43 – County Equalization and Reassessment (Act No. 87, Section 31)
Code
Section
12-43220(c)

Act §

Explanation

Code Section 12-43-220(c)(2)(iv)(B), relating to proof of eligibility for
the 4% property tax assessment ratio for legal residences, was amended
to require that applicants also provide the county assessor copies of
motor vehicle registrations for all vehicles registered at the same address
as the legal residence.

Chapter 45 – County Treasurers and Collection of Taxes (Act No. 87, Sections 32 through
41)
Code
Section
12-45-10
(Repealed)
12-45-35(A)

Act §

Explanation

12-45-70(C)

12-45-90

12-45-120

12-45180(A)

12-45-185

12-45-260

Code Section 12-45-10, relating to the appointment of county treasurers,
has been repealed.
Code Section 12-45-35(A), which allows the county treasurer to appoint
a deputy treasurer, was amended to require that the appointment be filed
with the State Treasurer instead of the Department.
Code Section 12-45-70(C), relating to the collections of taxes, was
amended to replace all references to the Department of Public Safety
with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Code Section 12-45-90, relating to forms of payment of taxes, was
amended to eliminate certain obscure forms of payment.
Code Section 12-45-120, relating to the return of delinquent personal
taxes, was amended to replace reference to “chattel tax” with “personal
tax.”
Code Section 12-45-180(A), relating to the collection of delinquent taxes,
was amended to provide that the office authorized and directed to collect
delinquent taxes may also waive penalties in cases where a return was
improperly postmarked.
Code Section 12-45-185, which allows the county treasurer to waive
penalties for delinquent taxes, was amended to allow the treasurer to
notify the county auditor of such waivers, if necessary.
Code Section 12-45-260, which provides that the county treasurer
provide financial reports to the chief administrative officer of the county,
was amended to: (1) eliminate the requirement that such reports be
provided on the 15th day of each month and (2) make it optional that the
reports be provided on a monthly basis.

Code
Section
12-45-300

Act §

Explanation

12-45-420

Code Section 12-45-300, which requires the county auditor to list taxes,
assessments, and penalties the treasurer has been unable to collect, was
amended to: (1) delete the requirement that the county auditor make
marginal notations as to why the taxes or other charges could not be
collected and (2) delete the requirement that the treasurer sign and swear
to the list before the auditor.
Code Section 12-45-420, which allows a committee composed of the
county auditor, county treasurer, and county assessor to waive, dismiss,
or reduce penalties in the case of an error by the county, was amended to
require majority vote by the committee for such waiver, dismissal, or
reduction.

Chapter 49 – Enforced Collection of Taxes Generally (Act No. 87, Sections 42 through 54)
Code
Section
12-49-10

Act §

Explanation

12-49-20

12-49-85(D)

12-49-910

12-49-920

12-49-930

12-49-940

12-49-950

Code Section 12-49-10, relating to liens and suits for the collection of
taxes, was amended to clarify that Title 12, Chapter 49 applies to debts
payable to the county, not the State.
Code Section 12-49-20, relating to liens in the collection of delinquent
taxes, was amended to move the authority of the county sheriff to collect
delinquent taxes to the county tax collector.
Code Section 12-49-85(D), relating to uncollectible property taxes from
derelict mobile homes, was amended to: (1) move authority over this
provision from the county auditor to the county assessor and (2) provide
that once the mobile home is disposed of, it is removed from the
applicable county tax records.
Code Section 12-49-910, which provided for the seizure of property
subject to a tax lien, was amended to remove the authority of the county
sheriff to levy and seize property of a defaulting taxpayer.
Code Section 12-49-920, which provided for the possession of seized
property of a defaulting taxpayer, was amended to remove the authority
of the county sheriff to possess the seized property.
Code Section 12-49-930, relating to the removal or destruction of
personal property subject to a tax lien, was amended to remove reference
to the county sheriff’s possession of such personal property.
Code Section 12-49-940, relating to the disposal of personal property
seized due to a tax lien, was amended to remove the authority of the
county sheriff to advertise the property for sale.
Code Section 12-49-950, which provides for mandatory bidding on
personal property subject to a tax lien by the forfeited land commission
for the county, was amended to allow bids to be made on behalf of the
commission.

