South Carolina · 2026
South Carolina paycheck calculator
South Carolina paycheck calculator for 2026. See your real take-home pay for 2026. Enter your salary, filing status and state, and this works out federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare (FICA), and state income tax, then shows what actually lands in your account. Your paycheck is built in layers: the federal government taxes your income above the standard deduction using graduated brackets, FICA takes a fixed percentage for Social Security and Medicare, and your state adds its own income tax, or none at all. Because each layer follows different rules, two people on the same salary in different states can take home noticeably different amounts. Use this to check a job offer across state lines, plan around a raise, or understand why your net pay sits well below your gross.
How South Carolina tax affects your pay
South Carolina has a graduated income tax that it has been simplifying and cutting, collapsing its old brackets toward a lower top rate. A zero-rate band at the bottom means lower earners often owe no state income tax at all. The reform lowered the top rate while keeping the structure graduated for now. Manufacturing, including a large automotive and aerospace presence, and coastal tourism around Charleston support the tax base. The state ties further cuts to revenue growth, so the rate can step down again in future years.
South Carolina uses a graduated state income tax with 2 bands, running from 1.99% to 5.21%, and the top 5.21% rate applies only to taxable income above $30,000. A state standard deduction of $15,000 is applied before the brackets. Because the lower bands tax the first slice of income at smaller rates, your effective state rate is lower than the headline top rate.
New two-rate structure for 2026 (H. 4216): on income after the SC Income Adjusted Deduction ($15,000 single, modelled here as the standard deduction), 1.99% on the first $30,000 and 5.21% above (equivalent to 5.21% of taxable minus $966). The deduction phases down at higher incomes, which is not modelled. Top rate may fall further on revenue triggers. State sales tax 6%.
This estimate combines federal income tax, FICA and South Carolina state income tax. It excludes city and county income taxes, pre-tax deductions such as 401(k) contributions and health premiums, and tax credits, all of which can change your real take-home pay.
For how the federal income tax and FICA layers are worked out, see the Paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What are the South Carolina income tax brackets?+
South Carolina uses a graduated income tax with 2 bands from 1.99% to 5.21%, after a state standard deduction of $15,000. Only the income inside each band is taxed at that band's rate, so your effective rate is lower than the top one.
What is the sales tax in South Carolina?+
South Carolina's statewide sales tax is 6%, with local rates often added on top. It is separate from the income tax taken from your wages.
Does this include local or city income taxes in South Carolina?+
No. This covers federal income tax, FICA and South Carolina state income tax only. Some cities and counties charge a separate local income tax that is not included here.
What is taken out of a South Carolina paycheck?+
Federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare (FICA at 7.65% up to the wage base), and South Carolina state income tax. Pre-tax items such as 401(k) contributions and health premiums lower taxable pay and are not assumed here.
What is distinctive about South Carolina tax?+
South Carolina has a graduated income tax that it has been simplifying and cutting, collapsing its old brackets toward a lower top rate. A zero-rate band at the bottom means lower earners often owe no state income tax at all. The reform lowered the top rate while keeping the structure graduated for now. Manufacturing, including a large automotive and aerospace presence, and coastal tourism around Charleston support the tax base. The state ties further cuts to revenue growth, so the rate can step down again in future years.
Anything specific to South Carolina I should know?+
New two-rate structure for 2026 (H. 4216): on income after the SC Income Adjusted Deduction ($15,000 single, modelled here as the standard deduction), 1.99% on the first $30,000 and 5.21% above (equivalent to 5.21% of taxable minus $966). The deduction phases down at higher incomes, which is not modelled. Top rate may fall further on revenue triggers. State sales tax 6%.
Sources
Last updated: 2026 tax year
This is an estimate for general guidance, not financial or tax advice. 2026 federal and FICA figures. Federal + FICA + state income tax only; excludes local taxes, pre-tax deductions and credits. State married-jointly figures are an approximation: the state single standard deduction and bracket thresholds are doubled, which matches conforming states but may differ where a state sets its own joint schedule. Confirm with the official sources before making decisions.
Built and maintained by Vikas Dulgunde, a software engineer building money and tax tools. Figures come from the official sources above; see our editorial standards.