LLC in SC: Forming an LLC online in South Carolina is a bit different than the other states. So, new entrepreneurs need to know what specificities are required to form LLC in SC.
So, if you too are planning to form your LLC in South Carolina, then Follow the simple steps discussed below to do it the right way.
An LLC in South Carolina basically links an organization’s limited liability with the pliability and shortage of formalities. All these are offered by any sole proprietorship or an association.
We would recommend setting up an LLC in SC for any entrepreneur whose objective is to restrict liability for professional lawsuits and debts.
Not from South Carolina? Learn to form an LLC in any other State.
Tip of the Day: South Carolina LLC formation by yourself is mostly hectic and time taking. Hiring a reliable LLC formation service is not only a good choice, but saves you from overspending. Therefore we recommend you to:
Introduction:
Now, what is an LLC? A Limited Liability Company (LLC) unites the best of partnerships, sole ownerships, and corporations into one organizational entity providing full protection to liabilities, tax incentives or flexible business structures, etc.
It only costs almost 110 USD to initiate an LLC in South Carolina.
All you’ve to do is to submit a certificate of your new business with the State Minister. An entrepreneur can either apply online, drop a mail, or visit the office in person to build a new LLC.
In this article, we will explain the LLC formation method in South Carolina. So let’s get started!
Outlining the Carolina LLC Formation Process
(7 Steps)
- Pick a Name for Your South Carolina LLC
- Find a Registered Agent for Your LLC
- Submit the Articles of Organization
- Establish an LLC Operating Agreement
- Follow the Tax and Other Administrative Requirements
- Fulfill Your State Tax Commitments
- Submit Annual Reports
Next, we are going to discuss the steps one by one to make to clear for all of the viewers and new entrepreneurs.
#1: Pick an LLC Name
The first and foremost part of building an LLC in SC is to pick up the right company name. Try to select a name that corresponds to South Carolina standards and is conveniently accessed by prospective customers.
What Instructions Should Be Followed While Naming an LLC?
- Every business owner should include “Limited Liability Company” to his new company or the abbreviation of it, LLC.
- Avoid using the words that can mystify your LLC name with the government agencies, such as State Organizations, Treasury, FBI, etc.
- Make sure to choose a unique name from other corporations, South Carolina LLCs, or limited liability parties.
- If you want to fit in a few confined words like an attorney, bank, university, etc., it might demand hiring a licensed lawyer or doctor for additional documentation.
The next step is to verify access to your chosen name in South Carolina. Make sure if the name is still available or utilized by another entity.
You can visit South Carolina’s official website to check on Business Registry Search. Furthermore, one can also generate a name through an LLC Name Generator online.
#2: Find a Registered Agent for Carolina LLC
Another vital step is to find a reliable Registered Agent to form an LLC in SC.
There are some limitations when choosing a registered agent in South Carolina. The person should be a South Carolina inhabitant who would be able to perform your business tasks from within the state.
You may also nominate yourself for the official documentation, but we personally recommend going for ZenBusiness. Besides offering a free first year of their registered agent services, the company will form your South Carolina LLC only for $49 plus the state filing fee.
#3 File an Articles of Organization
During the formation of an LLC in SC, it’s crucial to submit your articles of organization linked with the Secretary of its State. A general article should cover up the following:
- Name and web address of your LLC’s planner
- The official name and address of South Carolina LLC
- Details of your LLCs registered entity
- Details of your company members
- The official LLCs emails
- Entrepreneur’s signature
You can request the articles of organization online or download the form and send it to:
Mail to:
South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office,
Attn: Corporate Fillings,
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525,
Columbia, SC 29201.
DIY Cost of Forming an LLC in South Carolina ($110)
The main LLC formation cost through the DIY route is the state filing fee of your Article of Organization. Currently, the state of South Carolina charges you $110 for filing your LLC and it may be subjected to revision by the state. The filing fee of articles of organization is the same, regardless you submit online or through the mail.
#4: Establish an LLC Operating Agreement
An LLC operating agreement is constitutional paperwork that sketches the rules and regulations for a new company and also outlines the entrepreneur’s operating procedures to form a new LLC in SC.
Although not necessary, creating an operating agreement will benefit a company for sure.
This legal agreement guarantees all entrepreneurs to remain on the same boat, which ultimately lessens further business clashes.
#5: Follow the Similar Tax and Other Administrative Requirements
A few extra taxes and other administrative requirements might implement to your new LLC that includes:
Employer Identification Number – It is just like a Social Security Number, so if your company has more than one employee, you can get this EIN by paying extra. This nine-digit code will check into your tax issues and assist you in creating a new bank account, hiring new staff, etc. One can submit an online form at the IRS website to get an EIN for his company.
