The 2023 picture for South Carolina residents
In 2023, South Carolina residents paid federal ordinary income tax at brackets topping out at 37%, plus South Carolina state tax up to 6.2%, plus Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% additional above $200k single MAGI), plus a federal supplemental-withholding layer on RSU-style income.
2023 AMT exemption
The 2023 federal AMT exemption was $85,700 for single filers. The exemption phased out at 25 cents per dollar of AMTI above $609,350, fully eliminating the exemption for higher earners. That is why ISO exercises in South Carolina during 2023 produced AMT bills that surprised people running first-order mental math.
South Carolina layer in 2023
South Carolina did not impose a separate state AMT in 2023, so federal AMT was the only layer. State ordinary tax still applied to any disqualifying disposition income recognized in the same year.
Frequently asked
- What supplemental-wage withholding rate applied to RSU income in South Carolina in 2023?
- The federal supplemental-wage withholding rate was 22% on the first $1,000,000 of supplemental wages per calendar year, rising to 37% above that. South Carolina state withholding ran up to 6.2% at the top bracket.
- Did South Carolina recognize federal QSBS exclusion in 2023?
- South Carolina's conformity status varies year by year and by type of taxpayer. As of 2023, most states other than California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi either conformed fully or partially to Section 1202. Check the 2023 filing instructions for the specific language.
- What was the top federal ordinary bracket in 2023, and how did it apply to South Carolina residents?
- The 37% federal ordinary bracket started around $609,350 of taxable income for single filers in 2023. South Carolina stacked 6.2% on top of that for high earners, producing a combined top marginal rate of approximately 43.2%.