Free South Carolina Car Sales Tax Calculator

Work out the South Carolina car sales tax on a new or used car. South Carolina charges infrastructure maintenance fee (5%, maximum $500). Your trade-in lowers the taxable price.

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$
Infrastructure maintenance fee (5%, maximum $500).
More options: rebate, dealer fees, state rules
$
$
Doc fees are taxable in many states. Leave at 0 if unsure.
Estimated tax
$500.00
Taxable amount$30,000.00
Tax$500.00
Total due (before title and registration)$30,500.00
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South Carolina car sales tax rules

  • Tax type: Infrastructure maintenance fee (5%, maximum $500)
  • Rate used in the calculator: 5%
  • Local taxes: Vehicles that pay the fee are exempt from state and local sales tax.
  • Trade-in credit: Yes. The fee is figured on the price less the trade-in.
  • Manufacturer rebates: Not confirmed by the state source; the calculator taxes the price before the rebate, the more cautious choice.
  • Also note: The fee is capped at $500, so any car over $10,000 pays $500.

Tax on common car prices in South Carolina

PriceTaxTax with $5,000 trade-inPrice + tax
$10,000$500.00$250.00$10,500.00
$20,000$500.00$500.00$20,500.00
$30,000$500.00$500.00$30,500.00
$40,000$500.00$500.00$40,500.00
$50,000$500.00$500.00$50,500.00

At 5%.

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Other costs when you buy a car

On top of the tax, expect title, registration and plate fees, and a dealer documentation fee. Check whether the car fits your budget with the car affordability calculator, or compare with a lease.

Frequently asked questions

How much is sales tax on a car in South Carolina?

South Carolina charges infrastructure maintenance fee (5%, maximum $500). Your trade-in lowers the taxable price.

How much tax will I pay on a $30,000 car in South Carolina?

About $500.00 at 5%, or $500.00 with a $5,000 trade-in. Title, registration and plate fees are extra.

Does a trade-in reduce car sales tax in South Carolina?

Yes. The fee is figured on the price less the trade-in.

Do local taxes apply to cars in South Carolina?

Vehicles that pay the fee are exempt from state and local sales tax.

Sources

Rules last reviewed 2026-11-11. Estimates only; the dealer or your state motor vehicle agency calculates the final amount.

Other states

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