The authority is performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it and is not required to pay taxes or assessments upon property or upon its operations or the income from them, or taxes or assessments upon property or loan obligation acquired or used by the authority or upon the income from them. Bonds issued by the authority, the transfer of bonds, and the income from them, are free from taxation and assessment of every kind by this State, and by the local governments and other political subdivisions of this State.
S.C. Code § 11-40-160