Official Licenses – Sometimes, your new LLC in South Carolina might demand the official state licenses or other approvals, depending on the business type and its location. So, there are Economic Resource Units in South Carolina leading you to authorities to guarantee proper licensing, registration, or permissions within the state.
#6: Fulfill Your State Tax Commitments
After getting a South Carolina LLC, there are several responsibilities on a business entity that should be fulfilled. For instance, in a few cases, one has to check with the South Carolina Official Website to get SC business license.
Moreover, depending on the nature of your business you may need to get permits or licenses from the local government. For more information, you can review detailed LLC articles on our website.
#7: Responsibly Submit Annual Reports
Unlike other states, limited liability companies in South Carolina are not required to submit their annual (or biennial) reports. For more details on how to file an annual report or state-specific fee, read our article on LLC annual (or biennial) report.
Though there is no annual report requirement in SC, you must submit all annual taxes to stay compliant to the state.
Additional Information on Forming an LLC in South Carolina
Register a Foreign LLC in South Carolina
Entrepreneurs often form an LLC in a state other than the state of their residence to have some tax benefits and reduce LLC formation cost. Moreover, some business owners have their LLC franchises in multiple states. In such cases, they register their LLCs or franchises as foreign LLC in all states where they operate their business.
If you have an LLC in any other state and wish to open a franchise in South Carolina or want to form an LLC in South Carolina while you are a non-South Carolina resident, you can form a foreign LLC online or download a foreign LLC application and mail it to:
Mailing Address
Secretary of State,
1205 Pendleton St, Ste. 525,
Columbia, SC 29201.
South Carolina Foreign LLC Filing Fee: ($110 – nonrefundable)
Hiring Employees in South Carolina
To run your business in a compliant manner, you have to follow the State of South Carolina’s guidelines while hiring employees for your existing business or new LLC. Some of the major points are stated below;
- Verify the employment status of individuals, such as whether the potential employee is a US resident; if not then are they permitted to work in the US, are they of a certain age to work for that particular job, etc
- Report new hiring to the state
- File quarterly reports on wages and taxes
- Report job refusal
Acquire Relevant Business Licenses and Permits to Operate in South Carolina
To successfully operate your LLC in South Carolina, you must acquire permits and license to comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For instance, to operate a pest control business, you need to acquire a license from the department of agriculture and fulfill the state’s certification requirement, etc
The requirements and fees for business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Work thoroughly on prerequisites and compliance-related information for your business before officially filing your LLC with the state. However, the following resources may help;
- Hire a reliable, professional service like ZenBusiness to do a license and permit search for you. Many LLC formation services do this as a part of their LLC formation packages.
- Visit the US Small Business Administration (SBA) guide for federal license and permit information.
- Government of South Carolina’s website helps you learn the state’s license requirements.
- Visit your local county clerk’s office and seek information about local licenses and permits.
Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing in South Carolina ($10- nonrefundable)
A Certificate of Good Standing, aka Certificate of Compliance in South Carolina, verifies that your LLC has been legally formed and is being operated and maintained in a compliant fashion. This document is needed for;
- Filing your business as a foreign LLC
- Seeking fundings and investments from banks or other people
- Acquiring or renewing relevant business licenses or permits
You can request the certificate of existence online or download the relevant form from South Carolina’s Secretary of State’s official website.
Mailing Address
South Carolina Secretary of State,
Attn: Corporations Division,
1205 Pendleton St, Ste. 525,
Columbia, SC 29201.
Dissolve Your LLC in South Carolina ($10 – nonrefundable)
In case you no longer wish to continue your LLC in South Carolina at any point in the future, you must officially dissolve it; otherwise, you may face tax liabilities, penalties, and legal troubles. In South Carolina, you can dissolve your LLC by following 3 basic steps:
- Comply with your LLC operating agreement
- Close all business tax accounts
- You can hire any LLC services to make the LLC dissolution process seamless and easy for you. If you want to file yourself, follow the South Carolina LLC Dissolution guide.
Final Verdict
We hope this article has helped you in every aspect of forming an LLC in South Carolina. If you still have any questions or confusion, please ask in the comment section.
Aisha Noreen is an owner of a small business with more than 9 years of experience in the marketing industry. With the wisdom of an old soul, she always seeks innovation and mind-blowing ROI techniques. Her unique approach helped many small businesses thrive and she can surprise you in many ways as well. Believe it or not, her energy, passion, and creativity are contagious enough to transform your business and take it to another level.
