South Carolina state income tax calculator

Estimate South Carolina income tax using the latest published state rate schedule.

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How this calculator works

Step 1 starts with the South Carolina taxable income you already calculated on your return. If you are a part-year resident or nonresident, the tool applies the South Carolina income percentage you provide to focus on South Carolina-source income.

Step 2 applies South Carolina's three-tier bracket schedule to estimate total tax.

Step 3 summarizes the effective and marginal rates so you can see how additional income would be taxed and whether your current estimate matches your expectations.

Frequently asked questions

What income should I enter?

Use South Carolina taxable income from your return. If you only know total income, estimate deductions first or use the standard deduction tool.

Do part-year residents prorate income?

Yes. Use the South Carolina income allocation percentage from your return to prorate taxable income before applying the South Carolina bracket schedule.

Does South Carolina use brackets?

Yes. South Carolina uses a three-tier schedule for 2025 and a two-tier schedule for 2026 and later planning years.

Is this tax advice?

No. This tool provides estimates based on the inputs you provide and is not legal or tax advice.

This tool provides estimates based on South Carolina's published brackets. Not legal or tax advice.

South Carolina state tax calculator

Quick answer

South Carolina uses 1.99% to 5.21% progressive income tax rates in the current TaxGuide Pro calculator data. For 2026 planning, $60,000 single taxable income -> about $2,160 state income tax before credits. $120,000 married filing jointly taxable income -> about $5,286 state income tax before credits.

Also answers

  • South Carolina income tax calculator 2026
  • South Carolina state tax estimator
  • South Carolina income tax brackets
  • South Carolina income tax rate 2026
  • South Carolina state tax refund status

Good fit when

  • South Carolina residents checking 2026 tax planning
  • Part-year or nonresident South Carolina filers
  • Comparing state tax, withholding, refund, and deduction scenarios

Have ready

  • Filing status and residency
  • State taxable income or benefit amount
  • Withholding, payments, deductions, credits, or filing date as relevant

Result you get

Estimated South Carolina tax, effective rate, marginal rate, and worked examples from current calculator data.

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South Carolina state facts

Rate rules and worked examples

Examples use 2026 taxable income before credits or residency allocation. Use the official state source below to verify final filing guidance.

Income tax rule

South Carolina uses 1.99% to 5.21% progressive income tax rates in the current TaxGuide Pro calculator data.

Single example

$60,000 single taxable income -> about $2,160 state income tax before credits.

Joint example

$120,000 married filing jointly taxable income -> about $5,286 state income tax before credits.

Deductions and exemptions

Residency, local taxes, deductions, credits, and special income rules can change the result.

Credits to review

Review dependent, household, income-based, and other South Carolina credits in the state credit finder, then confirm eligibility in official instructions.

Filing deadline

For a 2026 return filed in 2027, confirm the due date in published South Carolina instructions. State deadlines and disaster relief can differ from federal dates.

Refund processing

South Carolina does not guarantee one refund date for every return. E-filed, accurate returns with direct deposit are generally processed faster than paper or reviewed returns.

Official verification: South Carolina official tax agency.

How this calculation works

  • Uses state taxable income and residency allocation.
  • Applies the calculator's current state rate schedule.

Common mistakes and caveats

  • The result is an educational estimate, not a filed return or agency determination.
  • Residency, local taxes, deductions, credits, and special income rules can change the result.
  • Verify current forms, instructions, and deadlines with the official state tax agency.

FAQ

What is the South Carolina income tax rate for 2026?

South Carolina uses 1.99% to 5.21% progressive income tax rates in the current TaxGuide Pro calculator data. The examples on this page use taxable income before credits, so final results can change when state deductions, credits, or residency allocation apply.

Does South Carolina tax retirement income?

South Carolina retirement income treatment can depend on the income type, age, and state exclusions. Use the South Carolina retirement tax checker for a state-specific review.

Does South Carolina tax Social Security benefits?

South Carolina Social Security treatment can differ from federal treatment. Use the South Carolina Social Security checker and verify the result with the official state source.

When will I get my South Carolina tax refund?

South Carolina refund timing depends on e-file versus paper filing, direct deposit, return accuracy, identity verification, and seasonal volume. Use the South Carolina refund timeline estimator and the official refund-status source for live updates.

Where should I verify my South Carolina tax result?

Use the official South Carolina revenue or tax agency sources linked in the sources section. TaxGuide Pro is an educational estimator and does not replace a filed state return or agency notice.

Last updated & sources

Last updated August 20, 2026.

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