South Carolina § 12-23-20 - Exemptions from tax.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 12-23-20 — Exemptions from tax., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-23-20. Exemptions from tax.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to:
(1) Electric power manufactured or generated in another state and brought into this State until such power has lost its interstate character and immunities;
(2) Electric power or energy generated in the State by plants constructed after May 1, 1951 and exported to another state;
(3) Any person owning and operating an electric manufacturing or generating plant of ten horsepower or less;
(4) Any industrial plant manufacturing or generating power for its own use or for use upon its own premises by its bona fide operatives or employees, but the tax shall be paid upon so much thereof as may be sold to other than its employees;
(5) A municipality manufacturing or generating electricity for the use of its customers; or
(6) Electric power used in manufacturing or generating hydroelectric power and steam electric power, and electric power used in the operation of such electric power manufacturing or generating plants and auxiliary machinery and equipment necessary thereto; provided, that all such power that is used for generation of power, which is to be exempt from taxation shall be exempt only if it is metered; nor shall they apply:
(7) When the entire capital stock of a corporation owning and operating a plant manufacturing or generating electric power is owned by an industrial corporation, to such power as may be furnished by such generating corporation to such industrial corporation for use and consumption by such industrial corporation or for use upon the premises of such industrial corporation by its bona fide operatives or employees, but the tax shall be paid upon so much of such power as may be sold to other than such industrial corporation's employees.
(8) Electric power sold to industrial customers as a class in excess of the amounts of electric power sold to industrial customers as a class during the corresponding months of the State's fiscal year 1957-1958; but all sales of electric power to any class of customer other than industrial customers shall continue to be assessed and taxed as provided in this article. As used in this section, "industrial customers" shall mean that class of customer engaged in the business of manufacture, fabrication, processing and related work.
(9) electricity used by a technology intensive facility as defined in Section 12-6-3360(M)(14)(b) and qualifying for the sales tax exemption provided pursuant to Section 12-36-2120(65), and the equipment and raw materials including, without limitation, fuel used by such qualifying facility to generate, transform, transmit, distribute, or manage electricity for use in such a facility. The running of the periods of limitation within which the department may assess taxes pursuant to Section 12-54-85 is suspended during the same time period it is suspended in item (65)(d) of Section 12-36-2120.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 65-902; 1952 Code SECTION 65-902; 1942 Code SECTION 2558; 1932 Code SECTION 2558; 1931 (37) 357; 1935 (39) 275; 1937 (40) 610; 1951 (47) 710; 1953 (48) 215; 1969 (56) 740; 2006 Act No. 335, SECTION 4.C, eff June 6, 2006; 2007 Act No. 110, SECTION 23.A, eff June 6, 2006; 2007 Act No. 116, SECTION 29.A, eff June 6, 2006.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 12-23-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 12-23-20 cover?
Section 12-23-20 ("Exemptions from tax.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 12-23-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 12-23-20" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 12-23-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.