How South Carolina compares
Ranked against the other 49 states on the figures we hold. Rates that combine state and local components — sales tax, the minimum wage where it varies by region — are shown on this page but not ranked, because a single number would misstate them.
| Figure | SC | Nationally | In its region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationUS Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates, July 1, 2025 | 5,570,274 | 23rd highest of 50 | 6 of 12 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 | 378.8 | 23rd highest of 50 | 6 of 12 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | $72,350 | 38th highest of 50 | 5 of 12 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary), September 2026 | 4.0% | tied 28th lowest of 50 | 8 of 12 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | 6.4% | 32nd highest of 50 | 6 of 12 |
| Property tax ratechecked Nov 2026; confirm with the South Carolina legislature | 0.57% | 11th lowest of 50 | 4 of 12 |
| Deposit return window (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the South Carolina legislature | 30 | tied 15th lowest of 50 | 2 of 12 |
| Eviction notice (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the South Carolina legislature | 5 | tied 23rd highest of 50 | 7 of 12 |
| Final pay deadline (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the South Carolina legislature | 0 | tied 1st lowest of the 29 states that set one | 1 of 5 |
- State income tax: yes41 of 50 states answer the same way
- At-will employment: yesthe same in all 50 states — it does not set South Carolina apart
- Paid sick leave required: no30 of 50 states answer the same way
- Paid family leave: no38 of 50 states answer the same way
- Workers' comp required: yes49 of 50 states answer the same way
- Rent control permitted: no46 of 50 states answer the same way
- Annual report required: no7 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025) · US Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (2024) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2025) · Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary) (September 2026) · SBA Office of Advocacy, 2025 Small Business Profiles (2025). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources and were last checked on 2026-11-05 — confirm anything you are about to act on with the South Carolina legislature.
What's changing in South Carolina
Enacted changes with a fixed effective date. Contracts, payroll and leases signed now may run past these dates.
Took effect in the last 12 months
- January 1, 2026Top income tax rate cut to 5.21% (from 6%)
H.4216, signed March 30, 2026, retroactive; two brackets (1.99% and 5.21%) with automatic future cuts tied to revenue growth.
Source ↗
Checked against official sources on 2026-11-05.
How long you have in South Carolina
The periods that decide whether something is on time. Days are calendar days unless the underlying rule says otherwise.
- Return a security deposit within
- 30 days
- Eviction notice before filing
- 5 days
- Final paycheck within
- 0 days
- LLC formation processed in
- 5–7 days
- Overtime starts after
- 40 hrs/week (FLSA)
AI Legal Insights — South Carolina
AI-generated · Updated July 2026
South Carolina operates under a dual court system consisting of municipal, magistrate, circuit, and appellate courts. The state follows common law principles, and legal proceedings are heavily influenced by the South Carolina Code of Laws, which governs everything from property rights to consumer protections.
The state offers a competitive business environment characterized by a low corporate tax landscape and a growing manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive and aerospace. While the regulatory environment is generally business-friendly, small business owners must navigate specific state-level licensing requirements and a relatively low minimum wage tied to federal standards.
South Carolina has a diverse immigrant population, with significant communities contributing to the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. While the state does not have formal sanctuary policies, it maintains active engagement with federal immigration authorities and focuses on workforce integration through various economic development programs.
- ›Ensure all real estate contracts comply with the South Carolina Statute of Frauds, requiring written documentation for land transfers.
- ›Include a clear choice-of-law clause specifying South Carolina law to avoid jurisdictional uncertainty in local disputes.
- ›Be mindful of the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code when drafting agreements involving residential consumers or retail transactions.
AI-generated insights · Verify with a licensed attorney before relying on this information.
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Employment Laws
South Carolina labor regulations
South Carolina is an at-will, right-to-work state with no state minimum wage law, so the federal $7.25/hr applies. There is no mandatory paid sick leave or paid family leave. The state actively recruits manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive companies with incentive packages.
| Law | SC Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr (federal rate; SC has no state minimum wage law) | $7.25/hr |
| Overtime | After 40 hrs/week at 1.5× rate (follows FLSA) | FLSA: after 40 hrs/week |
| Paid Sick Leave | None required by state law | None (federal) |
| Paid Family Leave | No state program | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid |
| Workers Comp | Mandatory for most employers with 4 or more employees | No general federal mandate |
| At-Will Employment | Yes — strong at-will doctrine with narrow public-policy exceptions | Default nationwide |
| Final Paycheck | Within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday (no more than 30 days) | No federal requirement |
| Meal Breaks | No statutory requirement for adult employees | No federal requirement |
| Union Membership | Right-to-work: union membership or dues cannot be a condition of employment | NLRA allows union-security clauses unless state law prohibits them |
- South Carolina is a right-to-work state — employees cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment.
