South Carolina sales tax rate (2026)
South Carolina's state sales tax is 6%. Local taxes add 1.49% on average and up to 3%, for an average combined rate of 7.49%, ranking 19 of 50 states (1 = highest). Tax on a $100 purchase is about $7.49.
South Carolina sales tax at a glance
| State | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| State rate | 6% |
| Average local rate | 1.49% |
| Highest local rate | 3% |
| Average combined rate | 7.49% |
| Highest combined rate | 9% |
| Rank by average combined rate | 19 of 50 |
Rates: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (in force July 1, 2026). Local rates change during the year and differ by address, so check the state revenue department's rate lookup before filing a return. Source
Sales tax on common prices in South Carolina
| Price | Tax at 7.49% | Total | State tax only (6%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.75 | $10.75 | $0.60 |
| $39.99 | $3.00 | $42.99 | $2.40 |
| $100.00 | $7.49 | $107.49 | $6.00 |
| $500.00 | $37.45 | $537.45 | $30.00 |
| $1,000.00 | $74.90 | $1,074.90 | $60.00 |
| $25,000.00 | $1,872.50 | $26,872.50 | $1,500.00 |
Removing South Carolina sales tax from a total
Tax is a percentage of the price before tax, so divide the total by 1 plus the rate. A $100.00 receipt at the average combined rate of 7.49% is $100.00 ÷ 1.0749 = $93.03 before tax; the tax was $6.97.
South Carolina vs neighboring states
Average combined rates in the states that border South Carolina. Buying across the border does not avoid tax on items you bring home: you owe use tax at your home state's rate.
| State | State rate | Avg. combined |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 4% | 7.56% |
| South Carolina | 6% | 7.49% |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 7.1% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in South Carolina?
The state rate is 6%. Counties, cities and special districts add their own taxes: 1.49% on average and up to 3%, so most purchases are taxed at 6% to 9%, 7.49% on average.
How much is the sales tax on $100 in South Carolina?
At the average combined rate of 7.49%, tax on $100 is $7.49 and the total $107.49. With the state rate alone (6%), it is $6.00; at the highest combined rate (9%), $9.00.
How do I calculate South Carolina sales tax backwards?
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate. At 7.49%, a $100.00 total is $100.00 ÷ 1.0749 = $93.03 before tax, so the tax was $6.97. The calculator's Remove tax mode does this for any total.
Do I have to pay use tax in South Carolina?
Yes. If you buy a taxable item without paying South Carolina sales tax, for example from an out-of-state seller that does not collect it, you owe South Carolina use tax at the same rate. Most large online sellers and marketplaces now collect South Carolina tax at checkout.