United States · 2026

Kentucky vs South Carolina Income Tax 2026

At a $100K salary, Kentucky is about $862 cheaper in 2026.

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Top rate
3.5%
Brackets
1
Std. deduction
$3,360
State brackets
3.5%
Bracket 1
$0and up
Top rate
5.21%
Brackets
2
Std. deduction
State brackets
1.99%
Bracket 1
$0to$30,000
5.21%
Bracket 2
$30,000and up

At common incomes, what's the tax difference?

Federal + state income tax after standard deductions, 2026. Excludes FICA.
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Income
Kentucky tax
South Carolina tax
Difference
$50,000single filer
$5,45210.9% effective
$4,8209.6% effective
$633 lessin South Carolina
$100,000single filer
$16,55216.6% effective
$17,41417.4% effective
$862 lessin Kentucky
$200,000single filer
$43,61621.8% effective
$46,18823.1% effective
$2,572 lessin Kentucky

Federal income tax — same for both

7 brackets · 10–37% · applies on top of state rates
10%
to $12,400
12%
to $50,400
22%
to $105,700
24%
to $201,775
32%
to $256,225
35%
to $640,600
37%
$640,600+
KY
Kentucky
Full 2026 breakdown3.5%
SC
South Carolina
Full 2026 breakdown5.21%