Code
Section
12-49-960

Act §

Explanation

12-491110(14)

12-49-1150

12-491220(C)

12-491270(B)

Code Section 12-49-960, which requires delivery to a successful
purchaser of personal property sold at a tax sale, was amended to remove
reference to delivery by the county sheriff.
Code Section 12-49-1110, which provides statutory definitions relating to
the rights of real property mortgagees, was amended to change the
definition of “tax title” from “a deed for real property and a bill of sale
for personal property” to “a deed for real property or a bill of sale for
personal property.”
Code Section 12-49-1150, relating to the mortgagee’s notice of a tax sale
of real property, was amended to require that the mortgagee include tax
map numbers for each mortgage.
Code Section 12-49-1220(C), relating to the procedures for providing
notice of tax sale of mobile or manufactured homes, was amended to
replace a reference to the county auditor with the county department
responsible for registering manufactured housing.
Code Section 12-49-1270(B), relating to the rights and remedies of a
lienholder in a tax sale, was amended to replace reference to the county
auditor with reference to the county assessor.

Chapter 51 – Alternate Procedure for Collection of Property Taxes (Act No. 87, Sections 55
through 57)
Code
Section
12-51-40(c)
and (e)

Act §

Explanation

12-51-55

12-51-80

Code Section 12-51-40, relating to the alternate procedure for collection
of property taxes, was amended as follows: (1) Code Section 12-51-40(c)
was amended to reflect a change in procedure for getting a mobile home
to qualify as real property and (2) Code Section 12-51-40(e) was
amended to allow a county to contract with another governmental entity
to collect outstanding county property taxes.
Code Section 12-51-55, relating to bids on behalf of the forfeited land
commission, was amended to remove the provisions for the application
of funds when the property is not redeemed.
Code Section 12-51-80, relating to the settlement of tax sale proceeds for
applicable millage levying entities, was amended to increase the time for
the settlement from 30 days after the tax sale to 45 days.

Chapter 59 – Forfeited lands (Act No. 87, Sections 58 through 66)
Code
Section
12-59-30
(Repealed)
12-59-40

Act §

Explanation

12-59-50

12-59-70

12-59-80

12-59-90

12-59-100

12-59-110
(Repealed)

12-59-120

Code Section 12-59-30, relating to the transfer of titles from the State to
the county forfeited land commission, was repealed.
Code Section 12-59-40, relating to the county forfeited land commission,
was amended to: (1) include land forfeited to county tax collectors in
lands authorized for sale by the county forfeited land commission and (2)
remove the State as holder of property held and sold by the county
forfeited land commission.
Code Section 12-59-50, relating to the former owner of forfeited lands,
was amended to remove the reference to state taxes (the reference to
county taxes remains).
Code Section 12-59-70, relating to sales by the county forfeited land
commission, was amended to remove reference to the sheriff submitting
title to the commission and replace it with reference to the tax collector.
Code Section 12-59-80, relating to the assignment of bids by the county
forfeited land commission, was amended to designate a procedure for
accepting bids for the sale of forfeited property.
Code Section 12-59-90, relating to tax sales of forfeited lands, was
amended to replace “county sheriff” with “county tax collector.”
Code Section 12-59-100, relating to the transfer of proceeds of a
delinquent tax sale by the county forfeited land commission to the county
treasurer and to the deposit of these funds, was amended to: (1) delete the
provision that the county treasurer deposit these funds into the county
general fund at the close of the fiscal year and (2) delete references to
State interests in these proceeds, but to include all applicable taxing
entities with an interest in the proceeds.
Code Section 12-59-110, relating to fees and costs of the county sheriff
for services provided to the county forfeited land commission was
repealed.
Code Section 12-59-120, which provides for the county forfeited land
commission’s access to tax records, was amended to replace “county
sheriff” with “county tax collector.”

