Estimate your combined federal and South Carolina state income tax liability in under 60 seconds. Updated with the latest 2026 brackets and FICA rates.
South Carolina has 3 income tax brackets with a top rate of 6.4% for the 2026 tax year. 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.
Understanding how your state tax brackets work is essential for effective tax planning. The progressive bracket structure means you pay each rate only on income within that bracket, not on your entire income.
| Tax Rate | Income Range | Tax Owed |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | $0 – $3,460 | 0% of taxable income |
| 3% | $3,460 – $17,330 | $0 + 3% of amount over $3,460 |
| 6.4% | Above $17,330 | $416 + 6.4% of amount over $17,330 |
Source: South Carolina Department of Revenue. Brackets shown for single filers, tax year 2025 (filed in 2026).
Sales Tax: South Carolina has a state sales tax rate of 6.0%. Local jurisdictions may add additional sales tax.
Federal income tax applies to all U.S. taxpayers regardless of state. Below are the 2026 federal brackets for single filers.
| Rate | Single Filer Income Range |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 |
| 12% | $11,925 – $48,475 |
| 22% | $48,475 – $103,350 |
| 24% | $103,350 – $197,300 |
| 32% | $197,300 – $250,525 |
| 35% | $250,525 – $626,350 |
| 37% | Above $626,350 |
The standard deduction for single filers in 2026 is $15,000. Married filing jointly: $30,000.
Source: IRS Revenue Procedure for tax year 2025.
FICA taxes fund Social Security and Medicare and are calculated on gross wages before deductions.
| Tax | Rate | Wage Base |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2% | First $168,600 |
| Medicare | 1.45% | All wages |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | Wages above $200,000 |
The minimum wage in South Carolina for 2026 is $7.25/hour, which is the federal minimum rate. Federal rate (no state minimum) At full-time hours (40 hours/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $15,080/year before taxes.
The median household income in South Carolina is approximately $63,000, based on U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. Cost of living in South Carolina tends to be lower than the national average, which can offset lower incomes.
Starting a business in South Carolina requires filing Articles of Organization with the state. Here are the key costs:
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization Filing | $110 | One-time |
| No annual report required | N/A | N/A |
| Registered Agent | $0 – $150/yr | Yearly |
Source: South Carolina Secretary of State.
Northwest Registered Agent handles all the paperwork for $39 + state fee. Includes free registered agent service for the first year, privacy protection, and compliance alerts.
Start My South Carolina LLCSouth Carolina has 3 income tax brackets with a top rate of 6.4% for the 2026 tax year (single filers).
South Carolina has a state sales tax rate of 6.0%. Local jurisdictions may add additional sales tax.
The minimum wage in South Carolina for 2026 is $7.25 per hour. Federal rate (no state minimum)
Filing an LLC in South Carolina costs $110 for the Articles of Organization. No annual report required.
The median household income in South Carolina is approximately $63,000, based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates.