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 |
About Taxes in Charleston
Charleston has a population of approximately 150,227 residents with a median household income of $67,413. The cost of living index is 108.5 (8.5% higher than the national average of 100).
Local context: Historic city; growing tech sector; high sales tax, low property tax
Tax burden classification: Moderate. Effective combined tax rate of 29.2% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Charleston household.
Official Tax Resources for South Carolina
For authoritative South Carolina tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- South Carolina Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- South Carolina Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
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 ($4,400 individual, $8,750 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
LowSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and South Carolina state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Charleston's median home value of $385,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.53%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: South Carolina Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate 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