Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Tax law in Charleston operates within a three-tier framework: federal law administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), state law administered by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (DOR), and local ordinances enforced by Charleston City and Charleston County authorities. This structure affects individuals, small businesses, and large corporations differently depending on where activity occurs and where funds are used.
Residents and businesses in Charleston must understand how state and local taxes interact with federal requirements. Common areas include income tax, sales and use tax, property tax, and hospitality taxes tied to tourism and lodging. Consulting with a qualified tax attorney or legal counsel can help navigate audits, disputes, and complex compliance issues across these jurisdictions.
For authoritative guidance, federal rules are published by the IRS (www.irs.gov) and state guidance by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (www.dor.sc.gov). Local rules for Charleston are found on the City of Charleston and Charleston County sites (www.charleston-sc.gov and www.charlestoncounty.org). These sources provide current rates, forms, and procedural steps for residents and businesses alike.
Source: The Internal Revenue Service and South Carolina Department of Revenue outline how federal and state taxes interact with local tax requirements for municipalities and counties in South Carolina.
Recent trends show increases in local tax enforcement focus and ongoing updates to hospitality and tourism related taxes in the Charleston area. Always verify current rates and filing requirements with official sources before acting on tax plans or disputes.
Key government resources to bookmark include the IRS, the South Carolina Department of Revenue, and Charleston city and county tax information portals.
Charleston lives in a dynamic tax environment where state and local rules change periodically. A tax attorney can help you interpret requirements, prepare filings, and respond to notices or audits with precision.
Charleston residents and businesses operate under state tax law complemented by local ordinances. The following laws and policies have direct relevance to tax obligations in Charleston:
South Carolina Sales Tax Act (State Taxation) - This act governs the collection and remittance of sales and use taxes on tangible personal property and certain services. It is administered by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Local jurisdictions may add taxes on top of the base state rate. dor.sc.gov provides current rates, filing instructions, and compliance guidance.
South Carolina Hospitality Tax Act (Local Hotel / Lodging Tax) - Allows municipalities and counties to impose a tax on lodging and certain accommodations to fund local tourism-related projects. Rates and applicability vary by locality and are implemented through local ordinances and tax collection authorities. For specifics in Charleston, consult the City of Charleston and Charleston County portals. dor.sc.gov explains how hospitality taxes interact with state sales tax.
Charleston City Hospitality Tax Ordinance - The City of Charleston imposes local hospitality taxes on hotel, motel, and certain lodging charges, with rules set by city ordinances and administrative offices. Current rates and exemptions are published by the city government for taxpayers and businesses operating in the city limits. www.charleston-sc.gov provides the official ordinance text and rate information.
Charleston County Property Tax Assessment and Appeal Process - County assessors determine property values each year and property owners may appeal assessments if they believe values are excessive. Local procedures and deadlines are published by the Charleston County Assessor and Treasurer offices. Check charlestoncounty.org for forms and timelines.
Source: Local tax administration resources from the City of Charleston and Charleston County explain how hospitality taxes and property taxes are calculated, collected, and appealed.
Sales tax is charged when you purchase taxable goods or services within Charleston. Use tax applies to purchases made out of state but used in South Carolina, or when sellers do not collect SC tax. The combination affects both individuals and businesses.
Start with the Charleston County Assessor's Office to file a formal appeal before the deadline. A tax attorney can gather evidence, challenge the assessment, and represent you at hearings.
Not always, but complex issues such as nexus, sales tax classification, or significant audits benefit from legal counsel. An attorney can negotiate liens, penalties, and settlements with the South Carolina DOR.
Costs vary by case complexity and attorney experience, but many charge hourly rates or flat fees for specific audit tasks. Get a written estimate and scope of work before hiring.
A tax lien is a legal claim against property for unpaid taxes. A lawyer can help negotiate payment plans, challenge the lien’s validity, and protect assets during foreclosure or sale discussions.
Yes, if your business collects lodging charges. A tax attorney can ensure proper registration, accurate tax collection, and timely remittance to the correct authority.
IRS audits vary by complexity, from a few months to over a year. An attorney can help with document preparation, correspondence, and settlement options.
Yes. A lawyer can assess physical and economic nexus, advise on registration, and defend against improper nexus findings that trigger unexpected liabilities.
A CPA focuses on accounting, tax preparation, and compliance. A tax attorney handles disputes, audits, and legal interpretations and can represent you in court.
Local relief programs may exist for property taxes or hospitality taxes at city or county levels. A local attorney can identify eligible programs and assist with applications and deadlines.
State returns typically have an annual deadline in the spring. Your filing date can depend on residency status and extensions; verify current dates with the South Carolina DOR.
Tax transcripts can be requested through the SC DOR portal or by contacting their office. An attorney can help you obtain and interpret transcripts for audits or appeals.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Charleston through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Tax, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Charleston, United States — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.
