What is the sales tax rate in South Carolina?

The South Carolina statewide sales tax rate is 6.000%. However, counties can add local sales taxes of up to 3%, making the total rate range from 6% to 9%. Charleston has the highest rate at 9% (6% state + 3% local).

Does South Carolina have local sales tax?

Yes, South Carolina allows counties to impose local option sales taxes of up to 3%. Most counties charge between 1% and 3% local tax in addition to the 6.000% state rate. The combined rate varies by county.

Are groceries taxed in South Carolina?

Most unprepared grocery items are exempt from South Carolina sales tax. This includes meat, poultry, fish, eggs, bread, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and some specialty items may be taxable. South Carolina also treats candy and soda as groceries (exempt).

Is clothing taxed in South Carolina?

Yes, clothing and footwear are generally subject to South Carolina's full sales tax. However, South Carolina holds an annual Sales Tax Holiday in August (typically the first weekend) when clothing, computers, school supplies, and other back-to-school items can be purchased tax-free.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina charges a maximum of $500 in sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, whether new or used. This cap was enacted in 2017. The tax is based on the 6.000% state rate plus local taxes, but capped at $500 total (previously it was 5% with a $300 cap).

When did South Carolina last change its sales tax rate?

South Carolina last changed its state sales tax rate on June 1, 2007, when it increased from 5% to 6.000%. This 1% increase was enacted through 2006 Act No. 388 and has remained unchanged for over 15 years.

What is the August Sales Tax Holiday?

South Carolina holds an annual Sales Tax Holiday on the first weekend of August. During this three-day period, qualifying items including clothing, school supplies, computers, and accessories can be purchased tax-free. This helps families with back-to-school shopping expenses.

Do I pay SC sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, South Carolina requires sales tax on online purchases delivered to South Carolina addresses. Out-of-state sellers meeting the state's economic nexus threshold must collect the 6.000% state tax plus applicable local taxes.

Sales Tax Calculator

South Carolina Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate South Carolina sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

6.000%

Select City

Amount before tax

About South Carolina Sales Tax

State rate: 6.000%

Local rate in Charleston County: 3.000%

Combined rate in Charleston: 9.000%

State Rate

6.000%

Local Tax

Up to 3%

Max Combined

9.000%

Sumter County

8.000%

Standard Rate

42,958

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
Charleston	Charleston	9.000%	Standard Rate	157,665
Columbia	Richland	8.000%	Standard Rate	144,788
North Charleston	Charleston	9.000%	Standard Rate	126,005
Mount Pleasant	Charleston	9.000%	Standard Rate	95,604
Rock Hill	York	7.000%	Standard Rate	75,798
Greenville	Greenville	6.000%	Standard Rate	74,371
Summerville	Dorchester	7.000%	Standard Rate	52,625
Goose Creek	Berkeley	9.000%	Standard Rate	50,352
Greer	Greenville	6.000%	Standard Rate	46,316
Sumter	Sumter	8.000%	Standard Rate	42,958
Florence	Florence	8.000%	Standard Rate	40,923
Myrtle Beach	Horry	8.000%	Special District	40,535
Spartanburg	Spartanburg	7.000%	Standard Rate	39,606
Hilton Head Island	Beaufort	6.000%	Standard Rate	38,158
Fort Mill	York	7.000%	Standard Rate	36,244
Bluffton	Beaufort	6.000%	Standard Rate	35,243
Aiken	Aiken	8.000%	Standard Rate	32,947
Anderson	Anderson	7.000%	Standard Rate	29,980
Simpsonville	Greenville	6.000%	Standard Rate	28,078
Mauldin	Greenville	6.000%	Standard Rate	28,010
Conway	Horry	8.000%	Standard Rate	27,985
North Augusta	Aiken	8.000%	Standard Rate	26,395
Lexington	Lexington	7.000%	Standard Rate	25,354
Greenwood	Greenwood	7.000%	Standard Rate	22,667
Hanahan	Berkeley	9.000%	Standard Rate	21,983
North Myrtle Beach	Horry	8.000%	Standard Rate	20,798
West Columbia	Lexington	7.000%	Standard Rate	18,418

Note: Charleston has the highest combined rate at 9% (6% state + 3% local). Most counties charge 1-2% local tax on top of the state rate.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in South Carolina

Sales Tax Calculation

South Carolina

Example: Television Purchase in Charleston

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 9.00% (0.09)

Sales tax $45.00

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $45.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $545.00

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.09 to find the pre-tax price in Charleston. Example: $109.00 ÷ 1.09 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Electronics, furniture, clothing

Exempt: Groceries, prescriptions, farm equipment

Special South Carolina Sales Tax Rules

August Sales Tax Holiday

South Carolina holds an annual Sales Tax Holiday on the first weekend of August (Friday through Sunday). During this period, qualifying back-to-school items can be purchased tax-free.

2025 Dates: The tax holiday typically runs for three days in early August. Check the SC Department of Revenue for exact dates.

Qualifying Items

Clothing & Footwear: No price limit
School Supplies: Up to $50 per item
Computers & Accessories: Up to $1,500 per item
Backpacks & Bags: No restrictions

Tax-Exempt Items

South Carolina exempts several essential items from sales tax

•
Food & Groceries: Most unprepared food items, including candy and soda
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers
•
Medical Devices: Prosthetic devices and certain medical equipment
•
Farm Equipment: Agricultural machinery and equipment used in production
•
Motor Vehicles: Subject to a $500 maximum tax (6% + local, capped at $500 total)

How South Carolina Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how South Carolina's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

North Carolina

4.75%

+ up to 2.75% local

South Carolina

6.000%

+ up to 3% local

#28 of 50 states

Georgia

4.00%

+ up to 5% local

South Carolina has a higher base rate than its neighbors, but local taxes are relatively moderate compared to Georgia's potential 5% local addition.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

South Carolina Sales Tax Rate History

South Carolina's sales tax rate has been relatively stable in recent decades. Here's the history:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
June 1, 2007	6.000%	▲ +1.000%	Increased from 5% via 2006 Act No. 388
Before 2007	5.000%	—	Previous rate (long-standing)
1951	N/A	—	Sales tax first introduced in South Carolina

Note: South Carolina's sales tax has remained at 6% since June 2007. The 2006 Act No. 388 added an additional 1% tax on top of the existing 5% rate, bringing the total to the current 6%.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current South Carolina sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the South Carolina Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: South Carolina Department of Revenue, S.C. Code Ann. § 12-36 (Sales and Use Tax)

Last updated: October 10, 2025