How South Carolina Paychecks Are Taxed in 2026
South Carolina taxes the first $3,640 of taxable income at 0%, the next band at 3% and income above $18,230 at a 6% top rate. It starts from federal taxable income.
For 2026, South Carolina has state income tax rates from 3% to 6%. Before the rates apply, South Carolina allows a standard deduction of $8,350 for single filers ($16,700 for married couples filing jointly).
As a reference point, a single filer in South Carolina earning $60,000 with no pre-tax deductions keeps about $47,947 a year, or roughly $1,844.11 per bi-weekly paycheck. Enter your own pay above to see your numbers.
South Carolina Paycheck Taxes at a Glance
South Carolina Income Tax Brackets for 2026
South Carolina uses 3 brackets from 3% to 6%. Each rate applies only to the part of your taxable income inside that bracket.
All filers (taxable income)
Before these rates apply, South Carolina subtracts a $8,350 standard deduction. Head of household and married filing separately use the single schedule in our calculator unless the state sets its own.
Federal and South Carolina Payroll Taxes
Payroll taxes are separate from income tax and work the same in every state: Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 in 2026, and Medicare is 1.45% of all wages, with an extra 0.9% withheld on wages over $200,000.
South Carolina does not withhold a statewide employee payroll tax such as disability or paid family leave insurance.
Take-Home Pay by Salary in South Carolina
Yearly estimates with the standard deduction, no pre-tax deductions and no local tax. Married figures assume one earner filing jointly.
| Salary | Federal tax | FICA | South Carolina tax | Take-home, single | Take-home, married |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $1,420 | $2,295 | $643 | $25,642 | $27,415 |
| $45,000 | $3,220 | $3,443 | $1,543 | $36,795 | $39,236 |
| $60,000 | $5,020 | $4,590 | $2,443 | $47,947 | $50,628 |
| $75,000 | $7,670 | $5,738 | $3,343 | $58,250 | $61,781 |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $7,650 | $4,843 | $74,337 | $80,368 |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $11,475 | $7,843 | $105,948 | $115,843 |
| $200,000 | $36,734 | $14,339 | $10,843 | $138,084 | $148,979 |
A $60,000 Paycheck in South Carolina, Line by Line
Single filer, paid bi-weekly (26 paychecks), standard withholding, no pre-tax deductions.
Over a year that's $47,947 take-home, with a total tax rate of 20.1%. South Carolina income tax is 4.07% of gross pay.
South Carolina vs. Nearby States
Yearly take-home on a $60,000 salary, single filer, no pre-tax deductions or local tax.
South Carolina Paycheck FAQs
What is the South Carolina state income tax rate in 2026?
South Carolina rates for 2026 range from 3% to 6%, depending on taxable income and filing status.
How much is $60,000 a year after taxes in South Carolina?
A single filer earning $60,000 in South Carolina takes home about $47,947 a year, or $1,844.11 per bi-weekly paycheck, with standard withholding and no pre-tax deductions.
Do I pay local income tax in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not have general city or county income taxes on wages.
Does South Carolina withhold any state payroll taxes?
No. South Carolina has no statewide employee payroll tax for disability or paid leave, so only federal Social Security and Medicare apply.
Does filing status change my South Carolina tax?
Yes. South Carolina gives married couples filing jointly different brackets, deductions or exemptions than single filers, and filing status also changes your federal withholding.
Will my paycheck match this calculator exactly?
It should be close. The calculator estimates your yearly taxes and spreads them across your paychecks. Your employer uses your W-4, any state withholding form, your benefit elections and its payroll system, so your stub can differ by a few dollars.