How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in South Carolina?

South Carolina LLC Online Filing Fee: $110

The main cost to start an LLC is the $110 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the South Carolina Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Registered Agent Fee

In South Carolina you can be your own registered agent, but using a registered agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about South Carolina Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in South Carolina

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into South Carolina, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in South Carolina.

The cost for registering a South Carolina foreign LLC is $110. You can register a foreign LLC in South Carolina by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority to Transact Business.

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in South Carolina. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a South Carolina business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an Application to Reserve a Limited Liability Company Name and paying the $25 filing fee.

Foreign LLC Fictitious Name:
If a foreign LLC’s legal name is not available in South Carolina, they can file an Adopting a Fictitious Name form and pay the $2 fee to use a different name.

Certificate of Existence:
Also known as a South Carolina certificate of good standing, you can obtain this document by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying the $10 fee. A certificate of existence is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in South Carolina

Step 1: Name Your South Carolina LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your South Carolina LLC

When you name your South Carolina LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of South Carolina
2. Meets South Carolina naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in South Carolina guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in South Carolina.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in South Carolina must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your South Carolina registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in South Carolina
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

In South Carolina, your registered agent must consent to their appointment by signing the Articles of Organization if filing by mail.

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The South Carolina Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the South Carolina Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $110 online.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the South Carolina Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for South Carolina LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our South Carolina LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees