Taxes in Charleston, South Carolina
Complete tax guide for Charleston, SC. State income tax up to 6.4%, 0.53% property tax, 9% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
6.4%
South Carolina
Property Tax
0.53%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
9%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
Charleston, SC Tax Overview
Historic city; growing tech sector; high sales tax, low property tax
Population
150,227
Median Income
$67,413
Cost of Living
108.5 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
6.4%
Median Home Price
$385,000
Charleston Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Charleston median: $67,413
Total Tax Burden in Charleston
$15,916
Take-Home: $51,497 · Effective Rate: 23.61%
Federal Tax
$6,445
9.56% eff.
SC State
$4,314
6.40% eff.
FICA
$5,157
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$51,497
76.39% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $67,413.00 | $5,617.75 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$6,444.86 | -$537.07 |
| South Carolina State Tax | -$4,314.43 | -$359.54 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,179.61 | -$348.30 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$977.49 | -$81.46 |
| Take-Home Pay | $51,496.61 | $4,291.38 |
Property Tax in Charleston
Median Home
$385,000
Annual Tax
$2,041
Monthly Tax
$170
Effective Rate
0.53%
Sales Tax in Charleston
Combined Rate
9%
State Portion
~6.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Charleston is 9%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $9.00 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Charleston | South Carolina Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 6.4% | 6.4% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.53% | ~0.53% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 9% | ~9% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Charleston Residents
- South Carolina's income tax rate of 6.4% is above average. Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions (401k up to $23,500, IRA up to $7,000) to reduce both federal and state taxable income.
- Property tax in Charleston (0.53%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- The combined sales tax rate of 9% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in South Carolina
Columbia
LowNorth Charleston
ModerateRock Hill
LowGreenville
LowSpartanburg
Very LowMyrtle Beach
LowCalculate Your Full South Carolina Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Charleston, SC?
Charleston, South Carolina has a state income tax rate up to 6.4%. The property tax rate is 0.53% and the combined sales tax rate is 9%. Historic city; growing tech sector; high sales tax, low property tax
How much is property tax in Charleston?
The effective property tax rate in Charleston is 0.53%. On the median home price of $385,000, this equals approximately $2,041 per year or $170 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Charleston?
The combined sales tax rate in Charleston is 9%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Charleston's tax burden compare to other cities?
Charleston has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 29.2%. The combination of 6.4% state income tax, 0.53% property tax, and 9% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 108.5 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Charleston?
Charleston does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 6.4%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Historic city; growing tech sector; high sales tax, low property tax