A tax is a charge or levy of money made by a governmental entity (state, local, or federal) against a taxpayer—usually a U.S. citizen or a person living or working in the United States. There are many kinds of taxes, including income tax, capital-gains tax, property tax, franchise tax, gift tax, ad valorem tax, sales tax, use tax, inheritance tax, and estate tax.

In South Carolina, as in other states, taxpayers are subject to various types of taxes levied by state and local governments, as well as the federal government. The state imposes an income tax on individuals, with rates ranging from 0% to 7% depending on the taxpayer's income level. South Carolina also collects a capital gains tax as part of the income tax, with certain exemptions and lower rates for long-term gains. Property taxes are administered at the local level (by counties and municipalities) and are based on the assessed value of real and personal property. The state does not collect a property tax. South Carolina imposes a state sales tax, with a base rate of 6% on the sale of most goods and services, and local jurisdictions may add additional sales taxes. Use tax applies to the storage, use, or consumption of goods in South Carolina when sales tax has not been paid. The state does not have an inheritance tax, but it does have an estate tax that is linked to the federal estate tax; however, due to the current structure of the federal estate tax, South Carolina's estate tax is effectively not applicable. Gift taxes are governed by federal law, with no additional state gift tax. Franchise taxes, which are taxes on businesses for the privilege of doing business in the state, are not imposed in South Carolina.