South Carolina Take-Home Pay Calculator
6.5% top rateEstimate your net paycheck after federal taxes, FICA, and South Carolina state income tax.
Last updated: April 2026
South Carolina Income Tax
South Carolina has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.5%.
South Carolina State Income Tax: What You Need to Know
South Carolina has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.5%.
South Carolina simplified its income tax in recent years to three brackets: 0% on the first $3,460, 3% on $3,460–$17,310, and 6.5% on income above $17,310 for single filers. The top 6.5% rate kicks in at a relatively low threshold, so most full-time workers pay it on most of their income. South Carolina has no city or local income tax on wages — Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and all other SC cities add no local wage withholding.
On top of state taxes, all workers also pay federal income tax based on the 2026 progressive brackets, plus FICA taxes: Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages).
Our calculator applies South Carolina's 6.5% top rate to your gross income as a simplified estimate. Actual state taxes may vary based on deductions, exemptions, and local taxes not captured in this estimate.
South Carolina Income Tax Brackets (2026, Single Filers)
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $3,460 | 0.00% |
| $3,460 – $17,310 | 3.00% |
| $17,310 – and above | 6.50% |
South Carolina Take-Home Pay Examples (2026, Single Filer)
Estimates based on standard deduction, no pre-tax deductions. Last updated: April 2026.
| Salary | Federal Tax | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $3,167 | $1,890 | $3,060 | $31,883 |
| $60,000 | $6,617 | $3,190 | $4,590 | $45,603 |
| $80,000 | $10,817 | $4,490 | $6,120 | $58,533 |
| $100,000 | $15,617 | $5,790 | $7,650 | $70,943 |
Frequently Asked Questions: South Carolina Taxes
What are South Carolina's income tax brackets for 2026?
South Carolina has three brackets for single filers: 0% on the first $3,460, 3% on $3,460–$17,310, and 6.5% on income above $17,310. The top 6.5% rate applies to most income for full-time workers. South Carolina has been reducing its top rate over recent years — it was 7% as recently as 2022.
Does South Carolina have a local income tax?
No. South Carolina cities and counties do not impose a local income tax on wages. Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and all other SC communities have no local wage tax withholding. South Carolina workers pay only state and federal income taxes.
How does South Carolina compare to North Carolina on income taxes?
South Carolina's top rate (6.5%) is higher than North Carolina's flat 4.5% for 2026. For most middle-income earners, North Carolina is a lower-tax state. SC's lower-bracket structure (0% up to $3,460, then 3%) provides some relief at lower incomes, but the 6.5% top rate kicks in at just $17,310, putting most working-age income in the top bracket.
Does South Carolina tax Social Security benefits?
South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits. South Carolina also provides a retirement income deduction of up to $15,000 for taxpayers 65 and older and up to $3,000 for taxpayers under 65. This makes SC reasonably attractive for retirees, though the 6.5% top rate on other income is a consideration.
Is South Carolina reducing its income tax?
Yes. South Carolina has been gradually reducing its top rate. The rate was 7% in 2022, dropping each year based on revenue targets. The current 6.5% rate may continue declining as SC follows a path toward a lower top rate over the coming years.
What is South Carolina's minimum wage in 2026?
South Carolina has no state minimum wage and defaults to the federal minimum of $7.25/hour. South Carolina has not enacted a state minimum above the federal floor. Cities and counties in South Carolina cannot set higher local minimums under state law.