Duties and powers include equalizing the value of the real and personal property, hearing all grievances and appeals from the valuation and assessments fixed by the Assessor, performing any and all other duties and powers of the Richland County Board of Equalization as of April 24, 1958–the date of the creation of the Board of Assessment Appeals.

The Board was established pursuant to SC Code 4-9-170 or the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, and Section 3 of Act 283, Acts of 1975, Sections 23-48/23-52 of the County Code.

The Board consists of seven (7) members. Three (3) appointments are made by the County Council and one (1) each by the Columbia City Council, Board of Trustees of School District One, Board of Trustees of School District Two, and Board of Trustees of School District Five.

All appointees must reside within the corporate limits of the City of Columbia.