State tax rates and rules for income, sales, property, estate, and other taxes that impact retirees. Go to Retiree Tax Map South Carolina Add to State Compare List | View List View State Compare List (0) selected | Compare up to 5 The Bottom Line Most Tax-Friendly The Palmetto State extends some real southern hospitality to retirees by offering a charming collection of income tax breaks. To start, Social Security benefits are completely exempt. In addition, taxpayers age 65 or older can exclude up to $10,000 of retirement income. Seniors can also deduct $15,000 from other taxable income ($30,000 for joint filers).Low property tax rates in South Carolina help retirees, too. The statewide median property tax rate is the fifth-lowest amount in the country. Plus, seniors can also claim a homestead exemption for the first $50,000 of their property's fair market value.The bad news: Sales taxes are on the high end in South Carolina, with an average combined state and local rate of 7.44%. Income Tax Range Low: 3% (on taxable income from $3,200 to $16,039)High: 6.5% (on taxable income over $16,039)Beginning with the 2023 tax year, and each year thereafter until it equals 6%, the top rate will decrease by 0.1% if general fund revenues are projected to increase by at least 5% in the fiscal year that begins during the tax year. Taxation of Social Security Benefits Social Security benefits are not taxed by the state. Tax Breaks for Other Retirement Income Taxpayers age 65 or older can exclude up to $10,000 of retirement income (up to $3,000 for taxpayers under 65). Joint filers can each claim the exemption.Taxpayers age 65 or older can also deduct $15,000 ($30,000 for joint filers) from all taxable income. However, the deduction must be reduced by the amount of retirement income otherwise excluded.Military retirement income and Railroad Retirement benefits are fully exempt. Sales Tax 6% state levy. Localities can add as much as 3%, and the average combined rate is 7.44%, according to the Tax Foundation.Groceries: ExemptClothing: TaxableMotor Vehicles: Exempt from ordinary sales tax, but taxable under special 5% (up to $500) infrastructure maintenance feePrescription Drugs: Exempt Real Property Taxes In South Carolina, the median property tax rate is $566 per $100,000 of assessed home value. For homeowners 65 and older, the state's homestead exemption allows the first $50,000 of a property's fair market value to be exempt from local property taxes. To qualify, you must have been at least 65 years old and a legal resident of South Carolina for one year, as of December 31 of the year preceding the tax year the exemption is claimed. Annual Car Taxes and Fees An annual vehicle property tax based on the car's value is imposed. Counties set the rate. Estate and Inheritance Taxes No estate or inheritance tax.