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South Carolina transfer tax rules (2026)
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Deed recording fee ($1.85 per $500: $1.30 state + $0.55 county) | 0.37% | Contract / custom |
South Carolina transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $0 | $0 | $555 | $555 (0.37%) |
| $200,000 | $0 | $0 | $740 | $740 (0.37%) |
| $300,000(≈ median) | $0 | $0 | $1,110 | $1,110 (0.37%) |
| $450,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,665 | $1,665 (0.37%) |
| $600,000 | $0 | $0 | $2,220 | $2,220 (0.37%) |
| $1,000,000 | $0 | $0 | $3,700 | $3,700 (0.37%) |
| $1,500,000 | $0 | $0 | $5,550 | $5,550 (0.37%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
South Carolina vs other states
On a $400,000 home South Carolina's taxes are $1,480 (0.37%), the 20th highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: South Carolina mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in South Carolina.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-23. Rates change — we re-check every state on a schedule. Confirm with your title company or closing attorney.
Closing cost calculators for other states
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- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
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Assumptions
- Transfer and recording taxes use each state's published rates; exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied unless noted.
- Who pays a tax can be changed by the purchase contract; "either" means local custom or the contract decides.
- Other closing costs (lender, title, appraisal, prepaid items) vary widely — use your Loan Estimate for real numbers.
- South Carolina rules checked 2026-10-23: South Carolina DOR — deed recording fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in South Carolina?+
On a $300,000 home (about the South Carolina median) the taxes come to $1,110, or 0.37% of the price: Deed recording fee ($1.85 per $500: $1.30 state + $0.55 county) $1,110 (contract / custom).
Who pays the transfer tax in South Carolina, the buyer or the seller?+
Deed recording fee ($1.85 per $500: $1.30 state + $0.55 county): contract / custom. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in South Carolina?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($1,110 on a $300,000 home) plus lender, title, appraisal and prepaid costs, which typically add about 2%–5% of the price nationally. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows the real numbers.
How does South Carolina compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, South Carolina's $1,480 in taxes ranks 20th highest of 50 states and DC. Delaware is highest at $16,000; 15 states charge no state transfer tax at all.
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Uses 2026 rules and limits. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Calculator version 1.0.0. Sources: Freddie Mac (via industry summaries) — closing costs typically 2%–5% of the purchase price. Results are estimates for educational purposes, not financial, tax or lending advice. How we check our numbers. Embed this calculator on your site for free.