- Workers' compensation is generally required only for employers with 4 or more employees, so the smallest businesses may be exempt.
- The South Carolina Human Affairs Law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, and disability, largely mirroring federal protections.
- State law prevents cities and counties from setting a local minimum wage.
- Under the SC Payment of Wages Act, employers must tell new employees in writing (or by posting) their wages, normal hours, and payday, and give written notice of changes; unpaid wages can lead to treble damages.
- South Carolina offers incentive programs including the Jobs Tax Credit and Job Development Credit for qualifying employers.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table · state labor agencies (checked Nov 2026)
Landlord-Tenant Laws
South Carolina rental regulations
The South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs most residential leases. There is no statutory cap on security deposits, which must be returned with an itemized list of deductions within 30 days. For non-payment of rent, the landlord must give 5 days' written notice (or rely on a notice clause in the lease) before filing in magistrate court. There is no rent control.
| Topic | SC Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | No statutory cap |
| Deposit Return | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned, with a written itemization of deductions; wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to added damages |
| Rent Control | None — state law bars local rent control |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 5 days' written notice to pay; a conspicuous notice clause in a written lease can satisfy this requirement |
| Eviction Process | Landlord files in magistrate court; after the Rule to Vacate is served, the tenant has 10 days to request a hearing; a writ of ejectment is executed by a constable or sheriff |
| Habitability | Landlord must comply with building codes and keep the premises fit and habitable; for a material defect, the tenant can give written notice and the landlord generally has 14 days to fix it |
| Landlord Entry | At least 24 hours' notice for routine entry, at reasonable times, except in emergencies |
| Retaliation Protection | Landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations or exercising legal rights |
| Late Fee | Permitted if specified in the lease; no statutory cap but must be reasonable |
Both landlords and tenants have enforceable rights under South Carolina law. Document all communications and keep copies of your lease agreement. Use AI review to spot risky clauses before signing.
Starting a Business
South Carolina LLC formation guide
South Carolina is a strong location for manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, and automotive businesses. The corporate income tax rate is 5%, and personal income tax rates were cut to 1.99%–5.21% for 2026. LLC formation costs $110, and LLCs do not file an annual report with the Secretary of State. BMW, Boeing, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Michelin have major South Carolina operations, and the Port of Charleston supports logistics businesses.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"; check availability with the SC Secretary of State
- 2File Articles of Organization with the SC Secretary of State online or by mail
- 3Pay the $110 filing fee
- 4Designate a registered agent with a physical South Carolina address
- 5Get an EIN from the IRS — free at irs.gov; required for banking, hiring, and tax registration
- 6Register with the SC Department of Revenue for sales tax and employer withholding as applicable
- 7Note that South Carolina LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities do not file an annual report; an LLC that elects corporate tax treatment files the corporate annual report with its SC tax return
- 8Open a business bank account using your EIN and formation documents
- 9Research SC incentives such as the Jobs Tax Credit and Job Development Credit
Every LLC also needs a free EIN from the IRS (Form SS-4). Apply online at irs.gov — takes about 15 minutes and is required to open a business bank account.
Popular IRS Forms
Most-filed federal forms for South Carolina taxpayers
Fill these out online with plain-English guidance — every field explained, no accountant required. Download as a ready-to-file PDF when done.
The main annual federal income tax return every taxpayer files.
Fill out free →Give your SSN or EIN to a client before getting paid as a contractor.
Fill out free →Report $600+ paid to independent contractors during the year.
Fill out free →Tell your employer how much federal tax to withhold from pay.
Fill out free →Report income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or LLC.
Fill out free →Report payroll taxes withheld from employees each quarter.
Fill out free →Get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 1040.
Fill out free →The year-end wage statement employers issue to each employee.
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Federal Offices
United States government offices in South Carolina
Walk-in assistance by appointment only. Call (844) 545-5640 to schedule, or book online at irs.gov.
Immigration appointments via my.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283.
Free Legal Aid
South Carolina legal assistance organizations
These organizations provide free or reduced-cost civil legal services to qualifying South Carolina residents.
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Free AI contract review →Latest Tax & Business News
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