Example Data Table
These examples show how rounded increments affect the estimate.
| Realty Value |
Deduction |
Taxable Value |
$500 Increments |
State Fee |
County Fee |
Total Fee |
| $100,000 |
$0 |
$100,000 |
200 |
$260.00 |
$110.00 |
$370.00 |
| $250,250 |
$0 |
$250,250 |
501 |
$651.30 |
$275.55 |
$926.85 |
| $350,000 |
$50,000 |
$300,000 |
600 |
$780.00 |
$330.00 |
$1,110.00 |
| $100 |
$0 |
$100 |
0 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Taxable value = realty value + taxable adjustment - allowed lien or encumbrance deduction.
Taxable increments = taxable value divided by 500, rounded up to the next whole increment.
State portion = taxable increments × $1.30.
County portion = taxable increments × $0.55.
Total deed stamp fee = taxable increments × $1.85.
If the transfer is exempt, or the taxable value is $100 or less, this calculator can return zero deed stamp fee.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the South Carolina realty value or sale price.
- Add any allowed lien or encumbrance deduction.
- Enter taxable adjustments if your deed affidavit needs them.
- Add optional extra recording costs for your internal estimate.
- Choose exemption options only when the deed qualifies.
- Press the calculate button to view the result above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF download buttons to save the calculation.
SC Deed Stamp Calculator Guide
What This Tool Estimates
South Carolina deed stamps are usually discussed as a deed recording fee.
The fee applies when real estate is transferred and a deed is recorded.
This calculator helps estimate that cost before closing.
It also separates the state and county portions.
That split is useful for settlement sheets and office records.
Why Taxable Value Matters
The fee is not always based on the full contract price.
South Carolina rules may allow a deduction for a lien or encumbrance.
The lien must exist before transfer.
It must also remain after transfer.
This page includes a deduction field for that situation.
It also includes an adjustment field for unusual deal structures.
Rounding Can Change the Result
The calculation uses $500 increments.
A fractional part of an increment is rounded upward.
This means a value of $250,250 uses 501 increments.
That small extra amount matters.
It adds one more state portion and one more county portion.
The result can differ from a simple percentage estimate.
When Zero May Apply
Some deeds are exempt from the fee.
A transfer with value of $100 or less is one common example.
Other exemptions may involve government transfers, partitions, or certain family entities.
This calculator provides exemption controls.
They are meant for planning only.
Users should confirm facts with the deed affidavit and recording office.
Practical Closing Use
Sellers, buyers, attorneys, agents, and title staff can use this page.
It gives a fast estimate for closing discussions.
It also helps compare who pays under the contract.
The export buttons make a simple record.
Keep the final county receipt as the controlling document.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an SC deed stamp?
It is commonly used to describe South Carolina’s deed recording fee. The fee is collected when a taxable deed transferring real estate is recorded.
2. What rate does this calculator use?
It uses $1.85 per $500 of taxable value. The estimate splits that amount into a $1.30 state portion and a $0.55 county portion.
3. Why does the calculator round upward?
The fee applies to each $500, or fractional part of $500. A taxable value slightly above a full increment creates another chargeable increment.
4. Can I deduct an existing mortgage?
A deduction may apply for a lien or encumbrance that existed before transfer and remains after transfer. Confirm the deduction before filing.
5. Who usually pays the fee?
The calculator lets you label the paying party. Contract terms and South Carolina law can affect responsibility, so confirm with the closing professional.
6. Does this include every county recording cost?
No. The main result covers deed stamp fee portions. Use the additional costs field to include separate recording or internal estimate items.
7. What happens if the deed is exempt?
Select the exempt option and choose a reason. The calculator will show zero deed stamp fee while still displaying optional added costs.
8. Is this a legal tax opinion?
No. It is an estimating tool. Always verify the deed, affidavit, exemption status, and final fee with the proper recording office.