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South
Carolina
Go to:
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/45/45051.html
for demographics.
State of the
SE United States. It is bordered by North Carolina (N), the Atlantic Ocean
(SE), and
Georgia (SW).
Area, 31,055 sq mi (80,432 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 4,012,012, a 15.1% increase since
the 1990 census.
Capital and largest city, Columbia.
Mottos, Dum Spiro Spero [While I
Breathe, I Hope] and Animis Opibusque Parati [Prepared in Mind and
Resources].
State bird, Carolina wren.
State flower, Carolina Jessamine.
State tree, palmetto.
South
Carolina is roughly triangular in shape. The long, even coast lined with
beautiful sand beaches on the “Grand Strand” north of Georgetown becomes
generally marshy to the south and is sliced by a network of rivers and
creeks, creating a maze of inlets and the famous Sea Islands . The coastal
climate is humid subtropical, with long, hot summers and short, mild
winters. In this area are found cypress swamps, moss-hung oaks, beautiful
flowering gardens, antebellum plantations, and the historic seaports of
Georgetown, Beaufort, and Charleston, the latter a major tourist attraction
and one of the chief ports of entry in the Southeast.
Vacationers are attracted to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, to the Sea
Island resorts, and to Charleston's stately homes and gardens. The state's
historical places of interest include Fort Sumter National Monument, Kings
Mountain National Military Park, and Cowpens National Battlefield. Columbia
is the capital and the largest city; Charleston and Greenville are other
major cities.
In
agriculture, tobacco and soybeans now rival cotton as South Carolina's chief
crops. Broiler chickens and cattle are economically important, and peanuts,
pecans, sweet potatoes, and peaches are grown in abundance. Fishing is a
major commercial enterprise; the chief catches are blue crabs and shrimp.
Military bases and nuclear facilities are important to the economy, and the
tourist industry today ranks as the state's chief source of income.
Go to:
http://www.city-data.com/city/South-Carolina.html
for more
details about South Carolina.
South Carolina Tax
Summary
South Carolina has
one of the lowest per capita tax rates in the country,
according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census. And South Carolina’s lawmakers,
state political leaders and local officials are dedicated to ensuring that
the Palmetto State’s tax structure remains competitive and attractive to
individuals, manufacturers and small business owners who may be considering
our state as their new home. The following state and local taxes generally
affect our residents:
Income Tax:
South Carolina’s income tax structure follows federal income tax laws,
allowing many of the same adjustments, exemptions and deductions with only a
few modifications. In fact, the starting point for calculating your state
tax liability is your federal taxable income. South Carolina’s individual
income tax rate starts at 2.5 percent of taxable income, graduating to a
maximum of 7 percent on taxable income exceeding $12,850. The individual
income tax brackets are adjusted annually for inflation.
To compare South Carolina’s tax rates with other states, look at each
state’s total tax package, not just the tax rates. For example, some states
may have a lower individual income tax rate but tax Social Security
benefits. South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits or railroad
retirement income. South Carolina also allows special exemptions for
retirees and senior adults. Beginning the first year you receive retirement
income and until you reach age 65, you can take an annual deduction from
your taxable income of up to $3,000. You can claim this deduction for income
received from any qualified retirement plan, including IRAs, government
pension plans, Keough plans and private sector pensions. At age 65, the
deduction increases to a maximum of $15,000 on any source of income.
More information:
http://www.carolinaliving.com/default1.asp
Map by:
http://www.tenntrips.com/planner/states/SC/SCplanner.php
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