South Carolina Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your total tax burden in South Carolina. See SC state income tax (6.4% top rate), federal tax, and FICA combined. Free, instant, private.
The state of South Carolina uses 3 progressive income tax brackets up to 6.4% in 2026. State standard deduction: $14,600 single / $29,200 married. Stacks on federal tax (10%-37% across 7 brackets) and FICA (Social Security 6.2%, Medicare 1.45%). Property tax averages 0.56% and combined sales tax averages 7.43%. Top rate 6.4% (being reduced). Uses federal standard deduction. 44% capital gains deduction. Social Security exempt.
South Carolina Income Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with South Carolina median: $59,318
Your Total Tax Burden
$11,786
Take-Home: $47,532 · Effective Rate: 19.9%
Federal Tax
$5,080
8.6% eff.
SC State Tax
$2,169
3.7% eff.
FICA
$4,538
7.6% eff.
Take-Home
$47,532
80.1% kept
Tax Breakdown
South Carolina Tax Bracket Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $59,318.00 | $4,943.17 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$5,079.66 | -$423.31 |
| South Carolina State Tax | -$2,168.93 | -$180.74 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$3,677.72 | -$306.48 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$860.11 | -$71.68 |
| Take-Home Pay | $47,531.58 | $3,960.97 |
Marginal Tax Rate
6.4%
SC state only
Effective Tax Rate
19.9%
All taxes combined
South Carolina Tax System Overview
South Carolina has a top rate of 6.4%, being gradually reduced. Uses the federal standard deduction. 44% deduction on net capital gains. Social Security fully exempt. Property taxes very low at 0.56%.
South Carolina Income Tax Brackets (Single)
| Tax Rate | Income Range |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0 – $3,460 |
| 3% | $3,460 – $17,330 |
| 6.4% | $17,330 – and above |
Top Income Tax
6.4%
Property Tax
0.56%
Sales Tax (Avg)
7.43%
Median Income
$59,318
Other Taxes in South Carolina
Capital Gains Tax
44% deduction on net capital gains
Property Tax
Average effective rate of 0.56%. On a $300,000 home, this equals approximately $1,680 per year, or $140 per month.
Sales Tax
State rate of 6%, with a combined average of 7.43% including local taxes.
Filing Tips for South Carolina
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+.
- Maximize pre-tax contributions to 401(k) ($23,500 limit in 2026, $31,000 if 50+) to reduce both federal and SC state taxable income.
- Use an HSA if you have a high-deductible health plan. Contributions ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family) are pre-tax and reduce your tax burden.
- Review your W-4. If you regularly get large refunds, adjust your withholding to keep more money in each paycheck throughout the year.
Compare South Carolina to Nearby States
If you lived in a neighboring state instead, here is how your state tax would change on $59,318 income:
| State | Top Rate | State Tax | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 6.4% | $2,169 | — |
| North Carolina | 4.5% | $2,096 | Save $73 |
| Georgia | 5.49% | $2,598 | +$429 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income tax rate in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 6.4%. Tax rates increase as income rises through various brackets. Top rate 6.4% (being reduced). Uses federal standard deduction. 44% capital gains deduction. Social Security exempt.
How much state tax will I pay in South Carolina on $59,318?
On income of $59,318 filing single in South Carolina, you would pay approximately $2,169 in state income tax (effective rate of 3.7%). This is after the state standard deduction of $14,600.
Does South Carolina tax capital gains?
44% deduction on net capital gains. Capital gains treatment varies by state — some tax them as regular income while others offer exclusions or preferential rates.
How does South Carolina compare to neighboring states for taxes?
South Carolina's neighboring states include North Carolina (4.5% top rate), Georgia (5.49% top rate). Property tax rates, sales taxes, and cost of living should also be considered when comparing overall tax burden. Use the calculator above to compare your specific tax liability across states.
What is the South Carolina state income tax filing deadline for 2026?
South Carolina state income tax returns are due April 15, 2026 (matching the federal deadline). If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Extensions: South Carolina typically grants automatic 6-month extensions to October 15, 2026, but tax owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties.
Does South Carolina tax retirement income, Social Security, and pensions?
South Carolina taxes retirement income with state-specific exclusions. Social Security: only 11 states tax SS benefits in 2026 (CO, CT, KS, MN, MT, NM, RI, UT, VT, WV, MO partially); South Carolina's treatment varies. Pensions and 401(k)/IRA withdrawals are generally taxable as ordinary income at 6.4% top rate, with possible exclusions for federal/military pensions or low-income seniors. Check South Carolina's 2026 retirement income exclusion thresholds.
What deductions and credits are unique to South Carolina in 2026?
South Carolina offers standard deduction of $14,600 (single) / $29,200 (married). Additional state-specific items typically include: South Carolina-specific tax credits (e.g., property tax credit, education credit, EITC supplement if available), retirement income exclusions, and state-conformity to federal deductions like SALT cap, mortgage interest, charitable contributions. Check South Carolina's state tax form for the full list of state-specific credits in 2026.
If I work remotely in South Carolina for an out-of-state employer, what tax do I pay?
As a South Carolina resident working remotely for an out-of-state employer, the rules depend on reciprocity agreements. Reciprocity-pair states (PA-NJ, IL-IA, MI-OH, etc.) let you pay tax only to South Carolina. Without reciprocity, you may pay tax to BOTH states, then claim a credit on South Carolina's return for taxes paid to the work state. NY, PA-Philadelphia, and other "convenience of employer" jurisdictions can override these rules. Verify your employer's state tax setup.