Calculate your exact South Carolina take-home pay after federal income tax, SC state tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%) withholdings.
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South Carolina does not have a local income tax. The SC standard deduction for single filers is $13,850 (2025 estimate). Social Security is taxable in SC above certain thresholds.
South Carolina uses a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.5% on income over $16,040 (2025). The state has been gradually reducing its top rate from 7% in recent years.
South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits for most retirees. SC offers a retirement income deduction of up to $10,000 for individuals over 65, making it relatively retirement-friendly.
Start with gross pay, subtract pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA), then subtract federal income tax, SC state income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). Our calculator does all of this automatically.
South Carolina has a moderate tax burden overall. The 6.5% top state income tax rate is middle-of-the-road nationally. SC has no local income taxes, which helps offset the state rate for residents in larger cities.
South Carolina uses the SC W-4 form (Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate) to determine state tax withholding. You should complete both the federal W-4 and the SC W-4 when starting a new job in South Carolina.
No. South Carolina does not have any city or local income taxes. Only the state-level income tax applies to wages earned in SC.