South Carolina Natural Gas Laws and Incentives

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Sales Tax Rebate

Beginning July 1, 2008, a $300 sales tax rebate may be applied to in-state purchases of the following: flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of operating on E85 motor fuel; hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles; plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs); and vehicles with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency city fuel economy rating of at least 30 miles per gallon. Additionally, a sales tax rebate up to $500 has been established for the purchase of equipment that results in the conversion of a conventional hybrid electric vehicle to a PHEV, or for equipment to convert a conventional vehicle to operate on propane, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, or E85. These rebates only apply to vehicles and equipment purchased prior to July 1, 2013. (Reference Senate Bill 243, 2007, and South Carolina Code of Laws 12-63-20)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Tax Credit

A state income tax credit equal to 20% of the federal fuel cell, advanced lean burn, HEV, and AFV credits is available to South Carolina resident taxpayers who are eligible for and claim the federal credits. If the amount of the credit exceeds the taxpayer's liability for the applicable tax year, any unused credit may be carried forward and claimed in the five succeeding taxable years. The state tax credit is calculated without regard to the phase out period limits of Internal Revenue Code Section 30(B)(f). (Reference South Carolina Code of Laws 12-6-3377)

State Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel Use Requirement

Whenever practical and economically feasible, all state agencies operating alternative fuel vehicles are required to use alternative fuels in those vehicles. Private businesses are encouraged to increase the use of alternative fuels in the state. (Reference Executive Order 2001-35)

Alternative Fuel Tax

All fuels, including alternative fuels and alternative fuel blends are exempt from the state sales and use tax. However, all fuels are subject to a state fuels tax. Alternative fuels include liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas. Blended fuels are defined as mixtures composed of gasoline or diesel fuel and another liquid, other than products such as carburetor detergent or oxidation inhibitor, which can be used as a fuel to operate a highway vehicle. (Reference South Carolina Code of Laws 12-28-110 and 12-36-2120)