S.C. Code Ann. § 12-21-3010 — Taxes and penalties deemed a debt; lien; priorities

The taxes and penalties imposed by this chapter shall be deemed a debt owing to the State by the person against whom they shall be charged and shall be a lien upon all property of such person, but such lien shall be valid, so as to affect the rights of purchasers for value, mortgagees or judgment or other lien creditors, only from the time when the warrant is entered upon the transcript of judgments in the county, in the case of real estate where the real estate is situate and in the case of personal property where the taxpayer resides or possesses personal property, if the taxpayer be a resident of this State, or, if the taxpayer be a nonresident, where the personal property is situate. But license taxes or penalties imposed under this chapter shall be a first preferred lien upon any and all of the personal property of the taxpayer used or to be used in the business and shall also rank in priority above all other liens on taxpayer's property used in such business and incurred after the beginning of such business.