South Carolina Tax Rates 2026
Income tax, property tax, and estimated take-home pay for South Carolina residents.
Income Tax in South Carolina
South Carolina has a moderate state income tax rate of 6.4%, roughly in line with the national average of 4.3%.
| Tax Component | Rate / Amount | On $75K Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Income Tax | 10-37% (marginal) | $10,238 |
| South Carolina State Tax | 6.4% | $4,800 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | 7.65% | $5,738 |
| Total Tax Burden | $20,776 | |
| Annual Take-Home | $54,224 |
Property Tax in South Carolina
South Carolina's effective property tax rate is 0.55%, which is below the national average of 1.07%. On the national median home value of $405,300, South Carolina homeowners pay approximately $2,229 per year ($186/month) in property taxes.
Property tax is deductible on your federal return if you itemize, but the SALT deduction is capped at $10,000 total (combined state income tax + property tax). In South Carolina, a $75K earner paying $7,029 in combined state/local taxes stays within the $10,000 SALT cap.
Cost of Living Considerations
Tax rates are only one piece of the puzzle. When comparing South Carolina to other states, also consider housing costs, healthcare expenses, grocery prices, and transportation costs. Use our calculators below to model your specific situation.
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Sales Tax in South Carolina
South Carolina has a state sales tax rate of 6.0%. Local jurisdictions may add additional sales tax on top of the state rate. On a $35,000 vehicle purchase, the state sales tax alone adds $2100. Groceries, prescription medications, and certain essentials may be exempt or taxed at a reduced rate depending on South Carolina law. When budgeting for large purchases, always factor in the combined state and local rate in your area.
Tax Planning Tips for South Carolina Residents
Max out pre-tax contributions. Every dollar contributed to a 401(k) or traditional IRA reduces both your federal and South Carolina state taxable income. A $23,500 401(k) contribution saves you $1504 in state taxes alone.
Itemize strategically. If your combined state income tax and property tax exceed $10,000, you are losing deductions to the SALT cap. Consider strategies like bunching charitable deductions or using a donor-advised fund to maximize itemized deductions in alternating years.
Consider municipal bonds. Interest from South Carolina municipal bonds is typically exempt from both federal and South Carolina state income tax. For investors in the 6.4% bracket, this provides a meaningful after-tax yield advantage over comparable taxable bonds.
Who Benefits from Living in South Carolina?
Middle-income families in South Carolina face an effective state tax rate of roughly 4.5-6.4%, which is above average. Families should focus on maximizing deductions and credits available under South Carolina law.
Remote workers should verify whether South Carolina taxes income based on residence or employer location. This can significantly impact your net pay if your employer is in a different state.
Small business owners in South Carolina should explore whether the state offers pass-through entity tax elections, which can help circumvent the $10,000 SALT deduction cap for federal purposes.