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South Carolina Statewide Rule

South Carolina Accommodations Tax on Short-Term Rentals

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across South Carolina (2026)

Key Facts

State Tax Rate
7% total (5%+2%)
Stay Threshold
Under 90 days
Filing Frequency
Monthly returns
Authority
SC Dept. of Revenue
Statute
SC Code 12-36-920
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: South Carolina Legislature

Summary

South Carolina imposes a statewide 7% sales and accommodations tax on short-term rentals of fewer than 90 continuous days. Hosts must register with SCDOR, collect the tax from guests, and remit it monthly. Local accommodations taxes are layered on top.

SECTION 12-36-920. Tax on accommodations for transients; reporting. (A) A sales tax equal to seven percent is imposed on the gross proceeds derived from the rental or charges for any rooms, campground spaces, lodgings, or sleeping accommodations furnished to transients by any hotel, inn, tourist court, tourist camp, motel, campground, residence, or any place in which rooms, lodgings, or sleeping accommodations are furnished to transients for a consideration. This tax does not apply: (1) where the facilities consist of less than six sleeping rooms, contained on the same premises, which is used as the individual's place of abode; or (2) to gross proceeds from rental income wholly excluded from the gross income of the taxpayer pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 280A(g) as that code is defined in Section 12-6-40(A). The gross proceeds derived from the lease or rental of sleeping accommodations supplied to the same person for a period of ninety continuous days are not considered proceeds from transients.

Source: South Carolina LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under SC Code Title 12, Chapter 36, Article 7, accommodations furnished to transients for fewer than 90 continuous days are subject to a 5% state sales tax plus a 2% additional accommodations tax, totaling 7% statewide. The tax applies uniformly to hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term vacation rentals including Airbnb and VRBO listings. Hosts must obtain a retail license from the South Carolina Department of Revenue and file returns. Marketplace facilitators may collect on the host's behalf. Local accommodations taxes (up to 3%) and hospitality fees may apply additionally, but the state tax preempts any inconsistent local sales tax structure.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to collect or remit accommodations tax results in assessment of unpaid tax, penalties up to 25%, interest, and potential revocation of the retail license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the state tax apply if I rent only a few weekends a year?
Yes. Any rental under 90 continuous days triggers the 7% state accommodations tax, regardless of frequency. You must register with SCDOR and file even occasional returns.
Do platforms like Airbnb collect the tax for me?
Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the state 7% accommodations tax for South Carolina hosts as marketplace facilitators. You should still register and confirm local taxes are handled.

Sources

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