Chapter 60 – South Carolina Revenue Procedures Act (Act No. 87, Section 67)
Code
Section
12-60-1760

Act §

Explanation

Code Section 12-60-1760, relating to actions against county officials,
was amended to: (1) replace “county auditor” with “county” in regard to
who is obligated to ratably apportion fees, expenses, damages, and costs
resulting from defending a court action and (2) replace “county auditor or
treasurer” with “county” as to who may cause a municipality to be made
a party to any action involving a municipal levy.

Effective Date: June 11, 2015

REENACTED TEMPORARY PROVISOS
The following temporary provisos were enacted in prior legislative sessions
and were reenacted by the General Assembly in 2015. Temporary provisos
are effective for the State fiscal year July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, and
will expire June 30, 2016, unless reenacted by the General Assembly in the
next legislative session.
House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 1, Proviso 1.53 (Act No. 91)
Index of Taxpaying Ability – Imputed Value for Owner-Occupied Residential Property
The index of taxpaying ability is used to determine state funding for education under the
Education Finance Act of 1977, Chapter 20, Title 59. This index, prepared by the Department,
shows a local school district’s relative fiscal capacity in relation to that of all other districts in the
state based on the full market value of all taxable property of the district assessed for ad valorem
taxes for the second completed property tax year preceding the fiscal year in which the index is
used.
Code Section 12-37-220(B)(47) exempts 100% of the fair market value of owner-occupied
residential property receiving a 4% assessment ratio from all property taxes imposed for school
operating purposes. School districts are reimbursed for lost revenue based on a 3-tier formula set
forth in Code Section 11-11-156.
This temporary proviso clarifies that, for the current fiscal year, an index value for the exempt
owner-occupied residential property must be imputed by adding the second preceding taxable
year total school district reimbursements for Tiers 1, 2 and 3(A) of the 3-tier formula and not to
include the supplement distribution. The Department shall not include sales ratio data in its
calculation of the index of taxpaying ability. The methodology for the calculation of value for
classes of property other than exempt owner-occupied residential property is not affected by this
temporary proviso.
22

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 117, Proviso 117.38 (Act No. 91)
Personal Property Tax Relief Fund Not Funded
This temporary proviso provides that the Personal Property Tax Relief Fund established under
Code Section 12-37-2735 to help counties fund the reduction of ad valorem taxes on personal
motor vehicles is suspended.
This proviso continues to provide that if a county imposes a personal property tax exemption
sales tax in an effort to reduce ad valorem taxes on personal motor vehicles and the 2% sales tax
rate on gross proceeds of sales is insufficient to offset the property tax not collected, sufficient
amounts must be credited to the Trust Fund for Tax Relief established under Code Section 1111-150 to provide reimbursement to offset the shortfall in the manner provided in Code Section
4-10-540(A).
Notes: As of the date of this publication, no county has reduced the ad valorem taxes on personal
motor vehicles by imposing this sales tax.
Act No. 87 of 2015, Section 20 repealed the Personal Property Tax Relief Fund
established under Code Section 12-37-2735.

SALES AND USE TAXES
House Bill 3568, Section 1 (Act No. 69)
Construction Materials Used by Nonprofit Corporations – New Exemption
Code Section 12-36-2120 has been amended to add an exemption for construction materials used
by an entity organized under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) as a nonprofit corporation
to build, rehabilitate, or repair a home for the benefit of an individual or family in need. An
individual or family in need is an individual or family whose income is less than or equal to 80%
of the county median income.
Effective Date: January 1, 2016

House Bill 3568, Section 3 (Act No. 69)
Children’s Clothing Sold to a Private Charitable Organization – New Exemption
Code Section 12-36-2120 has been amended to add an exemption for children's clothing sold to a
private charitable organization exempt from federal and state income tax (except private schools)
for the sole purpose of distribution by that organization to needy children. Needy children are
children eligible for free meals under the National School Lunch Program of the United States
Department of Agriculture. “Clothing” means items that are exempt as clothing or footwear,
under the annual sales tax holiday exemption in Code Section 12-36-2120(57)(a)(i) and (iii).
Effective Date: January 1, 2016

