South Carolina Retirement Tax Friendliness

South Carolina Retirement Taxes

Planning your retirement escape? If warm weather, sandy beaches and low taxes are among your priorities, South Carolina may be a good choice. The Palmetto State has some of the country’s most beautiful shoreline, and it's retirement tax-friendly to boot.

What makes South Carolina a good choice for budget-conscious seniors? Well, for starters, its cost of living is a bit lower than the national average. On top of that, it provides a full income tax exemption for all Social Security retirement benefits and multiple other deductions for retirement income and total income.

A financial advisor can help you plan for retirement and other financial goals. Finding a financial advisor. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Is South Carolina tax-friendly for retirees?

South Carolina does not tax Social Security retirement benefits whatsoever. It provides a substantial deduction on all other types of retirement income, including income from retirement accounts. Retirees who own a home in South Carolina will fare especially well, as the state has some of the lowest property taxes in the country at 0.53%.

Is Social Security taxable in South Carolina?

Any Social Security that is included in your adjusted gross income (AGI) for federal purposes can be subtracted out of your AGI on your South Carolina tax return. This, along with the low cost of living in South Carolina, means it is possible for some seniors in the Palmetto State to survive on Social Security retirement benefits alone.

Are other forms of retirement income taxable in South Carolina?

Yes, but they are also largely deductible. For taxpayers under the age of 65 the deduction is $3,000. For seniors 65 and older, the deduction is $10,000. This can be applied across all types of retirement income, including income from a 401(k), an IRA, a government pension or a public pension. Those with a military retirement plan can exclude up to the amount of military retirement income that is included in South Carolina taxable income. 

If you are a senior and your total income from all those sources is less than $10,000, you will not pay any South Carolina income taxes. Above that limit, you may need to pay taxes at the rates shown in the table below.

How high are property taxes in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s property taxes are among the lowest in the United States. The average effective property tax rate is just 0.53%. This means homeowners can expect to pay about $530 for every $100,000 in home value.

Indeed, most South Carolina homeowners pay a little more than $1,000 annually in property taxes. This contributes to the low cost of housing in South Carolina. But for seniors, costs may be even lower. The Homestead Exemption in the state can significantly reduce property taxes.

What is the South Carolina Homestead Exemption?

Homeowners 65 and older qualify for the South Carolina Homestead Exemption. If the property has served as your primary residence for at least one year, the first $50,000 of your home’s fair market value is exempt from taxation. This can lead to hundreds of dollars of savings each year off South Carolina’s already low property taxes. Apply for the exemption at your county auditor’s office.

How high are sales taxes in South Carolina?

Sales taxes in South Carolina are somewhat higher than the national average. They range from 6% (the state rate) to a maximum of 9%. In most of the state, the rate is an average of 7.70%.

Prescription drugs and groceries are fully exempt from sales taxes. However, clothing is taxable, as are motor vehicles indirectly through the infrastructure maintenance fee.

What other South Carolina taxes should I be concerned about?

If you plan on supporting yourself during retirement with investments that are not held in a retirement account, it’s important to be aware of South Carolina’s tax on long-term capital gains. Gains made on investments, whether they were held for more than or less than one year, are subject to the South Carolina income tax rates shown in the table above. Long-term gains, which are held for at least one year, receive a 44% deduction, though.

South Carolina does not have an estate or inheritance tax.