S.C. Code Ann. § 12-49-10: Taxes, assessments and penalties constitute a debt due State and a first lien upon property; enforcement.

All taxes, assessments and penalties legally assessed shall be considered and held as a debt payable to the county by the person against whom they shall be charged and such taxes, assessments and penalties shall be a first lien in all cases whatsoever upon the property taxed, the lien to attach at the beginning of the fiscal year during which the tax is levied. Such taxes shall be first paid out of assets of any estate of deceased persons or held in trust as assignee or trustee or the proceeds of any property held on execution or attachment. The county treasurer may enforce such lien by execution against such property or, if it cannot be levied on, he may proceed by action at law against the person holding such property.