How to Start an LLC in South Carolina
To start an LLC in South Carolina, file Articles of Organization with the South Carolina Secretary of State. This costs $110 and takes 5–7 business days for online approval.
There are 5 steps to start an LLC in South Carolina:
- 1Choose an LLC Name
- 2Select a Registered Agent
- 3File Articles of Organization
- 4Create an Operating Agreement
- 5Get an EIN from the IRS
How much does it cost to start an LLC in South Carolina?
It costs $110 to start an LLC in South Carolina. South Carolina does not require an annual report, so there are no mandatory recurring state fees.
What are these fees for?
- The $110 is to file the Articles of Organization — the document that officially creates your LLC.
How long does it take to get an LLC in South Carolina?
- Online filing: 5–7 business days
- Mail filing: 1–2 weeks
You can file online or by mail with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Steps to Form an LLC in South Carolina
Step 1: Search Your LLC Name
Search your LLC name to make sure it's available in South Carolina. Two businesses in the state cannot share the same name.
South Carolina business name search →
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
A Registered Agent is a person or company that accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your LLC. South Carolina requires your Registered Agent to have a physical street address in the state — PO Boxes are not allowed. Your options:
- Yourself (if you have a physical address in South Carolina)
- A friend or family member who lives in South Carolina
- A professional Registered Agent service
Step 3: File Articles of Organization with Secretary of State
To officially create your LLC, file the Articles of Organization with the South Carolina Secretary of State. The filing fee is $110.
You can file online or by mail with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement is an internal document that shows who owns the LLC and how it will be run. You do not need to file it with the state or the IRS — just keep it with your business records. All LLCs should have one, even single-member LLCs.
Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC's federal tax ID. It is free from the IRS and is needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.
- US residents with an SSN: Apply online at IRS.gov (takes ~15 minutes, free)
- Non-US residents without an SSN: Apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4 (takes 1–3 months)
After Your LLC Is Approved
Open a business bank account
Keep business and personal finances separate to maintain liability protection. You will need your EIN and your stamped/approved Articles of Organization to open an account.
Get business licenses and permits
South Carolina requires a Business License from your city or county. There is no state general business license, but local licenses are commonly required.
Understand your tax obligations
LLCs don't pay federal income tax directly. Profits and losses pass through to the members, who report them on their personal federal tax returns.
South Carolina has a state income tax. LLC members report their share of profits on their South Carolina state tax return.
Once your LLC is formed, TheLLCWiki has free tools for IRS name changes, address changes, EIN applications, and tax elections.