S.C. Code Ann. § 12-37-2820 — Assessment of motor vehicles

(A) The Department of Motor Vehicles annually shall assess, equalize, and apportion the valuation of all large commercial motor vehicles and buses of motor carriers registered for use in this State under the International Registration Plan or otherwise pursuant to Section 56-3-190. The valuation must be based on fair market value for the motor vehicles and an assessment ratio of nine and one-half percent as provided by Section 12-43-220(g). Fair market value is determined by depreciating the gross capitalized cost of each motor carrier's large commercial motor vehicle or bus by an annual percentage depreciation allowance down to ten percent of the cost as follows:
(1) Year One
—
.90
(2) Year Two
—
.80
(3) Year Three
—
.65
(4) Year Four
—
.50
(5) Year Five
—
.35
(6) Year Six
—
.25
(7) Year Seven
—
.20
(8) Year Eight
—
.15
(9) Year Nine
—
.10
(B) "Gross capitalized cost", as used in this section, means the original cost upon acquisition for income tax purposes, not to include taxes, interest, or cab customizing. However, for a motor vehicle which is fueled wholly or partially by alternative fuel as defined in Section 12-28-110(1), and that was acquired after 2015 but before 2026, the gross capitalized cost is reduced by the differential costs of a comparable diesel or gasoline powered vehicle, not to exceed thirty percent of the total acquisition cost of the motor vehicle. This reduction shall apply for the first ten property tax years for which tax is due following the acquisition of the vehicle.