Long-term vs short-term
A long-term capital gain (held 12+ months past the basis-setting event) gets preferential federal rates: 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on total taxable income, plus 3.8% NIIT for MAGI above $200k single. Short-term gains are taxed at ordinary rates up to 37% federally, plus state. For this $1,000,000 gain, the short-term total would run approximately $462,457, compared with $261,030 long-term. The difference is roughly $201,427.
South Carolina's treatment
South Carolina gives long-term gains preferential treatment through an exclusion or lower rate. The number above uses a rough 40% exclusion; verify the exact current-year formula before filing.
Cost basis considerations
For RSU shares, basis equals the vest-date closing price. For ISO shares (qualifying disposition), basis equals strike plus any ordinary-income component at exercise. For ESPP shares, basis depends on whether the sale is a qualifying or disqualifying disposition. These basis rules materially affect whether a reported gross sale amount is mostly gain or mostly return of basis.
Frequently asked
- What's the tax on a $1,000,000 long-term capital gain in South Carolina?
- Approximately $261,030 total. Federal LTCG: $185,830. NIIT at 3.8%: $38,000. South Carolina state tax: $37,200.
- Short-term vs long-term?
- If the same $1,000,000 gain were short-term (held under 12 months), it would be taxed as ordinary income at up to 37% federal plus state, coming to approximately $462,457. That's $201,427 more than the long-term number. Holding past the 12-month mark usually saves meaningful money.
- Does South Carolina tax capital gains the same as ordinary income?
- South Carolina gives preferential treatment to long-term capital gains. The specific exclusion or rate depends on current statute; the number above uses a rough 40% exclusion factor.
- What about QSBS?
- If the gain is on Qualified Small Business Stock held more than five years, up to the greater of $10M or 10× basis may be excluded from federal tax under IRC §1202. South Carolina's conformity varies; verify current-year treatment.
Related
- Capital gains calculator (customize ordinary income, state, holding period)
- QSBS eligibility calculator
- South Carolina capital gains overview
- South Carolina QSBS treatment
Educational estimate · 2025 brackets · Single filer · Long-term hold · $250k other ordinary income · Not tax advice