South Carolina Paycheck Calculator 2026 – Estimate Your Take-Home Pay
Use our free South Carolina Paycheck Calculator to estimate your net pay for the 2026 tax year. This tool acts as a SC net pay calculator by computing Federal withholding, FICA taxes, and South Carolina income tax (based on the 3 progressive tax brackets ranging from 0% to 6%). Whether you are a salaried employee or need a South Carolina hourly paycheck calculator, this tool helps you understand your payroll deductions clearly.
- State Tax Rate: 0% – 6% (Progressive)
- Federal Tax: 10% – 37% (Based on brackets)
- Social Security: 6.2%
- Medicare: 1.45%
How the South Carolina Paycheck Calculator Works
Our SC paycheck calculator uses the latest 2026 tax formulas to convert your salary into take-home pay. We start with your gross earnings and subtract:
- Federal Withholding: Based on your W-4 filing status.
- FICA Taxes: Mandatory contributions for Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%).
- South Carolina State Tax: Calculated using the specific 3-tier bracket system applicable to your taxable income.
South Carolina Income Tax Brackets (2026)
South Carolina uses a progressive income tax system with three brackets. This makes the South Carolina income tax calculator logic straightforward.
Single Filer Brackets
| Taxable Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $3,330 | 0.00% |
| $3,331 – $16,700 | 3.00% |
| Over $16,700 | 6.00% |
Note: For Married Filing Jointly, brackets generally double.
Federal Taxes That Apply to Your Paycheck
Federal Income Tax
The IRS imposes a progressive tax ranging from 10% to 37%. Your specific rate depends on your filing status and total taxable income.
Social Security & Medicare (FICA)
Every South Carolina salary calculator includes FICA. This deducts 6.2% of your gross pay for Social Security (up to the wage limit) and 1.45% for Medicare (on all earnings).
South Carolina Paycheck After Taxes for $50,000 Salary
If you are a single filer in Charleston or Columbia earning $50,000 per year, your breakdown looks like this:
| Tax Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Tax (Est.) | $4,241 |
| FICA (7.65%) | $3,825 |
| State Tax (Est.) | $2,400 |
| Estimated Take-Home Pay | $39,534 |
Minimum Wage & Cost of Living
South Carolina adopts the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The cost of living in South Carolina is generally lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live, especially in rural areas.
How to Increase Your Take-Home Pay
To maximize your South Carolina take home pay, ensure your W-4 form is accurate. Contributing to pre-tax retirement accounts (401k/403b) reduces your taxable income, potentially dropping you into a lower tax bracket.
FAQs – South Carolina Paycheck Calculator
What is the income tax rate in South Carolina for 2026?
South Carolina tax rates range from 0% to 6%. The 0% rate applies to the first $3,330 of taxable income for single filers.
Does South Carolina tax overtime pay?
Yes, overtime pay is treated as regular income and is subject to both federal and South Carolina state income taxes.
Are there local city taxes in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina municipalities do not impose a local personal income tax on wages.