South Carolina Income Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate your 2026 South Carolina state and federal income tax. Includes South Carolina tax brackets, a worked dollar example, and filing tips.
Key Tax Facts: South Carolina
- Top rate of 6.2% phasing down to 6.0% over time
- Retirement income deduction: up to $15,000 for those 65+ (or $3,000 under 65)
- Social Security benefits are fully exempt
- Military retirement pay fully exempt
South Carolina State Income Tax Overview
South Carolina uses a graduated income tax system with a top rate of 6.4% for 2024, scheduled to continue declining in future years. The state provides a deduction of 44% of net capital gains from its income tax, making it attractive for investors. South Carolina allows a standard deduction of $13,850 for single filers and $27,700 for married couples. The state fully exempts Social Security income and offers a retirement income deduction of up to $10,000 for residents 65 and older. Military retirement pay is fully exempt from South Carolina state income tax.
South Carolina Income Tax Brackets (2026) projected
These are the South Carolina state income tax brackets for single filers, carried forward from 2025 pending official 2026 figures. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate -- not your entire income.
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $3,460 | 0% |
| $3,460 - $6,890 | 3% |
| $6,890 - $10,320 | 4% |
| $10,320 - $13,750 | 5% |
| $13,750 - $17,180 | 6% |
| Over $17,180 | 6.2% |
Source: South Carolina Department of Revenue. Brackets shown are for single filers. Married filing jointly thresholds may differ.
What a South Carolina Resident Actually Pays: A Worked Example
Your effective tax rate is almost always lower than your top bracket. Here is how the math works for a single filer earning $65,000.
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Frequently Asked Questions -- South Carolina Income Tax
Does South Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. South Carolina imposes a state income tax with a top marginal rate of 6.4%. This is separate from your federal income tax obligation.
What is the South Carolina income tax rate for 2026?
South Carolina uses a graduated income tax system with rates from 3% to 6.4%. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate -- not your entire income.
Do I have to file a South Carolina state tax return?
Most full-year South Carolina residents with income above the state filing threshold must file a state return. Check the South Carolina Department of Revenue for current thresholds and requirements.
How accurate is this South Carolina state tax estimate?
This is a planning estimate. The state result uses South Carolina's published brackets but does not account for all state deductions, credits, exemptions, or local taxes. Verify with official South Carolina tax forms or a qualified tax professional.
Does this calculator include federal income tax?
Yes. The results show your estimated South Carolina state income tax and your federal income tax using 2026 federal brackets (projected until the IRS publishes official 2026 figures) -- your full combined picture in one place.
Where can I find official South Carolina tax forms?
Official forms, instructions, and filing guidance are available at the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
What is the sales tax rate in South Carolina?
South Carolina's combined state and average local sales tax rate is 7.44%. This is separate from income tax and applies to most retail purchases -- use our sales tax calculator to check a specific purchase.
When are South Carolina 2026 state taxes due?
2026 taxes are generally filed in 2027. The South Carolina filing deadline is April 15, 2027, the same as the federal deadline.
Understanding Your South Carolina Tax Estimate
Your results combine two separate bills: federal tax owed to the IRS, and South Carolina state tax owed to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The state return is filed separately from your federal Form 1040, with a state filing deadline of April 15. For the mechanics of how bracket math actually works -- why your effective rate is almost always lower than your top bracket -- see our marginal vs. effective tax rate guide.
Lowering Your South Carolina Bill
Pre-tax retirement contributions reduce your federal and South Carolina taxable income in the same move -- see our 401(k) contribution limits and HSA limits guides for the current caps. Beyond that, South Carolina-specific credits and deductions that don't exist at the federal level are listed at the South Carolina Department of Revenue -- worth checking, since these are easy to miss if you only look at federal guidance.
Combined Sales + Income Tax Picture
South Carolina's combined state-plus-average-local sales tax rate is 7.44%. If you're self-employed, that's an added layer on top of income tax -- our self-employment tax calculator covers the SE-specific piece separately.
Disclaimer: Estimates for educational purposes only. State tax results are approximations based on published bracket data and do not account for all deductions, credits, exemptions, local taxes, or individual situations. Not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult the South Carolina Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.