South Carolina Take-Home Pay Calculator (2026)

South Carolina has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.2%, which applies to income above $17,330 for single filers. The top bracket threshold is very low, so most workers earning above an entry-level wage hit the 6.2% rate on the bulk of their earnings. South Carolina has been reducing its top rate from 7% in prior years, with the current 6.2% representing a meaningful improvement.

The state has a modest set of bracket rates below the top. Income below $3,460 is taxed at 0%, income from $3,460 to $6,930 at 3%, income from $6,930 to $10,390 at 4%, income from $10,390 to $13,860 at 5%, and income from $13,860 to $17,330 at 6%. Because the top bracket kicks in at just $17,330, a worker earning $60,000 pays the 6.2% rate on most of their taxable income. After the federal standard deduction of $14,600, taxable South Carolina income is $45,400, and the effective state rate on that amount is near 5.8% to 6%.

South Carolina exempts retirement income generously for residents above age 65. Workers who retire in South Carolina can exclude a significant portion of retirement income from state taxes. Active workers do not benefit from this exemption, but it is a significant factor in long-term planning.

South Carolina has no local income taxes. Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville do not levy city income taxes. The state rate is the entire income tax picture. South Carolina competes with neighboring North Carolina, which now has a lower flat rate of 3.99%. Workers choosing between positions in the Carolinas will see a meaningful difference in state income taxes, particularly at incomes above $50,000.