House Bill 3568, Section 2 (Act No. 69)
Parts or Supplies Used to Repair Aircraft – Amended
Code Section 12-36-2120(52) has been expanded to provide that parts and supplies used by
persons engaged in the business of repairing or reconditioning aircraft are exempt from sales and
use tax. The requirement that the aircraft be owned by or leased to the federal government or a
commercial carrier has been deleted. The exemption continues to provide that it does not apply
to tools or other equipment that are not attached to or do not become a part of the aircraft.
Effective Date: January 1, 2016

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 117, Proviso 117.57 (Act No. 91)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Medicines Exemption - Effective Date
Act 69, Section 3.PP, of 2003 amended Code Section 12-36-2120(28)(a) to add a sales and use
tax exemption for prescription medicines used to prevent respiratory syncytial virus; it was
effective for sales on or after June 18, 2003. This temporary proviso changes the effective date of
this exemption to January 1, 1999 and provides that no refund of sales and use taxes may be
claimed as a result of this change in the effective date.

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 117, Proviso 117.37 (Act No. 91)
Private Schools - Use Tax Exemption
This temporary proviso exempts purchases of tangible personal property for use in private
primary and secondary schools, including kindergarten and early childhood education programs,
from the use tax if the school is exempt from income taxes under Internal Revenue Code Section
501(c)(3). This exemption does not apply to purchases subject to sales tax. See SC Regulation
117-334 for information as to which tax, the sales tax or the use tax, applies when goods are
shipped into South Carolina. This use tax exemption is also applicable to purchases occurring
after 1995; however, no refund is due any taxpayer on purchases exempted by this provision.

REMINDER
The following provision was enacted in a prior year but is effective in 2015. It
is summarized below for informational purposes.
House Bill 3747 (Act No. 235 of 2012)
Certain Injectable Medications and Injectable Biologics - Exemption Phased-In
Code Section 12-36-2120(80) has been added to exempt injectable medications and injectable
biologics, so long as the medication or biologic is administered by or pursuant to the supervision
of a physician in an office which is under the supervision of a physician, or in a Center for
Medicare or Medicaid Services certified kidney dialysis facility.
For purposes of this exemption, “biologics” means the products that are applicable to the
prevention, treatment, or cure of a disease or condition of human beings and that are produced
using living organisms, materials derived from living organisms, or cellular, subcellular, or
molecular components of living organisms.
This exemption will be phased in based on the annual general fund growth as determined by the
Board of Economic Advisors (“BEA”).
Effective Date: For sales beginning July 1 following the February 15 forecast meeting the 2%
growth requirement.
Notes: On February 19, 2014, the BEA notified the Department that the requirements had been
met to implement this exemption. Accordingly, for July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015, 50% of
the gross proceeds of qualifying sales or purchases are exempt from the State and local
sales and use taxes.
On or after July 1, 2015, qualifying sales or purchases are fully exempt from the
State and local sales and use taxes. See SC Information Letter #14-4.

MISCELLANEOUS
(Summarized by Subject Matter)

ADMINISTRATIVE and PROCEDURAL MATTERS
Senate Bill 526 (Act No. 85)
Tax Amnesty Period - Procedure for Establishing and Administering
Code Section 12-4-397 was enacted to allow the Department to establish a tax amnesty period.
The Department must notify the General Assembly of the amnesty period at least 60 days before
the amnesty period start date.
Note: As of the date of this summary, the Department has no planned commencement date
for a tax amnesty period.
Upon establishment of an amnesty period, the Department shall grant amnesty to a taxpayer who
files a request for an amnesty form and voluntarily:

Files all delinquent tax returns and pays in full all taxes due,
Files an amended tax return to correct an incorrect or insufficient original return and pays all
taxes due, or
Pays in full all previously assessed tax liabilities due within an extended amnesty period
(period beginning at the close of the amnesty period and ending at a time determined by the
Department). The Department may set up installment agreements as long as all taxes are
paid within the extended amnesty period.
In addition to taxpayers filing delinquent or amended returns, the statute provides the following
specific types of taxpayers who may or may not participate in the tax amnesty period:
A taxpayer who has an appeal pending with respect to an assessment made by the
Department is eligible to participate in the amnesty program if the taxpayer pays all taxes
owed. Payment of the outstanding liability does not constitute a forfeiture of appeal or an
admission of liability for the disputed assessment.
A taxpayer with compromised liabilities under Code Section 12-4-320(3) may be eligible for
relief at the Department’s discretion.
A taxpayer who is the subject of a state tax-related criminal investigation or criminal
prosecution will not be granted amnesty.

