Beaufort County to issue $1.4 million in property tax refunds; search tool available on assessor site

Beaufort County staff told the county council on Sept. 8, 2025 that they have finalized the real‑property tax interest refund calculation and expect to issue checks in a special run by Friday, Oct. 12. Auditor/assessor and finance staff walked council through the process used to reconcile taxpayer accounts and prepare payments.

In the update, the assessor/finance representative (identified in the meeting as 'Pinky') said the auditor had completed updates in the county tax software, the treasurer's office was finalizing inputs, and finance "anticipates receiving that data tomorrow from which we will then process checks by this Friday, October 12." The staff member gave a final refund total of "$1,401,692.16." Officials said checks will include a notice explaining the reason for the payment and that the county ran a one‑time special check run to minimize confusion.

County staff also demonstrated an online 'public interest payment search tool' on the assessor's webpage. The tool allows taxpayers to enter a property identification number or alternate ID to see whether they are on the refund list; staff advised residents to contact the assessor's office if they have questions.

From an accounting perspective, staff told council they will book the liability and expense back to fiscal year 2025 because the error was identified in May 2025 and the fiscal close has not been finalized; they said salary savings and vacancy lag will be used to cover the expense. Staff said external auditors (Malden and Jenkins) were consulted on the accounting treatment.

Next steps: Staff will post the refund search tool and begin the special check run. Taxpayers who believe they are eligible but do not find themselves on the online list were directed to contact the assessor's office.