Watcharu Finance

South Carolina auto loan calculator

South Carolina's state vehicle sales-tax rate is about 5.00% (cities and counties can add more). The calculator is preset for South Carolina.

$666.26 / month

Amount financed
$33,250
Sales tax
$1,750
Total interest
$6,726
Balance over MonthBalance ends near $0 at 60.$0$8k$17k$25k$33k01224364860Month

How it works

South Carolina taxes the price after the trade-in allowance. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, tax applies to $25,000 — about $1,250 instead of the $1,750 you'd owe with no trade. Sales or use tax is collected when the vehicle is titled and registered.

South Carolina caps vehicle sales tax at a low flat amount and assesses owner-occupied homes at a favorable 4% ratio, giving primary residents one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the country. Coastal insurance is the exception. Local add-on tax rates and documentation fees vary by dealer and county, so treat the preset rate as a starting point and confirm the exact figure on your paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

What is the car sales tax rate in South Carolina?
South Carolina's state vehicle sales/use tax rate is about 5.00%. On a $35,000 car that's about $1,750 before any local add-on rates.
Does a trade-in lower the sales tax in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina taxes the price after the trade-in allowance, so a $10,000 trade-in on a $35,000 car means tax is charged on $25,000 — about $1,250 instead of $1,750.
When is the sales tax on a car due in South Carolina?
Sales or use tax is collected when the vehicle is titled and registered, either by the dealer at purchase or by you at the DMV for a private-party sale.
What other fees apply to a car purchase in South Carolina?
Beyond sales tax you'll pay title and registration fees and, at most dealers, a documentation fee. These vary by dealer and county; the calculator lets you enter them.

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