Estimate your self-employment tax in North Charleston for 2026: the 15.3% SE tax, the deductible half, federal income tax, state income tax, and quarterly payments.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
North Charleston self-employed workers pay federal SE tax and federal income tax, plus South Carolina state income tax (3% to 6.4%). South Carolina exempts the first $3,460 of income from tax. The state is reducing its top rate from 6.4% toward a flat rate over the coming years. SC is very favorable for retirees, exempting most retirement income.
| Net Profit | SE Tax | Half-SE Deduction | Total Est. Tax | Per Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $2,119 | $5,829 | $1,457 |
| $50,000 | $7,065 | $3,532 | $11,923 | $2,981 |
| $75,000 | $10,597 | $5,299 | $20,353 | $5,088 |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $7,065 | $30,484 | $7,621 |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $10,597 | $51,167 | $12,792 |
Single filer, standard deduction. Total tax = SE tax + federal income tax + South Carolina state tax. Estimates only.
North Charleston is the third-largest city in South Carolina and the industrial engine of the Charleston metro, home to the Boeing 787 final assembly plant, the Joint Base Charleston military installation, port terminals, and major retail and manufacturing employers.
| Local Metric | North Charleston (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 120,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Charleston County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 97 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $20.50/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $41.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,500/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,850/month |
| Median home price | $360,000 |
| Median household income | $60,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 9% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.55% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
The federal SE tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security plus 2.9% Medicare), the same in North Charleston as everywhere. It applies to 92.35% of net profit; Social Security stops at $176,100 of net earnings.
South Carolina taxes self-employment income as ordinary income (3% to 6.4%), so North Charleston freelancers owe state tax on top of federal.
On $60,000 of net profit in North Charleston, estimated total tax (SE plus federal plus state) is about $15,046, or roughly $3,762 per quarter.
North Charleston does not levy a local self-employment or income tax. South Carolina does not levy a local business income tax, but North Charleston and most South Carolina municipalities require a business license with a fee based on gross receipts. Budget for the local business license on top of the South Carolina LLC filing fee.
Business expenses that lower net profit (equipment, software, home office, mileage) reduce both SE tax and income tax. The deductible half of SE tax, self-employed health insurance, and retirement contributions reduce income tax.