How South Carolina taxes your paycheck in 2026
South Carolina uses a graduated income tax with 2 brackets, from 3% at the bottom to 6% at the top, applied after a $8,350 single-filer deduction/exemption. South Carolina's top rate is temporarily 6% (from 6.2%) through June 30, 2026.
Federal deductions are the same everywhere: income tax on your wages after the $16,100 standard deduction (single filers), 6.2% Social Security on the first $184,500 of wages, and 1.45% Medicare on everything.
South Carolina's income tax, in context
South Carolina compressed its brackets to three, with a 0% band at the bottom and a top rate that has been trimmed toward 6% under a phased plan. The state starts from the pre-2025 federal standard deduction and reaches its top bracket at a relatively low income, so most full-time workers pay the top rate on their marginal dollars.
South Carolina 2026 income tax brackets (single filer)
Only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate, after the $8,350 single-filer deduction/exemption.
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $3,640 – $18,230 | 3% |
| Over $18,230 | 6% |
How South Carolina compares
On a $75,000 single-filer salary, South Carolina ranks 37th of 51 for take-home pay, at $58,250 after $3,343 of state tax. Moving that salary to a no-income-tax state like Texas or Florida would keep an extra $3,343 a year; the same salary in the highest-tax state (Oregon) would net $55,604. At the register, South Carolina's average combined sales tax is 7.49% — see the South Carolina sales tax calculator.
Neighboring states on the same $75,000 salary:
| State | State income tax | Take-home / yr | vs. SC |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $3,343 | $58,250 | — |
| North Carolina | $2,484 | $59,109 | +$859 |
| Georgia | $3,270 | $58,323 | +$73 |
Example take-home pay in South Carolina
Single filer, 2026 rates, standard deduction, no pre-tax benefits or local taxes:
| Salary | Federal tax | SC state tax | Take-home / yr | Per biweekly check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,620 | $1,243 | $33,077 | $1,272 |
| $50,000 | $3,820 | $1,843 | $40,512 | $1,558 |
| $60,000 | $5,020 | $2,443 | $47,947 | $1,844 |
| $75,000 | $7,670 | $3,343 | $58,250 | $2,240 |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $4,843 | $74,337 | $2,859 |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $7,843 | $105,948 | $4,075 |
Frequently asked questions
+How much is taken out of a $75,000 paycheck in South Carolina?
For a single filer with no pre-tax deductions in 2026: about $7,670 federal income tax, $5,738 in Social Security and Medicare, and roughly $3,343 in South Carolina state income tax — leaving take-home pay of about $58,250 a year, or $2,240 every two weeks.
+What is the South Carolina state income tax rate for 2026?
South Carolina uses a graduated income tax with 2 brackets, from 3% at the bottom to 6% at the top, applied after a $8,350 single-filer deduction/exemption. South Carolina's top rate is temporarily 6% (from 6.2%) through June 30, 2026.
+How much is $100,000 after taxes in South Carolina?
About $74,337 a year for a single filer in 2026 — $13,170 federal income tax, $7,650 Social Security and Medicare, and about $4,843 South Carolina state tax. That's roughly $6,195 a month.
+How much is $50,000 after taxes in South Carolina?
About $40,512 a year, or $1,558 per biweekly check, for a single filer with the standard deduction after roughly $1,843 of South Carolina state tax.
+What is the marginal state tax rate on a $75,000 salary in South Carolina?
6%. That's the South Carolina tax on your next dollar of income at $75,000, on top of the 22% federal bracket and 7.65% FICA — about 35.6% all-in on a raise before local taxes.
+Why is my actual paycheck different from this estimate?
This calculator assumes the standard deduction, single-filer state parameters, and no dependents, credits or local taxes. Employer withholding also follows your W-4, which may over- or under-withhold relative to your final tax bill.
+Do 401(k) contributions reduce state tax too?
In South Carolina, traditional 401(k) and most pre-tax benefit contributions reduce your state taxable income as well as federal. They do not reduce Social Security or Medicare tax.
Sources: IRS 2026 federal parameters; state rates and brackets as of January 1, 2026 compiled from state statutes and the Tax Foundation. Estimates only — see our terms.