South Carolina Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in South Carolina. South Carolina has a 6% state sales tax rate; local taxes bring the average combined rate to 7.49%. Based on current SC rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

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%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$7.49

Total with Tax

$107.49

Combined Rate

7.490%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (6.00%)$6.00
Local Tax (1.49%)$1.49
Total Sales Tax$7.49
Total with Tax$107.49

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

South Carolina Sales Tax Guide

South Carolina's statewide sales tax is 6%, and that's the floor rather than the final number. Counties can add local option, capital project, education, and transportation taxes that stack up to roughly 3% more, so combined rates in much of the state land in the 7% to 9% range depending on where you ring up the purchase. The rate that applies is the one at the point of sale, which is why the same item can cost a little more in one county than the next one over.

Not everything is taxed. Unprepared groceries are exempt from the state sales tax, and prescription drugs are exempt as well, which softens the bite on essentials. South Carolina also caps the sales tax on motor vehicles at $500 no matter how expensive the car is, a quirk that saves buyers a lot on pricier vehicles. When you buy from an out-of-state seller that doesn't collect South Carolina tax, the state's use tax fills the gap: you owe the same combined rate on items brought in for use here, and it's reported on your return rather than at a register.

South Carolina Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 6%
Local Sales Taxes Yes, 1.49% on average
Average Combined Rate 7.49% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
Local Tax Note Local option sales taxes up to 3%
State Income Tax progressive (up to 5.21%)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 0.44%

Official Sources:

South Carolina Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in South Carolina?
The state rate is 6%. Counties may add local option taxes of up to about 3% for things like capital projects, schools, and transportation, pushing combined rates into the 7% to 9% range in many areas. The exact total depends on the county where the sale happens, so it varies across the state.
Are groceries and prescriptions taxed in South Carolina?
Unprepared groceries are exempt from the state sales tax, and prescription drugs are exempt as well. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable, and some counties apply local taxes that can reach certain food items, so the exemption mainly covers staple grocery purchases. Over-the-counter products without a prescription remain taxable.
Why is sales tax on a car so low in South Carolina?
South Carolina caps the sales tax on a motor vehicle at $500 regardless of the purchase price, so a buyer pays the same $500 ceiling on an expensive car as on a moderately priced one. That cap, technically an infrastructure maintenance fee in current law, replaces the percentage-based tax you'd otherwise owe and is a notable break compared with states that tax the full price.
Do I owe use tax on out-of-state purchases?
Yes, when South Carolina sales tax wasn't collected at checkout. If you buy from a seller that doesn't charge the tax and use the item in South Carolina, you owe use tax at the same combined state-and-local rate that would apply locally. It's reported and paid on your South Carolina return rather than at the time of purchase.

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