SOUTH CAROLINA CAR SALES TAX · 2026
South Carolina car sales tax calculator
South Carolina charges a 5% infrastructure maintenance fee in place of sales tax, on the price less any trade-in, and never more than $500. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, bought from a dealer, the tax is $500.00.
Tax on this purchase
- Tax due
- $500.00
- Maintenance fee
- $500.00
- Taxed amount
- $25,000.00
- Trade-in subtracted
- $10,000.00
South Carolina's maintenance fee is capped at $500.
South Carolina car sales tax by price
A new car from a dealer.
| Price | No trade-in | $10,000 trade-in |
|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $500.00 | $500.00 |
| $35,000 | $500.00 | $500.00 |
| $50,000 | $500.00 | $500.00 |
| $75,000 | $500.00 | $500.00 |
South Carolina car sales tax questions
How much is car sales tax in South Carolina?
South Carolina charges a 5% infrastructure maintenance fee in place of sales tax, on the price less any trade-in, and never more than $500. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, bought from a dealer, the tax is $500.00.
Does a trade-in lower South Carolina's car sales tax?
Yes, but South Carolina's maintenance fee stops at $500, so a trade-in lowers it only when the price less the trade-in is under $10,000.
Is a private car sale taxed in South Carolina?
Yes, at the same rate, and a trade-in still counts. South Carolina charges a private sale on the vehicle's fair market value.
Is there local tax on a car in South Carolina?
No. A vehicle that pays the maintenance fee is exempt from state and local sales and use taxes.
What the calculator leaves out
- This site has not confirmed whether South Carolina taxes a manufacturer rebate, so the calculator taxes the price before it.
- South Carolina charges a private sale on the vehicle's fair market value; the calculator uses the price.
Title, registration and plate fees, dealer fees, and any yearly tax on owning the vehicle are not included.