These Beaufort County businesses owe the state over $1.5 million in unpaid taxes
Eleven Beaufort County businesses rank among South Carolina’s most delinquent taxpayers, according to recently updated state records. In total, these business owe the state more than $1.5 million in unpaid taxes.
Each quarter, the South Carolina Department of Revenue updates its list of the state’s top delinquent taxpayers, including businesses that have not resolved their unpaid taxes. The list was most recently updated on Jan. 15.
Long before a business’ name makes the list, the department explains on its website, the department sends letters, makes calls or attempts personal contact with business owners “multiple times” with no resolution. The department has filed tax liens against each business on the list, which makes the debts and business names available to the public.
Businesses that have filed for bankruptcy or have established a payment plan with the state are not listed. Some of the businesses on the list are either dissolved or forfeited, but they are not exempt from paying outstanding taxes.
“We are dedicated to holding these delinquent taxpayers accountable when they knowingly do the wrong thing by not taking the corrective steps we’ve asked them to make,” the department states on its website.
Beaufort County businesses with delinquent taxes
- Hilton Head Bluffton Partners I LP
Hilton Head Bluffton Partners I LP, the top delinquent taxpayer in Beaufort County ranks 15 on the state’s overall list. The business owes the state $351,453.
- Ruby Lee’s South LLC
The Hilton Head-based restaurant owes the state $346,943. In 2021, the restaurant’s former owner was arrested and charged with three counts of failing to pay taxes and one count of operating a business without a license, according to previous reporting from The Island Packet.
- Rose Hill Golf Club LLC
This Bluffton-based LLC owes the state $230,842. In 2023, new management and property owners associations with the golf club informed The Island Packet that they were not affiliated with the previous owners’ debt.
Andrew Stephens, the former operator of Rose Hill Golf Club, pleaded guilty to operating it without a retail license in 2021. Three years earlier the S.C. Department of Revenue revoked the retail license over $144,000 in unpaid sales taxes, according to Stephens’ arrest warrant.
- Battery Creek Collection LLC
This St. Helena business was dissolved in 2018, but still owes the state $167,625.
- May River Granite LLP
The Bluffton-based business owes the state $142,641. Previous reporting indicates the business permanently closed.
- The Frogmore Derelict LLC
The St. Helena Island business owes the state $123,128.
- Labbe Glass Inc.
Forfeited in 2013, the Hilton Head-based business still owes $118,956 to the state.
- The Gist Gaque Family Trust
In South Carolina, some family trusts must file income tax returns. This one owes the state $102,963.
- Hollykirk Enterprises Inc.
Forfeited in 2011, the Bluffton-based business still owes the state $101,995.
- Benjamin & Bent Enterprises LLC
The Hilton Head-based business owes the state $97,702.
- Daniel’s Espresso Inc.
Forfeited in 2018, the former Hilton Head business still owes the state $80,432.
Jasper County businesses owe $200k
In Jasper County, only two businesses made the state’s list. Beverly Processing Inc. in Hardeeville and Passio Reiger LLC in Ridgeland. The two businesses, in total, owe the state $195,378 in unpaid taxes.
