Taxes in Columbia, South Carolina
Complete tax guide for Columbia, SC. State income tax up to 6.4%, 0.58% property tax, 8% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
6.4%
South Carolina
Property Tax
0.58%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Low
Columbia, SC Tax Overview
State capital; University of South Carolina
Population
136,632
Median Income
$46,218
Cost of Living
91.3 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
6.4%
Median Home Price
$195,000
Columbia Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Columbia median: $46,218
Total Tax Burden in Columbia
$10,001
Take-Home: $36,217 · Effective Rate: 21.64%
Federal Tax
$3,508
7.59% eff.
SC State
$2,958
6.40% eff.
FICA
$3,536
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$36,217
78.36% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $46,218.00 | $3,851.50 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$3,507.66 | -$292.31 |
| South Carolina State Tax | -$2,957.95 | -$246.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,865.52 | -$238.79 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$670.16 | -$55.85 |
| Take-Home Pay | $36,216.71 | $3,018.06 |
Property Tax in Columbia
Median Home
$195,000
Annual Tax
$1,131
Monthly Tax
$94
Effective Rate
0.58%
Sales Tax in Columbia
Combined Rate
8%
State Portion
~5.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Columbia is 8%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.00 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Columbia | South Carolina Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 6.4% | 6.4% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.58% | ~0.58% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8% | ~8% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Low | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Columbia 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 Columbia (0.58%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- 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
Charleston
ModerateNorth 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 Columbia, SC?
Columbia, South Carolina has a state income tax rate up to 6.4%. The property tax rate is 0.58% and the combined sales tax rate is 8%. State capital; University of South Carolina
How much is property tax in Columbia?
The effective property tax rate in Columbia is 0.58%. On the median home price of $195,000, this equals approximately $1,131 per year or $94 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Columbia?
The combined sales tax rate in Columbia is 8%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Columbia's tax burden compare to other cities?
Columbia has a low overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 26.2%. The combination of 6.4% state income tax, 0.58% property tax, and 8% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 91.3 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Columbia?
Columbia 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). State capital; University of South Carolina