How to Get LLC Articles of Organization South Carolina

Before You File Articles of Organization

Before jumping into anything, you need to be well prepared. Right? Likewise, you need to do a few things before filing your articles of organization with the state authorities. These steps are:

1. Choose a Name For Your LLC
2. Appoint a Registered Agent
3. Draft Your Operating Agreement

1. Choose a Name For Your LLC 

In South Carolina, your LLC’s name should not only be a smart business name, but it should also be legally correct. The LLC name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C or LLC.”

Moreover, the LLC name must meet the South Carolina LLC naming guidelines, and your LLC name must not resemble any government institution or state office.

In addition to that, your LLC name must not be already in use by any other LLC in South Carolina. In other words, your LLC name should be unique. You can check the business name availability on the state’s Business Entity Search website.

2. Appoint a Registered Agent

Every LLC is required to have a registered agent in South Carolina. A registered agent is an individual or business that agrees to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC.

You can name yourself or any other LLC member as your registered agent. In case you don’t want to publicize your home address by naming yourself aa s registered agent, you can hire a registered agent company.

Here is our detailed review on top-rated registered agent companies. Pick one that best suits your need.

The registered agent information must always be up to date. If you change your registered agent or just your registered agent has moved to another place, you need to inform the state through a change of registered agent form.

3. Draft Your Operating Agreement 

An operating agreement outlines your LLC’s ownership and management structure and the rules and regulations that will govern it.

In simple words, this document contains the bylaws that save your company from any dispute or sour situations, including day-to-day operations to LLC dissolution and moving your LLC to another state.

Like many other states, an LLC operating agreement is not required in South Carolina. However, it’s a good idea to have one to avoid any dispute or complication in the days to come. Having bylaws in place helps run your business smoothly.

What is Included in the Articles of Organization

Typically, an article of organization is a short formation document that is no more than 2 or 3 pages long. Generally, you need to provide the following information in your certificate of organization:

• The name of your LLC
• The principal address of your business
• The names and addresses of the organizers (LLC members)
• The LLC’s purpose
• Name Reservation certificate copy from the Secretary of State (if required)
• The effective date of LLC operation (when you plan to start LLC)
• The name and address of your LLC’s registered agent
• LLC management structure (whether the LLC will be managed by members or managers
• The names and addresses of the members or managers, if applicable
• Signatures of the organizers

After Filing Articles of Organization

After you’ve filed your articles of organization, you’ll need to take a few more steps to get your LLC up and running. These steps include:

A. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) From the IRS

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) is required if you want to hire employees, your LLC is multi-membered, or you want to open business bank accounts.

EIN is like a social security number for your LLC that you use to file LLC taxes. You can get your EIN from the IRS website via fax or mail.

There is no fee if you directly apply to IRS. However, if you are not confident to apply by yourself, you can get professional service from LLC websites such as Zenbusiness at a fraction of the cost.

If you are interested to learn more about FTIN and how your LLC can benefit from it, read our What is an EIN article.

B. Opening a Business Bank Account

Separating your personal finances from business expenses is very important, especially if you want full benefits from an LLC’s limited liability protection.

Mixing your personal and business accounts puts your personal assets such as your home, car, and other valuables at risk when your LLC is sued. So, it is wise to separate your business account from your personal one.

C. Get Required Business Licenses or Permits

To comply with federal, state, and local requirements, you must obtain necessary business permits or licenses.

The license or permit requirement depends upon your state and the type of business your LLC is engaged with. Generally, you need to check the following resources:

• For federal business licenses and permits: check U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide.
• For state licenses, registration and permits: check the state of South Carolina Department of Revenue.
• Loca licenses and permits: Contact your local county clerk’s office.

D. File an Annual Report With the State

The LLC annual report is used to collect the structural information and necessary contact your domestic or foreign LLC.

Different states term this report differently, but the purpose of this report is to get updated information about your LLC. This includes the change of registered agent, change of principal address, etc.

Some states require this report annually, some require it biennially, some decennially, and some states do not require this report. To know more about the LLC annual report, read our article on LLC Annual Fees in all 50 States.