South Carolina Sales Tax Calculator
Figure the tax, the total, or the pre-tax price for any U.S. state or city rate
South Carolina levies a 6% state sales tax on most tangible goods and many services. On top of the state base rate, counties and municipalities can impose their own local taxes — typically 1% to 3% — pushing the average combined (state + local) rate to 7.49% statewide, according to the Tax Foundation. In tourist-heavy areas like Myrtle Beach or certain counties in Jasper, combined rates can reach as high as 9%, so the exact tax you pay depends on where your transaction takes place.
One important local rule: unprepared grocery items (fresh produce, raw meat, dairy, bread, canned goods) are fully exempt from the 6% state sales tax. However, some counties apply their own local taxes to groceries, so shoppers in different counties may see slightly different food bills. Prepared meals, restaurant food, and alcohol are fully taxable at the combined rate.
Worked example: On a $100 retail purchase in Columbia, SC (Richland County, combined rate roughly 8%), the sales tax comes to $8.00, making your total $108.00. In a county with only the state rate of 6%, that same purchase costs $106.00.
To use this calculator, simply enter the purchase price in the Amount field and confirm the Rate field reflects your local combined rate (default is 7.49%, the SC statewide average). The tool instantly shows the tax amount and final total — useful for budgeting big purchases like electronics, furniture, or vehicles before you buy.
Practical example — South Carolina
A $1,200 laptop purchased in Charleston, SC (combined rate ~9%) costs $108 in sales tax, for a total of $1,308 — compared to $1,272 in a county with only the 6% state rate.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in South Carolina?
South Carolina's state sales tax rate is 6%. Most counties and some municipalities add a local surcharge of 1%–3%, bringing the statewide average combined rate to approximately 7.49% in 2025, according to the Tax Foundation.
Does South Carolina have local sales taxes?
Yes. South Carolina counties are authorized to levy additional local sales taxes — commonly 1% (such as a Capital Projects Tax or Transportation Tax) — and some municipalities add their own. The combined rate ranges from 6% (state only) to as high as 9% in some jurisdictions.
Are groceries taxed in South Carolina?
Unprepared food items — groceries like fresh produce, raw meat, dairy, and canned goods — are exempt from South Carolina's 6% state sales tax. However, some county-level local taxes may still apply to groceries depending on the specific local ordinance. Prepared restaurant meals are fully taxable.
How does South Carolina's sales tax compare to neighboring states?
At 6% state rate and 7.49% average combined, South Carolina falls in the mid-range regionally. North Carolina has a 4.75% state rate (7.0% average combined), Georgia charges 4% state (7.38% combined), and Tennessee is higher at 7% state (9.56% combined).
Are vehicles subject to South Carolina sales tax?
Yes, but with a cap. Motor vehicle purchases in South Carolina are subject to a 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (in lieu of regular sales tax), capped at $500 per vehicle. This means buying a $20,000 car costs $500 in this fee — not $1,400 at the combined rate.