Other administrative provisions of the tax amnesty period include:
Penalty and Interest Waiver. During the amnesty period, the Department shall have the discretion
to waive the penalties and interest, or a portion of them, imposed pursuant to Title 12,
“Taxation”; Title 27, “Property and Conveyances”; and Title 61, “Alcohol and Alcoholic
Beverages” for a taxpayer who voluntarily files delinquent returns and pays all taxes owed. The
Department shall not waive penalties and interest attributable to any one filing period if the
taxpayer has outstanding liabilities for other periods.
Collection Fee. An overdue tax debt, as defined in Code Section 12-55-30, remaining unpaid
may have an additional 10% collection assistance fee imposed at the Department’s discretion.
This collection assistance fee initially may be imposed on any overdue tax debt at the close of
the extended amnesty period and may only be imposed for a period of one year after the close of
the extended amnesty period.
Rescission of Grant of Amnesty. The Department may on the basis of mutual mistake of fact,
fraud, or misrepresentation rescind the grant of amnesty.
Penalty for False Returns or Tax Evasion. A taxpayer who files false or fraudulent returns or
attempts in any manner to defeat or evade a tax under the amnesty program is subject to
applicable civil penalties, interest, and criminal prosecution.
No Criminal Investigation or Prosecution. If a taxpayer is granted amnesty, the Department shall
not initiate a criminal investigation or refer the taxpayer to the Office of the Attorney General for
criminal prosecution for the tax or tax periods covered by the granting of amnesty.
Effective Date: June 8, 2015

MISCELLANEOUS TAXES
Senate Bill 78, Section 2 (Act No. 59)
Deed Recording Fee – “Value” of Realty in Possession of Forfeited Land Commission
Chapter 24 of Title 12 imposes a deed recording fee for the recording of a deed that transfers
realty to another person based on the realty’s value as determined by Code Section 12-24-30.
Code Section 12-24-30(B) allows a deduction from value for the amount of any lien or
encumbrance existing on the land, tenement, or realty before the transfer and remaining on the
land, tenement, or realty after the transfer. Code Section 12-59-140(E)(6), pertaining to the
county forfeited land commission, has been added to provide that deductions from value
pursuant to Code Section 12-24-30(B) shall include any lien or encumbrance on realty in
possession of a forfeited land commission which may subsequently be waived or reduced after
the transfer under a signed contract or agreement between the lien hold and the buyer existing
before the transfer.
Effective Date: June 4, 2015

OTHER ITEMS
Senate Bill 196, Section 4 (Act No. 7)
Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline – New Notice Requirements and Fines
Code Section 16-3-2100 was enacted to require specific information be posted about the
National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline in certain listed business establishments to
assist victims of human trafficking. These establishments include any hotel, motel, room or
accommodation furnished to transients for which fees are charged, certain adult businesses,
urgent care centers, truck stops, bus stations, and rest areas. The establishments in which the
notice requirements apply, and do not apply, are listed in Code Section 16-3-100(A) and (F).
The Department (DOR), the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Department of
Transportation (DOT) are to provide each establishment with the notice. The responsible agency
depends on the regulatory control or authority each department exercises over the establishment.
The departments shall post a sample notice on their website which must be accessible for
download. The business must download and post the notice in 16 point font or larger. The South
Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, DOR, and DOT shall finalize the notice design no later
than 120 days after the effective date of this Act. Establishments required to post the notice must
be in compliance no later than 6 months after this action.
In addition, the DOR, SLED or DOT, as appropriate, are required to issue written warnings to
establishments that fail to post the notice and to assess fines of not more than $50 per violation.
Each day that the establishment remains in violation is considered a separate and distinct violation.
Effective Date: April 2, 2015

