Understanding a Tax Map

Parcels of Real Estate in SC are divided into tax maps in each county. This is a drawing that the county keeps on record for real estate tax purposes. Every property is identified by a TMS# or Tax Map Sequence Number. Whenever you call to pay your property taxes online, or look up a property at the courthouse, they will typically ask for this number as a reference. Although this number appears on the recorded deed, it does NOT define the dimensions of the property.  When buying land in South Carolina, always refer to the Legal Description for the most accurate description of your property boundaries.  To locate your property online, visit the GIS section of your county website.

The Map (or Sheet)

Tax maps are usually broken down into 3 numbers such as "XXXXX-YY-ZZ". The "X" represents the "Sheet" or "Map" number. This number is part of a county grid and will show several properties(addresses) on one map.

• Think of it like using an atlas. If I asked you to find Blythewood, South Carolina, your first step would be to turn to the page showing the entire state of South Carolina before narrowing down to the specific area. The “XXXXX” in a tax map number works the same way, it represents the larger map or sheet that contains several properties. You’ll usually find this number along the border or in the bottom corner of the tax map.

The Block

Tax Maps are often divided into smaller sections called "Blocks". This is a portion of the Map that is typically broken into 2-3 sections of the map (aka county grid). In the example above, XXXXX-YY-ZZ, the Block is represented by the letters "YY".  These numbers are usually shown with a number in a polygon somewhere on the map.

• Continuing with the example for finding an address on an Atlas, The "Block" would be similar to the city/town in the atlas. 

The Parcel

The last digit "ZZ" is called the parcel number. This is the most specific number on that tax map and should identify your property's physical address(or equivalent). These are the last digits in a tax map number and should have a close relation to the recorded survey of the property. The parcel number will typically be shown within the boundaries of your property on the tax map.

• In the atlas example, this would represent your street address in the town/city.
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Troubleshoot: If you find the number that is stated on your tax bill but it doesn't look like your property you are most likely in the wrong "Map"(XXXXX), "Block"(YY) or "Parcel"(ZZ) number. in the complete TMS# of  XXXXX-YY-ZZ

For more information please contact one of our Columbia SC Real Estate Agents or Search the Columbia MLS free.

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Comments (1)

Kristen says...
on 09/01/10

Reply

Geez, what a great description! Thank you for clearly & simply explaining what a tax map # is, for those of us that had no clue! I do appreciate it.

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