South Carolina Paycheck Calculator
Free South Carolina paycheck calculator. Estimate your take-home pay with current South Carolina state tax rates and federal withholdings. Calculate federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and South Carolina state withholdings instantly.
What you should know about South Carolina taxes
South Carolina has six brackets with a top rate of 6.4%, but the state has been reducing top rates and plans to continue. SC also offers generous retirement income exclusions.
South Carolina Income Tax Brackets — 2026
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income Range |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0 – $3,200 |
| 3% | $3,201 – $6,410 |
| 4% | $6,411 – $9,620 |
| 5% | $9,621 – $12,820 |
| 6% | $12,821 – $16,040 |
| 6.4% | $16,041+ |
South Carolina's Six Tax Brackets
South Carolina has six brackets with a top rate of 6.4% on income above $16,040. The low threshold means most workers hit the top rate quickly. However, SC has been gradually cutting rates — the top rate was 7% just a few years ago. The standard deduction is $14,600 for single filers. With the zero bracket on the first $3,200, part-time and entry-level workers may owe very little. For a Charleston worker earning $60,000, the effective rate is about 5.5%. SC offers a generous retirement income deduction: residents 65+ can exclude up to $10,000 in retirement income, and military retirement pay under a certain age gets a $17,500 exclusion.
South Carolina's Growing Economy
South Carolina has attracted major manufacturers in recent years — BMW in Spartanburg, Volvo in Charleston, Boeing in North Charleston, and a Volkswagen/Scout assembly plant in Blythewood. Tourism along the coast (Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Charleston) is a massive employer. The federal minimum wage applies since SC has never set its own rate, but actual starting wages at manufacturers are $16–$22/hr. There are no local income taxes anywhere in SC. Military retirees have flocked to the state for the retirement pay exclusion and low cost of living — Beaufort and the Lowcountry are particularly popular.