South Carolina Real Estate Transfer Tax (2026)
South Carolina's real estate transfer tax is 0.37% ($1.85/$500), which comes to about $1,480 on a $400,000 home. It's customarily paid by the seller and collected at closing when the deed is recorded. Called a "deed recording fee" ($1.30 state + $0.55 county), but it works like a transfer tax.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
The transfer tax in South Carolina
- Rate: 0.37% ($1.85/$500)
- On a $400,000 home: ~$1,480 (state-level)
- Who customarily pays: Seller
- Local county/city add-on: No
Good to know
Called a "deed recording fee" ($1.30 state + $0.55 county), but it works like a transfer tax. The transfer tax is paid once, at closing, when the deed is recorded — it's separate from your annual property tax. Compare every state on our transfer tax by state ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the real estate transfer tax in South Carolina?
0.37% ($1.85/$500) — about $1,480 on a $400,000 home.
Who pays the transfer tax in South Carolina?
By custom, the seller pays it, though it's usually negotiable in the purchase contract.
Does South Carolina have local (city or county) transfer taxes?
No — South Carolina has no meaningful local transfer tax; the state figure is the whole story.