How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes in South Carolina?

Estimate federal estate tax, state estate tax, and inheritance tax for an estate or trust. See which taxes apply in your state and how much beneficiaries may owe.

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Calculate Death Taxes

Select your state, enter an estate value, and indicate marital status to see federal and state death tax estimates.

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This calculator provides general information about estate and inheritance taxes and is not legal or tax advice. Estate tax laws are complex and subject to change. Consult a licensed attorney or tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. South Carolina does not impose a state estate tax or inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax applies, and it affects estates exceeding $15 million (2026). The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21 §70106) permanently set this exemption starting in 2026, indexed for inflation.

The federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person (2026), with a top rate of 40%. Married couples can effectively shield $30 million using portability of the unused spousal exemption. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21 §70106) permanently set this exemption starting in 2026, indexed for inflation.

Death taxes (estate and inheritance taxes) are separate from probate costs. Probate costs include attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. Death taxes are owed to the state or federal government on the value of the estate or inheritance. Both can apply to the same estate. Use the South Carolina probate calculator to estimate probate costs separately.

Death Taxes in South Carolina

There is no state-level death tax in South Carolina. Families only need to consider the federal estate tax, which applies to estates exceeding $15,000,000. Probate costs still apply — use the probate calculator for a South Carolina-specific estimate.

South Carolina has Yes for state death taxes. With the federal exemption at $15,000,000 per person, married couples can effectively shield $30,000,000 through portability. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21 §70106) permanently set this exemption starting in 2026, indexed for inflation.

Tax obligations do not replace probate requirements — an estate may face both. Transfer methods such as trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations can affect which taxes apply and whether probate is required. See the inheritance overview for a breakdown of how assets pass to beneficiaries.