South Carolina Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay per paycheck for salary and hourly jobs after federal & South Carolina taxes
Updated for 2024 tax year on Jul 06, 2024
Calculate your paycheck in these states
How to calculate your South Carolina paycheck
Table of Contents
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:
- 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
- Annual salary
- Work out your total federal income tax
- Gross income adjusted
Gross income − Pre-tax deductions = Gross income adjusted - Federal taxable income
Gross income adjusted − Federal standard/itemized deductions = Federal taxable income - Federal income tax liability
Federal taxable income × Federal income tax rate = Federal income tax liability - Federal payroll tax liability
Gross income × Federal payroll tax rate = Federal payroll tax liability
- Gross income adjusted
- Calculate your total South Carolina state income tax
- South Carolina state taxable income
Gross income adjusted − (South Carolina state standard/itemized deductions + South Carolina state exemptions) = South Carolina state taxable income - South Carolina state income tax liability
South Carolina state taxable income × South Carolina state income tax rate = South Carolina state income tax liability
- South Carolina state taxable income
- 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 - 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
- Daily
State income tax brackets
Refer to Tax Foundation for more details.
| Tax year | Filing status | Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Single Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) Married, Filing Separately Head of Household |
$0 - $3,460 | 0% |
| $3,460 - $17,330 | 3% | ||
| $17,330+ | 6.3% | ||
| 2023 | Single Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) Married, Filing Separately Head of Household |
$0 - $3,330 | 0% |
| $3,330 - $16,680 | 3% | ||
| $16,680+ | 7% | ||
| 2022 | Single Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) Married, Filing Separately Head of Household |
$0 – $3,200 | 0% |
| $3,200 – $6,410 | 3% | ||
| $6,410 – $9,620 | 4% | ||
| $9,620 – $12,820 | 5% | ||
| $12,820 – $16,040 | 6% | ||
| $16,040+ | 7% | ||
| 2021 | Single Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) Married, Filing Separately Head of Household |
$0 – $3,070 | 0% |
| $3,070 – $6,150 | 3% | ||
| $6,150 – $9,230 | 4% | ||
| $9,230 – $12,310 | 5% | ||
| $12,310 – $15,400 | 6% | ||
| $15,400+ | 7% | ||
| 2020 | Single Married, Filing Jointly or Widow(er) Married, Filing Separately Head of Household |
$0 – $3,030 | 0% |
| $3,030 – $6,060 | 3% | ||
| $6,060 – $9,090 | 4% | ||
| $9,090 – $12,120 | 5% | ||
| $12,120 – $15,160 | 6% | ||
| $15,160+ | 7% |
State standard deduction
| Tax year | Filing status | Standard deduction amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Single Married, Filing Separately |
$14,600 |
| Married, Filing Jointly | $29,200 | |
| Head of Household | $21,900 | |
| 2023 | Single Married, Filing Separately |
$13,850 |
| Married, Filing Jointly | $27,700 | |
| Head of Household | $20,800 | |
| 2022 | Single Married, Filing Separately |
$12,950 |
| Married, Filing Jointly | $25,900 | |
| Head of Household | $19,400 | |
| 2021 | Single Married, Filing Separately |
$12,550 |
| Married, Filing Jointly | $25,100 | |
| Head of Household | $18,800 | |
| 2020 | Single Married, Filing Separately |
$12,200 |
| Married, Filing Jointly | $24,400 | |
| Head of Household | $18,350 |
State exemptions
| Tax year | Filing status | Personal exemption amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dependent(s) | $4,610 |
| 2023 | Dependent(s) | $4,430 |
| 2022 | Dependent(s) | $4,300 |
| 2021 | Dependent(s) | $4,260 |
| 2020 | Any | $0 |
FAQs
How to calculate take home pay in South Carolina?
Follow the steps below to work out your take-home pay:
- Determine your gross income
- Work out your total federal income tax
- Calculate your total South Carolina state income tax
- Gross income minus taxes, deductions and withholdings
- Divide your net pay by your pay frequency
How much will South Carolina tax paychecks in 2024?
In 2024, South Carolina's state income tax rates range from 0% to 6.3%. Your specific rate depends on your taxable income.
How much is taken out of my paycheck in South Carolina?
Your paycheck in South Carolina will be reduced by taxes and contributions. Federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security and Medicare will be deducted from your paycheck. Depending on your employer, you might also see deductions for health insurance, retirement savings, and other benefits.
What percentage of my paycheck goes to taxes in South Carolina?
The taxes on your paycheck include
- federal income tax (10% to 37%)
- state income tax (0% to 6.3%)
- Social Security (6.2%)
- Medicare (1.45% to 2.35%)