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Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in South Carolina 2026

Calculate your alimony paid (pre-2019) tax savings in South Carolina. With South Carolina's 6.4% top state tax rate, your combined savings are higher.

South Carolina Tax Overview

State Income Tax
6.4%
progressive
Sales Tax
6%
avg combined: 7.43%
Property Tax Rate
0.56%
Median Income
$59,318

Top rate 6.4% (being reduced). Uses federal standard deduction. 44% capital gains deduction. Social Security exempt.

South Carolina Income Tax Brackets (Single)

0%
$0 - $3,460
3%
$3,460 - $17,330
6.4%
$17,330 +
Your bracket
$1,420
Est. Total Savings
No Limit
Max Deduction
Above-the-Line
Deduction Type
28.4%
Combined Tax Rate

Alimony Paid (pre-2019) Savings Calculator for South Carolina

$
$

Federal Savings

$1,100

22% bracket

South Carolina State

$320

6.4% rate

Total Savings

$1,420

28.4% combined

At a 28.4% combined tax rate in South Carolina, every $1,000 in deductions saves you $284 in taxes.

Savings by Tax Bracket in South Carolina

10%
$820
12%
$920
22%
$1,420
24%
$1,520
32%
$1,920
35%
$2,070
37%
$2,170

Includes 6.4% South Carolina state tax on top of federal savings.

Eligibility Requirements

Available to individuals who pay alimony under divorce or separation agreements executed before January 1, 2019.

  • 1Divorce or separation agreement must be executed before 2019
  • 2Payments must be in cash or cash equivalent
  • 3Payments must not be designated as non-alimony
  • 4Spouses cannot file a joint return together
  • 5Payments must cease upon recipient's death

South Carolina residents should verify that this deduction is also recognized on their state tax return for additional savings of up to 6.4%.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • !Claiming deduction for agreements after 2018 (no longer deductible)
  • !Including child support payments as alimony
  • !Not reporting recipient's SSN on tax return
  • !Confusing property settlements with alimony
  • !Forgetting to claim the deduction on your South Carolina state return (missing up to 6.4% additional savings)

South Carolina Filing Tips

Social Security fully exempt. Use the 44% capital gains deduction. Federal standard deduction applies. Retirement income deduction up to $10,000. Homestead exemption for 65+.

Required Tax Forms

Form 1040 Schedule 1

File these forms with your federal tax return to claim the alimony paid (pre-2019). South Carolina may require additional state-specific forms.

Other Tax Deductions in South Carolina

Alimony Payments (Pre-2019 Agreements)

Personal

~$23,236
est. savings

Casualty and Theft Loss (Federal Disaster)

Personal

~$19,364
est. savings

Casualty and Theft Losses

Personal

~$3,873
est. savings

Mortgage Interest Deduction

Housing

~$4,518
est. savings

Property Tax Deduction

Housing

~$2,840
est. savings

Home Office Deduction

Housing

~$1,549
est. savings

Home Energy Tax Credit

Housing

~$1,800
est. savings

Residential Solar Tax Credit

Housing

~$7,500
est. savings

Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in Neighboring States

North Carolina

4.5% top rate (flat)

~$6,023
+4,603 vs South Carolina

Georgia

5.49% top rate (flat)

~$6,248
+4,828 vs South Carolina

Tax Calculators for South Carolina Cities

CharlestonColumbiaNorth CharlestonMount PleasantRock HillGreenvilleSummerville

Calculate Your Full Tax Savings in South Carolina

Use our free tax calculators to optimize your entire tax return for South Carolina.

Income Tax CalculatorSouth Carolina Income TaxFull Alimony Paid (pre-2019) Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with the Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the alimony paid (pre-2019) can save you an estimated $1,420 per year on a $5,000 deduction. This includes $1,100 in federal tax savings and $320 in South Carolina state tax savings at the 6.4% marginal rate. The national average savings is $5,000/year.

What is the South Carolina state income tax rate?

South Carolina has a progressive income tax system with a top rate of 6.4%. Top rate 6.4% (being reduced). Uses federal standard deduction. 44% capital gains deduction. Social Security exempt.

Who qualifies for the Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in South Carolina?

Available to individuals who pay alimony under divorce or separation agreements executed before January 1, 2019.. The eligibility requirements are the same whether you live in South Carolina or another state, as this is a federal tax deduction. However, your total savings will vary based on South Carolina's 6.4% top state tax rate.

What tax forms do I need to claim the Alimony Paid (pre-2019) in South Carolina?

To claim the alimony paid (pre-2019), you need to file Form 1040 Schedule 1 with your federal return. South Carolina residents should also check if the state allows this deduction on their state return for additional savings of up to 6.4%. Filing status affects your deduction limits and tax bracket.

Is the Alimony Paid (pre-2019) better in South Carolina than in states without income tax?

Yes, South Carolina residents benefit more because the state's 6.4% top income tax rate means the deduction reduces both your federal AND state tax liability. In states with no income tax (like Texas, Florida, or Nevada), this deduction only reduces federal taxes. Your combined rate of 28.4% means more savings per dollar deducted.

What is the standard deduction in South Carolina for 2026?

South Carolina's standard deduction is $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married filing jointly. Social Security fully exempt. Use the 44% capital gains deduction. Federal standard deduction applies. Retirement income deduction up to $10,000. Homestead exemption for 65+.

Related Calculators

Alimony Payments (Pre-2019 Agreements) in South Carolina

Avg savings: $18,000/year

Casualty and Theft Loss (Federal Disaster) in South Carolina

Avg savings: $15,000/year

Casualty and Theft Losses in South Carolina

Avg savings: $3,000/year

Mortgage Interest Deduction in South Carolina

Avg savings: $3,500/year

Property Tax Deduction in South Carolina

Avg savings: $2,200/year

Home Office Deduction in South Carolina

Avg savings: $1,200/year