City of Charleston Accommodations Tax Calculator
Estimate the tax on a short-term rental stay in City of Charleston, SC (Charleston (part Berkeley) County). Rates come from the Coastal SC STR Rules tracker (14% total) and each one links to its official source.
Verified total: 14%. Every rate below is listed in the tracker with an official source, checked Oct 25, 2026.
Results
City of Charleston short-term rental tax rates
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| State sales tax (SCDOR) | 5% |
| State accommodations tax (SCDOR) | 2% |
| Local option sales tax (SCDOR) | 1% |
| County transportation tax (SCDOR) | 1% |
| School tax (SCDOR) | 1% |
| Charleston County accommodations (Charleston County) | 2% |
| City of Charleston accommodations (Charleston County) | 2% |
| Total | 14% (verified) |
Tracker note, quoted from the Coastal SC STR Rules dataset: "14% total (Charleston County part): state sales 5%, state accommodations 2%, local option 1%, county transportation 1%, school 1% (remitted to SCDOR); Charleston County accommodations 2% and City accommodations 2% (remitted to Charleston County). Failure to collect accommodations tax carries a civil penalty of $500 to $2,000 per 7 days rented."
How it works
Tax = taxable amount x the sum of the listed rates (plus any additional local rate you enter). Taxable amount = nightly rate x nights + other taxable charges.
FAQ
What is the accommodations tax rate in City of Charleston?
14% in total for a short-term rental, per the Coastal SC STR Rules tracker (checked Oct 25, 2026). The breakdown and official sources are listed on this page.
Who collects accommodations tax in City of Charleston?
State taxes (marked SCDOR) are filed with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Local accommodations taxes are filed with the office named next to each rate; see the official sources below.
Do I need to register or renew a license in City of Charleston?
Permit renews annually by its original issuance date; business license expires Dec 31. SCDOR sales and accommodations registration plus a Charleston County accommodations account.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is an estimate from public sources. Rates and rules change, so confirm with SCDOR and the local tax office.
Sources
- https://charleston-sc.gov/2339/Accommodations-Tax-for-STRs (tax rates, checked Oct 25, 2026)
- https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/departments/revenue-collections/local-accommodations-tax-application.php (tax rates, checked Oct 25, 2026)
- https://www.charleston-sc.gov/2317/FAQs (tax rates, checked Oct 25, 2026)
- https://www.charleston-sc.gov/2317/FAQs (registration and renewal, checked Oct 25, 2026)
- https://www.charlestoncounty.gov/departments/revenue-collections/local-accommodations-tax-application.php (registration and renewal, checked Oct 25, 2026)
Data from the Coastal SC STR Rules tracker, last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Zoning, permits, occupancy and parking rules for City of Charleston: City of Charleston STR rules.
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Estimates, not tax or financial advice. Confirm rates with SCDOR and your local tax office before filing.