South Carolina income tax in 2026
South Carolina has a progressive income tax: higher slices of income are taxed at higher rates. Single filers subtract $15,000 in deductions and exemptions first ($30,000 for married couples).
The South Carolina deduction shrinks as income rises, so higher earners get a smaller break.
| Rate | Taxable income (single) | Your tax |
|---|---|---|
| 1.99% | $0 – $30,000 | $597 |
| 5.21% | $30,000 and up | $1,066 |
What to know about taxes in South Carolina
South Carolina reformed its income tax in 2026: two rates, 1.99% on the first $30,000 of taxable income and 5.21% above, with its own standard deduction that phases out for higher earners.
- Retirees get a sizeable deduction on retirement income.
- The coast and Greenville area are growing fast.
Largest cities: Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach.
Take-home pay in South Carolina by salary
What common salaries look like after taxes in South Carolina for a single filer.
| Salary | Take-home / year | Per month | Bi-weekly | Tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $25,987 | $2,166 | $999 | 13.4% |
| $40,000 | $33,823 | $2,819 | $1,301 | 15.4% |
| $50,000 | $41,355 | $3,446 | $1,591 | 17.3% |
| $60,000 | $48,727 | $4,061 | $1,874 | 18.8% |
| $70,000 | $55,749 | $4,646 | $2,144 | 20.4% |
| $80,000 | $62,121 | $5,177 | $2,389 | 22.4% |
| $90,000 | $68,493 | $5,708 | $2,634 | 23.9% |
| $100,000 | $74,936 | $6,245 | $2,882 | 25.1% |
| $120,000 | $87,964 | $7,330 | $3,383 | 26.7% |
| $150,000 | $106,942 | $8,912 | $4,113 | 28.7% |
| $200,000 | $139,473 | $11,623 | $5,364 | 30.3% |
Where your taxes go
- Take-home pay$48,72781.2%
- Federal income tax$5,0208.4%
- Social Security$3,7206.2%
- Medicare$8701.5%
- South Carolina income tax$1,6632.8%
- Federal income tax ($5,020). Charged on $43,900 of taxable income after the standard deduction, with a top rate of 12% on your last dollar.
- Social Security ($3,720). Withheld at 6.2% on the first $184,500 of wages each year; your employer pays the same amount.
- Medicare ($870). It funds hospital insurance for people aged 65 and over, at 1.45% of your pay.
- South Carolina income tax ($1,663). Charged on $50,455 after state deductions, marginal rate 5.21%.
How South Carolina compares with other states
South Carolina ranks #17 of 51 for take-home pay on $60,000. The gap between the best state (Florida) and the worst (Oregon) is $4,401 a year.
Top 5, your state and bottom 5. Single filer, no pre-tax contributions.
How a 401(k) changes your paycheck
See how much of your paycheck a 401(k) really costs. Pre-tax contributions reduce federal and state income tax, but not Social Security or Medicare.
| Contribution | Saved per year | Take-home pay | Per month | Income tax saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None | $0 | $48,727 | $4,061 | — |
| 3% | $1,800 | $47,263 | $3,939 | $335 |
| 6% | $3,600 | $45,798 | $3,817 | $671 |
| 10% | $6,000 | $43,845 | $3,654 | $1,118 |
| 15% | $9,000 | $41,404 | $3,450 | $1,677 |
Single vs married filing jointly
If you are married and your spouse has no income, filing jointly doubles the standard deduction and widens every bracket.
| Single | Married, one income | |
|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $5,020 | $2,840 |
| State income tax | $1,663 | $597 |
| Social Security + Medicare | $4,590 | $4,590 |
| Take-home pay | $48,727 | $51,973 |
Filing jointly would add $3,246 a year ($270 a month) to this household's take-home pay.
What this salary buys you
A simple way to plan $4,061 a month: half for essentials, 30% for lifestyle and 20% for savings.
- $60,000 is 88% of the median household income in South Carolina ($67,804).
- With the 30% rule, a comfortable rent is up to $1,500 per month.
- That is 4.0 times the South Carolina minimum wage of $7.25/hour.
Frequently asked questions
Does South Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. South Carolina income tax rates range from 1.99% – 5.21% in 2026, depending on taxable income.
What is the income tax rate in South Carolina?
South Carolina income tax rates range from 1.99% – 5.21% in 2026, depending on taxable income.
How much is $60,000 after tax in South Carolina?
A single filer earning $60,000 takes home about $48,727 a year, or $4,061 per month.
What is the minimum wage in South Carolina?
The minimum wage in South Carolina is about $7.25 per hour.
How is my South Carolina paycheck calculated?
We subtract federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%) and South Carolina income tax from your gross pay.
Figures use 2026 IRS federal brackets, the standard deduction, Social Security and Medicare rates, and each state's income tax rules for a W-2 employee. Read our methodology. Last updated September 25, 2026. Estimates for information only, not tax advice.