South Carolina Paycheck Calculator

Calculate your take-home pay per paycheck for salary and hourly jobs after federal & South Carolina taxes

Updated for 2025 tax year on Feb 14, 2025

Calculate your paycheck in these states

How to calculate your South Carolina paycheck

Overview of South Carolina

South Carolina has a population of over 5 million (2019) and has an advanced manufacturing industry, with industrial outputs including textile goods, chemical products, paper products, machinery, etc. The state is also famous for its beaches and golf courses.

Brief summary:

• the income tax rate ranges from 0% to 6.3%
• no state-level payroll tax
• has standard deductions and exemptions

Understanding your South Carolina paycheck

Decoding the complexities of your South Carolina paycheck is vital for effectively managing your finances, whether you’re just entering the workforce or have years of experience. This article will shed light on the W-4, pre-tax and post-tax deductions, and other essential aspects. Let’s delve into the various components of your South Carolina paycheck.

First, we talk about your gross pay, which signifies your total earnings before deductions. Several factors will decrease this amount, eventually resulting in your net pay. We’ll examine these components to help you comprehend where your hard-earned money goes.

A critical element of your paycheck is the federal income tax withheld, determined by the W-4 form you provide to your employer. This essential form calculates the proper withholding based on your filing status, income, dependents, and additional income or deductions.

South Carolina imposes a progressive state income tax, which means tax rates increase as your income level rises. It’s vital to understand this concept and how it impacts your paycheck.

Additionally, your paycheck will include payroll taxes such as Social Security and Medicare, collectively known as FICA taxes. These taxes fund essential social programs, benefiting both current and future generations. Employees and employers share responsibility for contributing to these vital programs.

Besides taxes, your paycheck may contain several deductions. Pre-tax deductions, like contributions to retirement plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), lower your taxable income, enabling you to save on taxes while investing in your future.

On the other hand, post-tax deductions occur after calculating your taxable income. These deductions can include union dues, charitable donations, and wage garnishments. As each situation is unique, staying informed about the specific deductions applicable to you is crucial.

After accounting for all deductions and taxes, you’ll receive your net pay—the amount deposited into your bank account. Regularly reviewing your pay stubs ensures the accuracy of deductions and helps you grasp the effects of financial decisions on your take-home pay.

To improve your tax situation, consider contributing to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k) plans and HSAs. These pre-tax contributions reduce your taxable income, potentially lowering your taxes and enhancing your financial future.

Calculate your South Carolina paycheck

Calculating your South Carolina state income tax is similar to the steps we listed on our main paycheck calculator page:

1. Determine your gross income
   • Annual salary
     Annual salary = Gross income
   • Hourly wage
     Hourly wage × Hours worked per day × Days worked per week × Weeks worked per year = Your weekly paycheck
2. Work out your total federal income tax
   1. Gross income adjusted
      Gross income − Pre-tax deductions = Gross income adjusted
   2. Federal taxable income
      Gross income adjusted − Federal standard/itemized deductions = Federal taxable income
   3. Federal income tax liability
      Federal taxable income × Federal income tax rate = Federal income tax liability
   4. Federal payroll tax liability
      Gross income × Federal payroll tax rate = Federal payroll tax liability
3. Calculate your total South Carolina state income tax
   1. South Carolina state taxable income
      Gross income adjusted − (South Carolina state standard/itemized deductions + South Carolina state exemptions) = South Carolina state taxable income
   2. South Carolina state income tax liability
      South Carolina state taxable income × South Carolina state income tax rate = South Carolina state income tax liability
4. Figure out your net pay
   You need to account for any other deductions such as health insurance, 401(k) contribution, as well as additional withholdings.
   Gross income − (Total income tax liability + Total payroll tax liability + Total pre-tax deductions + Total post-tax deductions + Total withholdings) = Your net pay
5. Divide your net pay by your pay frequency
   
   • Daily
     Your net pay / Days worked per week / Weeks worked per year = Your daily paycheck
   • Weekly
     Your net pay / 52 = Your weekly paycheck
   • Bi-weekly
     Your net pay / 26 = Your bi-weekly paycheck
   • Semi-monthly
     Your net pay / 24 = Your semi-monthly paycheck
   • Monthly
     Your net pay / 12 = Your monthly paycheck
   • Quarterly
     Your net pay / 4 = Your quarterly paycheck
   • Semi-annual
     Your net pay / 2 = Your semi-annual paycheck
   • Annual
     Your net pay = Your annual paycheck

State income tax brackets

Refer to Tax Foundation for more details.

State standard deduction

State exemptions

FAQs