South Carolina Paycheck Calculator
South Carolina uses graduated brackets running from 1.99% to 5.21% in 2026. Here is what actually reaches your account.
South Carolina changed its income tax mid-year. H.4216 replaced South Carolina's old 0/3/6% brackets with 1.99% under $30,000 and 5.21% above it, plus a new $15,000 deduction. If your employer updated withholding late, you over-withheld for part of the year and get it back when you file.
| Line | Per paycheck | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | — | — |
| Pre-tax deductions | ||
| 401(k) | — | — |
| Health premiums | — | — |
| Taxes withheld | ||
| Federal income tax | — | — |
| Social Security (6.2%) | — | — |
| Medicare (1.45%) | — | — |
| Additional Medicare (0.9%) | — | — |
| State income tax | — | — |
Quick reference
South Carolina payroll tax at a glance, 2026
| State income tax rate | 1.99% – 5.21%, graduated |
| Number of brackets | 2 |
| Standard deduction — single | $15,000 |
| Standard deduction — married filing jointly | $30,000 |
| Local or city income tax | None |
| Social Security wage base (federal) | $184,500 |
| Data last checked | 20 September 2026 |
| Verification | Confirmed with the state revenue department |
South Carolina's tax brackets
South Carolina uses graduated brackets, from 1.99% at the bottom to 5.21% at the top. These are marginal rates: reaching a higher bracket does not re-tax the income below it, only the portion above the threshold.
| Rate | Taxable income |
|---|---|
| 1.99% | $0 – $29,999 |
| 5.21% | $30,000 and above |
Before the brackets apply, South Carolina subtracts a standard deduction of $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for joint filers.
Local income taxes
No city, county or school district in South Carolina levies its own income tax. Your state rate is the whole of your state and local income tax burden — a simplification that not every state offers.
How South Carolina compares next door
On a $65,000 salary, single, with no pre-tax deductions:
- Georgia leaves you $856 worse off a year on $65,000 — flat 4.99%.
- North Carolina leaves you $446 worse off a year on $65,000 — flat 3.99%.
Moving across a state line can be worth more than a pay rise — or cost more than one. These figures cover income tax only; sales tax, property tax and cost of living all move in the opposite direction in many cases.
Working across a state line
The general rule is that you owe tax where you physically do the work, and your home state credits you for it. If you live in South Carolina and work elsewhere, or the reverse, you may have to file two state returns even though you are only taxed once on the same income. Where the two states have a reciprocity agreement, you can ask your employer to withhold for your home state only.
Compare
Neighbouring states
Same salary, different state. The gap across a state line is often larger than a pay rise.
Similar systems
Other graduated-bracket states
Transparency
How this page is calculated
The calculation
- Annualise gross pay from the amount and frequency entered.
- Subtract the traditional 401(k) contribution and pre-tax health premiums.
- Apply the 2026 federal brackets after the federal standard deduction.
- Calculate FICA on gross pay less health premiums — 401(k) contributions are not exempt from Social Security or Medicare.
- Apply South Carolina's own deductions and exemptions, then its 2026 rates.
What is not included
Local and city income taxes; state disability and paid-family-leave contributions; garnishments and child support; the flat supplemental rate on bonuses; itemised deductions above the standard deduction; credits claimed on your annual return; and multi-state withholding if you live and work in different states.
Sources and verification
The 2026 rate and deductions on this page were confirmed directly against the South Carolina revenue department on 20 September 2026. Federal figures come from the IRS 2026 inflation-adjusted tables and Publication 15-T; the Social Security wage base comes from the Social Security Administration.
- South Carolina: dor.sc.gov — the page we check against
- Federal: IRS 2026 inflation adjustments and Publication 15-T
- FICA: Social Security Administration 2026 contribution and benefit base
We re-read that source on a schedule — weekly through the March-to-June legislative season, monthly the rest of the year — and update this page when it moves. Five states changed their income tax part-way through 2026, so this is not a theoretical risk.
Found a figure that is wrong or out of date? Tell us — we correct it and note the change on the page.
South Carolina paycheck questions
What is South Carolina's income tax rate in 2026?
South Carolina uses graduated brackets from 1.99% to 5.21%. The top rate applies only to income above the highest threshold.
How much is $50,000 after taxes in South Carolina?
About $41,498 a year for a single filer with no pre-tax deductions — roughly $1,596.06 every two weeks. Adjust the calculator for your own 401(k) and premiums.
How much is $65,000 after taxes in South Carolina?
About $52,768 a year for a single filer with no pre-tax deductions — roughly $2,029.56 every two weeks. Adjust the calculator for your own 401(k) and premiums.
How much is $100,000 after taxes in South Carolina?
About $75,718 a year for a single filer with no pre-tax deductions — roughly $2,912.21 every two weeks. Adjust the calculator for your own 401(k) and premiums.
Does South Carolina have a local or city income tax?
No. No city, county or district in South Carolina levies an income tax.
Why doesn't this match my pay stub exactly?
Usually a local tax, a state disability contribution, or a benefit deducted post-tax rather than pre-tax. Employers also use percentage-method withholding tables that round at each step.