South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 16 - Estate Tax
Section 12-16-1510. Lien for unpaid taxes; certificate of release from lien.

(A) A lien arises automatically from the death of the decedent upon all property, real or personal, located in this State of every decedent having a taxable estate who fails to pay the tax imposed by this chapter. Except as provided in Sections 12-16-910 and 12-16-920 the lien once it attaches is enforceable for a period not to exceed ten years from the date of death of the decedent.
(B) That part of the property of a decedent subject to the lien provided under subsection (A) is divested of the lien to the extent it is used for payment of charges against the estate or expenses of its administration allowed by the court having jurisdiction thereof.
(C) That part of the personal property of a decedent subject to the lien provided under subsection (A) is divested of the lien upon the conveyance or transfer of the property to a purchaser or holder of a security interest for an adequate and full consideration and the lien shall then attach to the proceeds received for the property from the purchaser or holder of a security interest. Real property is not divested of the lien except as provided in subsections (B) and (D) of this section.
(D) When any lien under this section has attached and the department is satisfied that the tax liability, if any, of the estate has been fully discharged, the department shall issue a certificate releasing all property of the estate from the lien; or, if the department is satisfied that the tax liability of the estate has been provided for, it shall issue a certificate releasing any surplus property of the estate from the lien.
HISTORY: 1987 Act No. 70, Section 1; 1988 Act No. 463, Section 12.

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