South Carolina Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate sales tax in South Carolina. 6% state rate + 1.43% average local tax = 7.43% combined rate. Free calculator with city-specific rates and exemption details.

State Rate
6%
Avg Local
1.43%
Combined
7.43%
Highest Rate
9%
Average local rate pre-filled. Adjust for your city.

Sales Tax Rates in Major South Carolina Cities

CityCombined Rate
Columbia8%
Charleston9%
Greenville7%
Myrtle Beach9%

Quick Reference โ€” South Carolina at 7.43% Combined Rate

PurchaseTaxTotal
$10.00$0.74$10.74
$25.00$1.86$26.86
$50.00$3.71$53.71
$100.00$7.43$107.43
$250.00$18.57$268.57
$500.00$37.15$537.15
$1,000.00$74.30$1074.30
$5,000.00$371.50$5371.50

South Carolina Sales Tax Guide (2026)

South Carolina exempts groceries from sales tax. Local option taxes up to 3% are allowed, though most counties add 1-2%. There's a $500 cap on sales tax per item, benefiting large purchases like cars.

Tax Exemptions in South Carolina

How South Carolina Sales Tax Works

In South Carolina, the total sales tax you pay is the sum of the 6% state rate plus any local taxes imposed by your city or county. Local rates vary, with the average being 1.43% for a combined rate of 7.43%. The highest combined rate in South Carolina is 9% (some counties).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a 6% state sales tax rate. With average local taxes of 1.43%, the combined rate is 7.43%. South Carolina exempts groceries from sales tax. Local option taxes up to 3% are allowed, though most counties add 1-2%. There's a $500 cap on sales tax per item, benefiting large purchases like cars.
Are groceries taxed in South Carolina?
Groceries in South Carolina are exempt. Most unprepared food items are not subject to sales tax.
Is clothing taxed in South Carolina?
Clothing in South Carolina is taxed. Standard sales tax rates apply to clothing purchases.
What is the highest sales tax rate in South Carolina?
The highest combined rate in South Carolina is 9% (some counties). Rates vary by city and county due to local tax additions.
What are sales tax rates in major South Carolina cities?
Columbia (8%), Charleston (9%), Greenville (7%), Myrtle Beach (9%).

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Methodology, Assumptions, and Limitations

About this page: South Carolina Sales Tax Calculator โ€” 7.43% Rate (2026) is designed to help visitors make faster, better-informed decisions without creating an account or giving up personal data.

This estimate uses current federal and/or state tax assumptions, common filing-status logic, and the inputs you enter. It does not reproduce your exact payroll system, year-to-date withholding history, or every local tax rule.

Worked example: Example: compare the same salary under two filing statuses or with different pre-tax deductions to see how withholding or after-tax cash flow changes.

Source References

Editorial Transparency

Last updated: March 9, 2026 ยท Author: CalcSharp Editorial Team ยท Reviewed by: CalcSharp Finance Review Desk

CalcSharp publishes free educational calculators and guides. We prioritize plain-English explanations, visible assumptions, and links to primary or official references wherever practical.

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