Starting an LLC in South Carolina

South Carolina's formation fee is $110. There is no annual report for standard LLCs. No franchise tax. The state makes it straightforward to form and maintain a limited liability company.

Why South Carolina Works Well for LLCs

South Carolina combines reasonable formation costs with minimal ongoing obligations. Once your LLC is formed, you do not face recurring state filing fees that chip away at your bottom line. Your annual state compliance is essentially limited to maintaining a registered agent and handling taxes.

The LLC structure gives you personal liability protection — if the business is sued or takes on debt, your personal assets (home, savings, personal accounts) generally remain protected as long as you maintain proper separation between business and personal finances.

Formation Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost
Articles of Organization	$110
Expedited Processing (optional)	$25
Registered Agent (us)	$99/year
Annual Report	$0 (not required)
Franchise Tax	$0

Total first-year cost with our registered agent service: $209. Total annual cost after formation: $99 (just the agent).

Step-by-Step Formation

1. Choose Your LLC Name

Include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." in the name. Verify availability by searching the South Carolina Secretary of State business database at sos.sc.gov. The name must be distinguishable from existing registered entities.

2. Appoint a Registered Agent

South Carolina requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent must be at least 18 (if an individual) and available during standard business hours.

We provide this for $99/year. Our South Carolina address goes on your formation documents, keeping your personal address out of public records.

3. File Articles of Organization

Submit to the South Carolina Secretary of State with the $110 filing fee. Required information:

• LLC name
• Principal office address
• Registered agent name and address
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Organizer information

File online at sos.sc.gov. Standard processing takes 5-10 business days. Expedited service ($25) typically delivers within 24 hours.

4. Create an Operating Agreement

Not filed with the state, but essential for your business. Defines ownership splits, profit distribution, voting rights, and exit procedures. Banks request it for business accounts. Courts reference it in disputes.

5. Get Your EIN

Free from IRS.gov. Takes about ten minutes online. Required for business bank accounts, hiring employees, and federal tax filing. Do not pay a third-party service for this.

6. Ongoing Compliance

After formation, maintain compliance by:

• Keeping a registered agent with a South Carolina address
• Filing federal and state tax returns as required
• Maintaining separate business bank accounts and financial records
• Responding to any Secretary of State correspondence

No annual report. No franchise tax. South Carolina keeps the ongoing burden minimal.

The Registered Agent Requirement

You cannot skip this. Every South Carolina LLC needs a registered agent from the day it forms through the day it dissolves. The agent must:

• Have a physical South Carolina street address (no PO boxes)
• Be available during business hours to accept documents
• Forward service of process and state correspondence promptly

Our $99/year service covers all of it. Your personal address stays private, documents reach you the same day, and you have 24/7 portal access to everything we receive.

Common Questions

How much does a South Carolina LLC cost? $110 state filing fee. No annual report fee after that.

How long does formation take? 5-10 business days standard. About 24 hours with expedited processing ($25).

Is an annual report required? No. South Carolina does not require annual reports for standard LLCs.

Can I form a South Carolina LLC from out of state? Yes. You need a registered agent with a physical South Carolina address — that is exactly what we provide for $99/year.

What ongoing costs should I expect? $99/year for registered agent service. No state annual fees for standard LLCs.