Gov. Henry McMaster, SCDEW announce tax rate cuts for South Carolina Businesses
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South Carolina Businesses To Save $40 Million
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry mcmaster and S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd today announced that South Carolina’s unemployment insurance (UI) tax rates will decrease or remain the same for employers in 2026. UI tax costs next year are projected to be $40 million lower than in 2025.
“During every year of my administration, we have lowered or maintained UI business taxes, and 2026 will bring the largest reduction yet,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “South Carolina continues to attract jobs and investment as we focus on creating the most competitive and business-friendly climate in the country. These tax cuts give employers more room to hire, expand, and invest, which strengthens our economy and creates new opportunities for our people.”
UI tax rates have either decreased or remained the same for the last 12 consecutive years, reducing employer tax burdens by $355 million. The 2026 UI tax cut is the largest by percentage since 2011.
With a fully solvent and resilient UI Trust Fund balance of $1.8 billion, DEW has released the tax rates applicable to wages paid January 1 through December 31, 2026, ranging from 0.06% to 5.46% depending on an individual business’s experience with the UI system.
Some key information includes the following:
* Any business that had no UI benefit charges from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025, is assigned to tax class 1 and pays 0.06%.
* New businesses with less than 12 months of accomplished liability will pay the new employer tax rate of 1.0%.
* 2026 rates are lower than last year for businesses in tax classes 2 through 19. The average savings for businesses in tax classes 2 through 19 is 34.7%.
“South Carolina has hit historic levels of people working, become fourth in the nation for real GDP growth, increased job and wage growth across many sectors this year, and has steadily grown our UI Trust Fund,” said DEW Executive Director William Floyd.
To determine tax rates each year, DEW conducts an extensive analysis of factors such as the economy, the current state of the UI Trust Fund, projected unemployment rates, and estimated benefit payments. although tax rates for most classes are lower than their 2025 levels, individual businesses may still move between classes based on their unemployment claim activity. All businesses with charges against their accounts are provided a “charge statement” quarterly to review and have 30 days to protest any charges that they do not believe should be on their account. Tax rate notices will be mailed to businesses this week. However, employers can log into their State Unemployment Insurance Tax System (SUITS) account today to view their 2026 tax rate.
Click hear to view the 2026 tax rate chart.
BJWSA preparing to activate two major system improvements
(Okatie, south Carolina) –
Patty the Cat Seeks a Calm Forever Home with Palmetto Animal League
Patty, a sweet 3-year-old cat, is available for adoption at Palmetto Animal League (PAL) and is hoping to find a peaceful home where she can feel safe and rebuild trust. Having previously lost her home, Patty is looking for a loving companion to share quiet moments with.
!Patty the Cat is available for adoption from Palmetto Animal League.
A gentle Soul in Need of a Quiet Space
The bustling environment of the Palmetto Animal League Adoption Center is a bit overwhelming for Patty. She prefers a calm atmosphere where she can relax and observe the world from a agreeable perch. PAL describes her as a cat who appreciates patience and quiet companionship. She’s a gentle soul who is longing for a place to call her own and a person to love.
Patty’s Details & How to Adopt
Here’s what you need to know about Patty:
* Age: 3 years old
* Status: Spayed
* Vaccinations: Up to date
* Microchipped: Yes
If you are interested in providing Patty with the loving home she deserves, please contact Palmetto Animal League:
* Phone: 843-645-1725
* Email: Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org
You can also find more information about patty and other adoptable animals on the Palmetto Animal League website.
Why Adopt, Don’t Shop?
Choosing to adopt a pet like Patty from a shelter or rescue institution like Palmetto Animal League offers numerous benefits. You’re not only giving a deserving animal a second chance at a happy life, but you’re also helping to reduce overcrowding in shelters and combat pet overpopulation. Adopting also typically means the animal has already received initial veterinary care, such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering, saving you costs down the line.
Key Takeaways:
* Patty is a 3-year-old cat seeking a calm and quiet home.
* She is spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
* Contact Palmetto Animal League at 843-645-1725 or Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org to learn more.
* Adopting saves lives and provides a loving home for an animal in need.