OUR MISSION
The Beaufort County Treasurer’s Office,
professionals serving with innovation and enthusiasm.
Our Vision
People Serving People, Not transactions.
PURPOSE
First and foremost, the Treasurer is elected by the voters of Beaufort County to administer the collection of taxes in a manner that best serves the taxpayers.
The taxes collected are the primary source of revenue for Beaufort County’s local governments and agencies, including our towns and fire departments. As a result, the Treasurer and her team work closely with these entities, ensuring consistent revenues as well as providing accounting and reporting functions. For Beaufort County Government and School District, the Treasurer also acts as the chief banking and investment officer.
The culmination of these efforts provides Beaufort County’s citizens confidence that there are checks and balances in the taxation process as well as reliable government services.
Collecting Payments
We’re the link between our customers and the governments setting and spending their tax dollars, with both relying on our professionalism and effectiveness. We’re proud to reach Beaufort County’s highest-ever collection rates and to offer more services than any other county in South Carolina (with innovation and enthusiasm!).
Managing Unpaid Taxes
We understand that life happens and not every bill gets paid on time. Which is why our team doesn’t just pursue collections but specifically trains on supporting customers going through those processes. While we may be required to administer them, our mission and core values revolve around service.
Investing Your Money
We don’t want you paying more in taxes than necessary. To us, every investment dollar earned is a dollar that didn’t come from your pocket. We’re proud to earn millions of dollars each year, making your dollars work for you.
Our Core Values
OWN EVERYTHING ∙ EVOLVE WITH PURPOSE ∙ SERVE WITH PASSION
MARIA E. WALLS, CPA
Maria has been your elected Treasurer since 2015, after serving four years as Deputy Treasurer. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), her background includes auditing and tax experience for both a multinational CPA firm and, upon her arrival in Beaufort County, a local CPA firm.
As your Treasurer, Maria has been devoted to creating a culture of servant leadership and ownership. Government does not need to be a frustrating, multi-layer bureaucracy but rather an innovative, customer-centric team, committed to living out our mission and core values.
For her approach and achievements, Maria and her team have been recognized by international, national, and local organizations, receiving awards such as a 2020 National Achievement Award, County Executive of the Year, and SCGOP Local Government Award. Maria is also a two-time recipient of Thomson Reuters’ Office Holder of the Year, the only recipient to be awarded this prestigious honor twice, which recognizes government officials who have achieved excellence in planning, leadership, and service.
Our Awesome Team!
Our team members are trained and empowered to live out their roles in a manner that best serves our customers and Beaufort County…because everyone can and should be a leader. We’re neighbors and friends who recognize that we have the unique and passionate opportunity to live in and serve this great community we call home. Whether it is guiding a customer through a difficult tax situation or managing a project that will bring a new service to Beaufort County, we are a team of leaders working together to serve and lead.