Auditor

Peter Tecklenburg was first elected Charleston County Auditor in 2012. As Auditor, Peter oversees the calculation of milage for 43 tax districts and the preparation of over 750,000 property tax bills annually. With a dedicated staff and four offices throughout Charleston County, Tecklenburg has prioritized customer service and efficiency. A statewide leader in innovation, Peter Tecklenburg is credited with transforming the Auditor’s office into one of the most technologically advanced county offices within South Carolina. The Auditor is charged with handling the Homestead Exemption process for the state and Peter is proud to have introduced initiatives that have increased the number of exemptions by 25% - a return of over $70,000,000 to the taxpayers of Charleston County.

The duties of the Auditor include the taxation of real estate, mobile homes, motor vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and business-owned personal property. Peter has been noted for his contributions and assistance in changing the legislation related to watercraft taxation; changes that have provided a rare win for both taxpayers and local governments.

With over twenty year’s experience in local government, Tecklenburg has seen dramatic changes in how government operates and has been committed to responsive and forward-thinking governance. Peter received a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina, where he focused on local government and taxation policy. He has an undergraduate degree in political science from Seton Hall University, which was complemented with a minor in international relations from it’s School of Diplomacy.

Peter has been awarded "Forty under 40" by the Charleston Area Business Journal, a Riley Diversity Fellow by Furman University, and a "One in a Million" award from the Jefferson Awards Foundation. He has been active in his community on both local and statewide boards, including as a trustee at Bon Secors St. Francis Hospital, the SCETV Endowment, and the Jefferson Awards Foundation. Peter has been a member of the board of directors for the Trident United Way, a member of it’s campaign cabinet, and chairs the Palmetto Society for 2023-2024.

Tecklenburg currently serves as co-chair of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) committee for the South Carolina Association of Auditors, Treasurers, and Tax-Collectors (SCATT).

While Charleston County encompasses both urban and rural landscapes, Peter has been dedicated to preserving the county's rural character. His efforts have encouraged public/non-profit collaboration with open land conservation trusts and advocating for Heirs Property concerns. His commitment to responsive governance has resulted in the establishment of programs benefiting service members, businesses, and local governments.

Peter has always believed that public service is a noble calling and is proud to have been raised in a family that values community involvement. Peter’s grandfather Henry served as Charleston County Auditor in the 1960’s and his uncle John as mayor of the City of Charleston for two terms. A native of Charleston, Peter and his wife Stephanie are raising their twin daughters West of the Ashley, within a mile of where he grew up.

Municipalities

City of Charleston
City of Folly Beach
City of North Charleston
City of Isle of Palms
Town of Awendaw
Town of Hollywood
Town of James Island
Town of Kiawah Island
Town of Lincolnville
Town of McClellanville
Town of Meggett
Town of Mount Pleasant
Town of Ravenel
Town of Rockville
Town of Seabrook Island
Town of Sullivan's Island

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