REGULATORY LEGISLATION
Senate Bill 179 (Act No. 73)
Powdered or Crystalline Alcohol
Code Section 61-6-20, which defines alcoholic liquors or alcoholic beverages, has been amended
to include powdered or crystalline alcohol when hydrolyzed and to limit those terms to
substances used as a beverage for human consumption.
Code Section 61-6-4157, which provides that it is a misdemeanor to use, purchase, sell, possess
or offer powdered alcohol, has been expanded to include crystalline alcohol. Powdered or
crystalline alcohol is alcohol prepared or sold in a powdered or crystalline form that contains any
amount of alcohol when hydrolyzed for either direct use or reconstitution for human
consumption. Using powdered or crystalline alcohol for commercial uses is permissible only
when specifically approved by state law or for bona fide research purposes by certain companies
and institutions.
Effective Date: June 5, 2015
29

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 117, Proviso 117.87 (Act No. 91)
Additional 1% Reduction on Interest Rate on Tax Refunds
This temporary proviso decreases by 1% the interest rate for tax refunds paid during the current
fiscal year, in addition to the 2% reduction reauthorized in Temporary Proviso 93.7 (for a total
3% interest rate reduction). Of the revenue resulting from this 1% reduction, $300,000 must be
used by the Senate for operating expenses of the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on
Children. The remaining revenue must be used by the Department of Juvenile Justice for
programs for mentoring or other alternatives to incarceration. The revenue resulting from the 2%
reduction continues to be used for operations of the State’s Guardian ad Litem Program.

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 109, Proviso 109.6 (Act No. 91)
Voluntary Website Posting of Tax Return Information for Candidates and Gubernatorial
Appointees
This temporary proviso provides that the Department must develop a program to process
inquiries from a candidate for an office in South Carolina or its political subdivisions or any
gubernatorial appointee concerning that candidate’s or appointee’s state income tax filings. Upon
request by the candidate or appointee in connection with his own income tax return, the
Department must determine if the candidate or appointee has filed his annual state income tax
returns for the past ten years, paid all income taxes due during that time period, and, if
applicable, satisfied all judgments, liens, or other penalties for failure to pay income taxes when
due.
Unless the candidate or appointee requests otherwise, the following information will be posted
on the Department’s website:

The candidate or appointee’s name;
The years that the candidate or appointee was required to file income tax returns during the
last ten years and any years that he was not required to file income tax returns;
Whether the candidate or appointee filed income tax returns in each of the ten years that he
was required to file an income tax return;
Whether the candidate or appointee paid income taxes due each year that he was required to
file an income tax return; and
Whether the candidate or appointee had a judgment, lien, or other penalty levied against him
for failure to pay income taxes when due; the year of any levy; and whether the judgment,
lien or other penalty has been satisfied.
A candidate or appointee’s inquiry constitutes a waiver of confidentiality with the Department
concerning the information posted. The Department may not post complete income tax returns.

MISCELLANEOUS TAXES
House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 118, Proviso 118.8 (Act No. 91)
Admissions Tax Rebate – Motorsports Entertainment Complex Facility
This temporary proviso provides that up to $114,000 in admissions tax revenue collected
annually from all events held at a NASCAR sanctioned motor speedway or racetrack that hosts
at least one race each year featuring the preeminent NASCAR cup series must be rebated to the
motorsports entertainment complex facility in the current fiscal year to keep a NASCAR race at
the facility.

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 109, Proviso 109.7 (Act No. 91)
Admissions Tax Exemption for Payment to Nonprofit Athletic Booster Organizations for
Right to Purchase Athletic Event Season Tickets
Article 17, Chapter 21 of Title 12 provides for an admissions tax of 5% on paid admissions to
places of amusement within South Carolina. Code Section 12-21-2420(4) provides that the
admissions tax applies to paid admissions to all athletic events of any institution above the high
school level.
This temporary proviso provides that any amount that an accredited college or university
requires a season ticket holder to pay to a nonprofit athletic booster organization to receive the
right to purchase athletic event tickets is exempt from admissions tax. The nonprofit athletic
booster organization must be exempt from federal income taxation.

