South Carolina has state and local sales taxes that can total up to 9% depending on the jurisdiction. As a consumer or business owner in South Carolina, it is important to understand how sales tax works in the state. In this detailed guide, there is a South Carolina Sales Tax Calculator and all about sales tax in South Carolina.
South Carolina Sales Tax Calculator
The South Carolina sales tax calculator is an online tool that automatically computes sales tax for purchases made in South Carolina. To use the calculator, you simply select the county and city where the purchase is being made from dropdown menus. Then enter the total price of the purchase. The calculator will instantly figure out the sales tax amount by applying the correct sales tax rate for that location in South Carolina.
South Carolina Sales Tax Calculator
South Carolina Sales Tax Calculator
South Carolina sales tax calculator makes it easy for shoppers to estimate their total payment including tax when buying goods and services within the state. The calculator ensures you don’t over or underpay sales tax, avoiding issues at checkout. It’s a convenient way to determine sales tax owed in South Carolina’s various jurisdictions.
Overview of South Carolina Sales Tax
South Carolina has a 6% statewide sales and use tax rate. Additionally, counties can impose local taxes up to 3%.
- 6% South Carolina state sales and use tax rate
- Local taxes imposed by counties up to 3%
- Combined state and local taxes can reach up to 9%
- Taxes levied on retail sales of tangible goods and some services
- Sellers collect tax from consumers at the point of sale
Some exemptions are available for groceries, prescriptions, manufacturing machines, etc.
Sales Tax Rates across South Carolina
While the state tax rate is 6%, local taxes vary by county:
- Greenville County – 7% (6% state + 1% local)
- Richland County – 8% (6% + 2%)
- Charleston County – 9% (6% + 3%)
- Horry County – 9% (6% + 3%)
- York County – 8% (6% + 2%)
- Spartanburg County – 7% (6% + 1%)
Use the zip code lookup tool to determine the exact combined sales tax rate.
What Purchases are Subject to Sales Tax in South Carolina?
South Carolina sales tax applies to retail transactions of:
Goods
- Electronics like computers, phones, and appliances
- Furniture and home goods
- Clothing, accessories, and jewelry
- Sporting goods
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Motor vehicles and bikes
Services
- Accommodation including hotels, motels
- Food and drinks at restaurants
- Admission to recreational events, movies, etc.
- Telecommunications services
- Dry cleaning and laundry
- Automotive repairs and services
Refer to the South Carolina sales and use tax guide for details on taxable goods and services.
Who Needs to Collect South Carolina Sales Tax?
The following sellers are required to register and collect applicable sales taxes in South Carolina:
- Retailers with stores/offices located in South Carolina
- Restaurants, hotels and other providers operating in the state
- eCommerce companies shipping products to South Carolina addresses
- Marketplace facilitators like Amazon, eBay, Etsy
- Remote sellers exceeding $100,000 in annual South Carolina sales
Out-of-state sellers must also collect South Carolina sales tax on all sales delivered into the state. Check here for more details on registering for a retail license.
How Should Sales Tax be Collected in South Carolina?
Here are the steps for properly collecting and reporting South Carolina sales tax:
- Determine if the product or service sold is subject to South Carolina sales tax
- Identify the delivery address to ascertain applicable combined state and local tax rate
- Calculate sales tax by applying the tax rate to the transaction value
- Collect tax from the customer along with payment
- Report and remit collected taxes through monthly or quarterly tax filings
- Maintain proper documentation regarding tax collections, remittances, and filings
Using automated sales tax software can help accurately compute tax.
Common Sales Tax Exemptions in South Carolina
Some key transactions exempt from sales tax in South Carolina:
- Purchases by government agencies
- Prescription drugs and prosthetic devices
- Lottery tickets and playing cards
- Groceries that are not prepared meals
- Livestock feed, seeds, fertilizers for farming
- Machinery used in manufacturing
- Fuel used for business purposes
- Room rentals for over 90 days
Refer to the South Carolina sales tax exemptions list for more details.
Sales Tax Compliance Tips for South Carolina Businesses
Some tips for South Carolina sales tax compliance:
- Check if business needs to register for a retail license
- Use customer delivery addresses to determine applicable tax rates
- Integrate sales tax software to compute tax accurately
- Issue itemized invoices and receipts showing taxes collected
- File nil returns even if no taxes were collected in a period
- Maintain tax records and books for at least 5 years
- Avoid penalties by making timely sales tax payments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Carolina’s use tax rate?
South Carolina’s use tax rate is identical to the sales tax rate that applies based on where the goods or services are consumed.
Does South Carolina tax groceries and medicines?
Most groceries are exempt, but prepared foods are taxable. Prescription medicines are exempt.
When are South Carolina sales taxes due?
Sales taxes must be filed and paid monthly or quarterly based on business volumes. Due dates are 20th of the subsequent month.
What are the penalties for incorrect South Carolina sales tax?
Late payments attract penalties of 5% plus interest. Incorrect calculations can result in fines up to 25% of uncollected taxes.
Can non-profits get sales tax exemption in South Carolina?
Yes, qualified non-profit entities can apply for sales and use tax exemption.
Conclusion
South Carolina has moderate sales taxes with some local variation. Proper compliance can help businesses optimize their post-tax revenues. Understanding changing rates, exemptions, integrating software, timely filing and payment, and maintaining documentation are key for South Carolina sales tax compliance.
