Hilton Head couple loses property tax appeal

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Court of Appeals has ruled a Hilton Head Island couple who rented their home out for three months a year must pay the state’s higher property tax for rental properties.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports ((http://bit.ly/QDf2Gb ) that Gregory and Leslie Ford thought the home could still be considered their primary residence since they lived in it nine months out of the year and paid accommodations taxes on the rental income of $76,500.

The couple says they rented the home and stayed in an apartment because they needed money during the recession.

Beaufort County officials investigated after receiving and anonymous tip and ordered the couple to pay the 6 percent rate instead of the 4 percent set aside for people who live in their homes.

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Information from: The Island Packet, http://www.islandpacket.com