State Sales Tax
The General Sales tax in South Carolina is 5 percent.
On November 7, 2000, Aiken County voters passed a seven-year One-Cent Sales Tax referendum. Effective May 1, 2001, the sales tax in Aiken County increased from five to six cents on all retail sales. Proceeds from the one-cent tax will generate approximately $54.6 million and will support the largest local road paving, drainage improvement and recreation construction program in the history of the county.
Local Hospitality & Accomodations Taxes
The City of North Augusta levies a one-cent Hospitality Tax on the sale of prepared or modified food and beverages sold in North Augusta. The city also levies a three-cent Accommodations Tax on motel, bed and breakfast and similar overnight lodgings. Proceeds from this tax are expected to generate $515,000 annually and will partially fund the city's redevelopment of the Downtown and Riverfront Districts.
State Income and Local Property Taxes
Personal income tax in South Carolina ranges from 3 to 7 percent, based on net income. A net income of $10,000 and above is taxed at the 7 percent rate.
In South Carolina, only local governments levy property taxes. Property taxes are levied on real estate, automobiles, boats and trailers and airplanes. City residents pay both city and county taxes. Property Tax notices are mailed in January and due in May.