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 1, Proviso 1.15 (Act No. 91)
Local Government School Buses - Motor Fuel Tax Exemption
This temporary proviso provides that motor fuel used in school buses operated by school
districts, other governmental agencies, and “head start” agencies is exempt from the State motor
fuel tax.
Note: Motor fuel used in school buses owned by the state is exempt from the State motor fuel
tax under Code Section 12-28-710(12).

House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 33, Proviso 33.10 (Act No. 91)
Nursing Home Bed Franchise Fee – Suspension
This temporary proviso reenacts the suspension of the nursing home bed franchise fee imposed
on February 1, 2002, but subsequently suspended July 1, 2002.

REGULATORY
House Bill 3701, Part IB, Section 117, Proviso 117.109 (Act No. 91)
Donation of Alcoholic Liquors
This temporary proviso provides that a wholesaler may donate beer, wine, and alcoholic liquors
to a nonprofit organization that has a license, including a temporary license, to serve the
applicable beverage. This provision only applies if the event hosted by the nonprofit organization
creates an economic impact on State revenues.

LIST OF TEMPORARY PROVISOS
Temporary provisos were enacted as part of the 2015 annual budget - House Bill 3701, Part IB
(Act No. 91). They are effective only for the current State fiscal year (July 1, 2015 – June 30,
2016). They expire on June 30th, unless reenacted by the General Assembly.
The following is a list of new provisos enacted during this legislative session and a list of
provisos that were enacted in prior fiscal years and reenacted during this legislative session. A
brief summary of the provisos can be found in this publication under the applicable subject
matter categories.

NEW PROVISOS
Income Taxes
Proviso 109.13 “Angel Investors” Credit – Application Date Extended
Proviso 117.122 ABLE Savings Expense Fund – Tax Exempt Account for Disability Expenses
Act 92, Sec. 9 1 Exceptional Needs Children Tuition Funding Credits

REENACTED PROVISOS
Income Taxes
Proviso 1A.10
Proviso 1A.11
Proviso 118.11

Teacher Supplies and Materials - Reimbursement Amount Not Taxable or
Refundable Income Tax Credit
Teacher of the Year Awards – Not Subject to South Carolina Income Tax
Consumer Protection Services – Individual Income Tax Deduction

Property Taxes
Proviso 1.53
Index of Taxpaying Ability - Imputed Value for Owner-Occupied Residential
Property
Proviso 117.38 Personal Property Tax Relief Fund Not Funded
Sales and Use Taxes
Proviso 117.37 Private Schools - Use Tax Exemption
Proviso 117.57 Respiratory Syncytial Virus Medicines Exemption - Effective Date
Proviso 117.61 Viscosupplementation Therapies - Sales and Use Tax Suspended

House Bill 4230 (Act 92), a supplemental appropriations bill, contained this temporary proviso. Act 92, Section 10,
provides that it will be combined with House Bill 3701 (Act 91), the 2015 annual budget bill.

Miscellaneous (Administrative, Miscellaneous Taxes, Other, and Regulatory)
Administrative:
Proviso 93.7
2% Reduction on Interest Rate on Tax Refunds
Proviso 109.6
Voluntary Website Posting of Tax Return Information for Candidates and
Gubernatorial Appointees
Proviso 117.87 Additional 1% Reduction on Interest Rate on Tax Refunds
Miscellaneous Taxes:
Proviso 1.15
Local Government School Buses - Motor Fuel Tax Exemption
Proviso 33.10
Nursing Home Bed Franchise Fees - Suspension
Proviso 109.7
Admissions Tax Exemption for Payment to Nonprofit Athletic Booster
Organizations for Right to Purchase Athletic Event Season Tickets
Proviso 118.8
Admissions Tax Rebate – Motorsports Entertainment Complex Facility
Regulatory:
Proviso 117.109 Donation of Alcoholic Liquors
A complete copy of this legislation can be obtained from the South Carolina Legislature website
at http://www.scstatehouse.gov/.

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