South Carolina transfer tax calculator
South Carolina charges the deed recording fee (state $1.30 + county $0.55) at $1.85 per $500. On a $245,000 home at statewide rates, that comes to $907. By custom, the seller pays it. In some places, 1 county and city tax adds to it.
Below is every South Carolina transfer tax rate, state, county and city, and who pays it by custom. Rates checked 2026-09-30.
Free South Carolina seller net sheet calculator
Change any number and the local costs update.
| Real estate commission (5%) | −$12,250 |
| First mortgage payoff | −$145,000 |
| Deed recording fee (state $1.30 + county $0.55) | −$907 |
| Release / satisfaction recording | −$10 |
| Title insurance and settlement | −$350 |
| Other closing fees | −$45 |
| Estimated net to seller | $86,439 |
How much is the transfer tax in South Carolina?
On a $245,000 home, it is about $907 at statewide rates. The table lists the state rules and all 1 county and city taxes, with who pays each one by custom.
| Tax | Level | Rate | Who pays by custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed recording fee (state $1.30 + county $0.55)State $1.30 + county $0.55 = $1.85 per $500 or fraction. | State | $1.85 per $500 | Seller |
| Town of Hilton Head Island real estate transfer feeApplies: Beaufort County | City | 0.25% of price | Buyer |
Who pays the transfer tax in South Carolina?
By custom, the seller pays it. Deed recording fee (state $1.30 + county $0.55): paid by the seller. The purchase contract can change who pays. Local taxes can follow a different custom. The table lists each one.
How does the South Carolina transfer tax change with price?
It goes up with the price. On a $1,000,000 home, it is about $3,700 at statewide rates.
| Sale price | Seller pays | Buyer pays | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $245,000 typical home | $906.50 | $0 | $906.50 |
| $250,000 | $925 | $0 | $925 |
| $500,000 | $1,850 | $0 | $1,850 |
| $1,000,000 | $3,700 | $0 | $3,700 |
Are there transfer tax exemptions in South Carolina?
Often, yes. Transfers between spouses, to a living trust, and by gift or inheritance are often exempt or taxed less. So are some first-time buyer and low-price sales. The calculator covers an ordinary home sale. Check an exemption with the title company or the county recorder before you count on it.
Sources
Checked 2026-09-30. These are estimates, not tax advice. The title or escrow company confirms the final figures.
South Carolina transfer tax questions
How much is the transfer tax in South Carolina?
South Carolina charges the deed recording fee (state $1.30 + county $0.55) at $1.85 per $500. On a $245,000 home at statewide rates, that comes to $907. By custom, the seller pays it. In some places, 1 county and city tax adds to it.
Who pays the transfer tax in South Carolina?
Deed recording fee (state $1.30 + county $0.55): paid by the seller. The purchase contract can change who pays. Local taxes can follow a different custom. The table lists each one.
How much is the transfer tax on a $500,000 home in South Carolina?
About $1,850 at statewide rates. A county or city tax adds to it where one applies.
Does the buyer pay transfer tax in South Carolina?
Not by custom. The seller usually pays the South Carolina transfer tax, but some local taxes are split or paid by the buyer.
Is the transfer tax deductible?
Not as a tax. For a seller, the transfer tax is a selling expense that lowers the gain on the sale. A buyer who pays it adds it to the home's cost basis (IRS Publications 523 and 551). Ask a tax adviser about your sale.
When is the transfer tax paid?
At closing. The title or escrow company collects it from the side that owes it. It pays the tax when the deed is recorded.
Put the deed recording fee on a seller net sheet.
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