Capital Gains Tax for South Carolina (2026)
South Carolina (SC) Key Facts
State Capital Gains Rate
6.4%
Taxed As
Ordinary income
Federal Rate Applies
Yes (0%, 15%, or 20%)
Long Term vs Short Term
Both taxed at state level
How This Calculator Works in South Carolina
This calculator estimates your combined federal and South Carolina capital gains tax. Enter your gain amount, holding period, and income to see your estimated tax.
South Carolina Overview
South Carolina taxes capital gains as ordinary income at up to 6.4%. Federal capital gains taxes also apply, with long-term rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income. The combined state and federal burden should be considered when planning asset sales or investment strategies.
How South Carolina Compares
South Carolina's capital gains rate of 6.4% compares to North Carolina at 4.5% and Georgia at 5.39%. State capital gains taxes significantly impact net investment returns.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 4.5% | North Carolina has a capital gains rate of 4.5%. |
| Georgia | 5.39% | Georgia has a capital gains rate of 5.39%. |
South Carolina's capital gains rate of 6.4% compares to a national average of approximately 5.04%. This is above the national average.
Tips for South Carolina Residents
- 1South Carolina taxes capital gains as ordinary income at up to 6.4%.
- 2Federal long-term gains (held 1+ year) are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20%. South Carolina's state tax applies on top of the federal rate.
- 3Hold investments over one year to qualify for lower federal long-term rates rather than ordinary income rates.
- 4Tax-loss harvesting—selling losing investments to offset gains—reduces both federal and South Carolina state capital gains tax.
- 5Consider the combined federal + state rate when planning large asset sales. The total can exceed 30.2% for high earners.