South Carolina General Bill of Sale Overview
South Carolina charges a 6% state sales tax on tangible personal property. Local option taxes can add up to 3%, bringing the combined rate to 6%–9%. South Carolina caps the sales tax on certain items and provides exemptions for some necessities.
South Carolina follows the UCC (Title 36) for personal property transactions. A bill of sale is recognized as a legal document for transferring personal property ownership. South Carolina\'s growing population creates an increasingly active secondary market.
6%
State sales tax
No
Notarization required
$500
UCC writing threshold
South Carolina Requirements for Personal Property Sales
A South Carolina bill of sale should include both parties\' information, a comprehensive property description, the sale price, payment terms, date, condition statement, and signatures.
Important: Document Everything
For any personal property sale over $500 in South Carolina, a written bill of sale is essential under the UCC Statute of Frauds. Without written documentation, the agreement may not be enforceable in court. Always create a bill of sale for items of significant value.
What to Include in Your South Carolina Bill of Sale
- Party Information: Full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller
- Property Description: Detailed description including brand, model, serial number, color, and distinguishing features
- Sale Price: Amount in both numbers and words, plus the payment method
- Condition Statement: Current condition, known defects, and as-is or warranty terms
- Ownership Warranty: Seller confirms legal ownership and right to sell
- Date and Signatures: Date of sale with signatures from both buyer and seller
How to Fill Out a South Carolina General Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your South Carolina general bill of sale properly and ensure it meets all state requirements for a legally sound document.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name and current South Carolina mailing address. If the seller is a business, include the business name, entity type, and the name of the authorized representative. Add phone number and email for follow-up communication.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name and current address. The buyer's location in South Carolina may affect the applicable use tax rate for the transaction. Include contact information for both parties.
Describe the Property
Provide a thorough description of the item: brand, model, serial number, color, size, and any distinguishing features. The description should be specific enough to uniquely identify the item. Attach photographs if possible for additional documentation.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method — cash, check, electronic transfer, or other. If the item is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." The stated price determines any use tax obligation for the buyer under South Carolina law.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies — one for each party. South Carolina does not require notarization for general personal property bills of sale. For property valued over $500, notarization is a sensible precaution.
South Carolina Sales Tax & Use Tax on Personal Property
South Carolina\'s use tax applies at the combined rate on purchases where sales tax was not collected. Buyers report use tax on the South Carolina income tax return (Form SC1040, Line 18). The state has been improving use tax awareness.
| Tax / Detail | Rate / Information |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6% |
| Local Taxes | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Use Tax | Same rate as sales tax — applies to private purchases |
| Notarization | No for general personal property |
| UCC Writing Requirement | Sales of $500+ must be in writing to be enforceable |
Sample South Carolina General Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our South Carolina-specific general bill of sale template. Your customized document will include all fields appropriate for South Carolina personal property transactions.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
GENERAL BILL OF SALE
Personal Property Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [South Carolina Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [South Carolina Address]
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Item: [Detailed Description]
Serial No.: [If applicable]
Condition: [New / Used / As-Is]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
South Carolina General Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about South Carolina general bills of sale and personal property transactions.
Official South Carolina Resources
Use these official resources to verify tax requirements and consumer protection laws for personal property transactions in South Carolina.
South Carolina DOR — Sales Tax
Sales tax rates and information
South Carolina Department of Revenue
General tax information and resources
UCC Article 2 — Sale of Goods
Uniform Commercial Code governing personal property sales
FTC — Warranty Laws & As-Is Sales
Understanding as-is clauses and warranty protections
Other South Carolina Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for South Carolina? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
South Carolina Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
South Carolina Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
South Carolina Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
South Carolina Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
South Carolina ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
South Carolina Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
South Carolina Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
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