Deed Stamps in South Carolina: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

What Are Deed Stamps on a Myrtle Beach Home Sale?

Deed stamps are the transfer fee South Carolina charges when a deed is recorded. The official name is the deed recording fee. The rate is $3.70 for every $1,000 of the sale price, which breaks down to $1.30 per $500 for the state and $0.55 per $500 for the county. On a $400,000 home in Myrtle Beach, that comes to $1,480.

Most people call it deed stamps because that's what it used to be. Years ago, you bought paper stamps and stuck them on the deed. Today the closing attorney collects the money at the table and pays it when the deed is recorded with the Register of Deeds.

Who Pays Deed Stamps in South Carolina?

Here's what I see on the Grand Strand in almost every deal: the seller pays. It's the custom, and it's built into most local contracts. But it's a custom, not a law. A buyer and seller can agree to split it or shift it, and in a slower stretch some sellers use a deed stamp credit as a sweetener.

That matters when you're pricing your home. If you're selling at $550,000, your deed stamps run $2,035. Add that to your agent commission, your attorney fee, and any payoff costs, and you can see your real net. A good home value estimate is only the starting point. What lands in your bank account is the number that counts. 

How the Math Works at Different Prices

The formula never changes. Take the sale price, divide by $1,000, and multiply by $3.70. A $250,000 condo near Cherry Grove costs $925 in deed stamps. A $750,000 oceanfront unit in Myrtle Beach costs $2,775. A $1.2 million home in Pawleys Island costs $4,440.

The number is based on the value shown on the deed. That's why your attorney needs the final price from the contract, not a ballpark.

Who Handles the Payment at Closing?

South Carolina is an attorney-closing state. The closing attorney calculates the fee, shows it on the settlement statement, and records the deed. You don't mail a check to the county. You don't fill out a form. If you want to know who that is and what they do, our page on the Myrtle Beach real estate attorney walks through it.

Some Transfers Don't Owe the Fee

South Carolina law exempts certain transfers from the fee. A deed given as a gift to a family member is one example. So are some transfers tied to divorce settlements or estate administration. If you're inheriting a property in Horry County or Georgetown County, ask early. Our probate real estate specialist sees these situations every week.

How Deed Stamps Fit Into Your Total Closing Costs

Deed stamps are one line on a longer settlement statement. Buyers have their own costs, like the lender's fees, title insurance, and prepaid taxes and insurance. If you're financing, talk to a lender early through our Myrtle Beach mortgage page so nothing surprises you at the table.

I've been closing deals on the Grand Strand for more than 20 years, and the sellers who feel good at closing are the ones who saw this number in week one, not on closing day. Ask your agent for a net sheet before you list. If your agent can't give you one, find a different agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are deed stamps on a $500,000 home in South Carolina?

The deed recording fee on a $500,000 sale is $1,850. That's $3.70 for every $1,000 of the price. Your closing attorney will confirm the exact figure on your settlement statement.

Can a buyer pay the deed stamps instead of the seller?

Yes. The seller pays by custom, but the contract controls. If you negotiate a different arrangement, it needs to be written into the purchase agreement before closing.

Do deed stamps go up if I sell for more than I paid?

The fee is based on the sale price, not your profit. A higher price means a higher fee. Your original purchase price has no effect on it.

Is the deed recording fee the same as a transfer tax?

South Carolina doesn't use the label transfer tax for this charge. It's the state and county deed recording fee, and it works like a transfer tax in practice. It is separate from your annual property taxes.

About Greg Harrelson

Greg Harrelson is a seasoned Realtor® with more than 30 years of experience serving the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand markets. As the founder of Century 21 The Harrelson Group, Greg has built his career helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve success in every corner of the coastal Carolina real estate market. His expertise spans residential homes, investment properties, land development, and coastal condos. Known for his deep local knowledge, innovative marketing strategies, and commitment to personal service, Greg consistently helps clients reach their real estate goals while navigating the ever-changing market with confidence and precision.