Sales Tax
$500
Drive-Away Cost
Total Fees
$55
Total One-Time
$555
Annual Recurring
$40
Summary
Buying a $35,000 vehicle in South Carolina costs $555 in taxes and fees (1.6% of purchase price), bringing the total drive-away cost to $35,555.
South Carolina's first-year taxes and fees of $555 (1.6% of price) rank #47 nationally (1 = highest).
5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) capped at $500.
South Carolina charges a $120/year EV surcharge ($60 for plug-in hybrids).
Vehicle Tax & Fee Breakdown
8 rows
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Price | $35,000 |
| + Sales Tax (5.00%) | $500 |
| + Title Fee | $15 |
| + Registration Fee | $40 |
| = Total Drive-Away Cost | $35,555 |
| Annual Registration Renewal | $40 |
| = Annual Recurring Cost | $40 |
Vehicle taxes and fees are based on 2025 state-level data. Actual costs may vary by county, municipality, dealer, and vehicle type. Registration fees use standard passenger vehicle rates. Trade-in credits, manufacturer incentives, and local taxes are not included. Contact your state DMV for exact figures. Not tax advice.