South Carolina Lawmaker proposes tax of $500 for people moving to the Palmetto State

South Carolina state Sen. Stephen Goldfinch has proposed a bill, dubbed the “Yankee Tax,” that would require new residents to pay up to $500 to move to the Palmetto State.

If passed by state referendum, new residents moving from out-of-state to South Carolina would be required to pay two one-time fees: $250 for new driver’s licenses and $250 for vehicle registrations.

The money raised from the additional $250 tax would go toward the state’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges and common community spaces.

Senator Goldfinch points to South Carolina residents as inspiration for the bill.

“Our quality of life has been diminished by the almost 4 million people that have moved here in the last decade.” Goldfinch said. “And we anticipate another million people moving here in the next decade. Everybody is concerned about their quality of life.”

The New Resident fee referendum will be available for debate on the South Carolina Senate floor next week, Goldfinch said. If passed, counties will vote on it in their general elections in 2024.