The 4 Best LLC Services in South Carolina 2023
Find the Best Service for Your LLC in South Carolina
Starting a limited liability company is an excellent way to protect your personal assets and build credibility for your business. One of the best ways to ensure that your LLC is formed correctly and in compliance with all state laws is to hire a professional formation service. The best LLC services in South Carolina will guide you through the process of creating your company, including filing the necessary paperwork and providing valuable assistance with ongoing compliance.
Recommended South Carolina LLC Formation Service: Northwest
Best South Carolina LLC Formation Services
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Best LLC Services |
|---|---|
Northwest 4.7/5 |
HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
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TailorBrands 4.5/5 |
BEST PREMIUM, ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE
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ZenBusiness 4.2/5 |
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Incfile 4.0/5 |
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We reviewed and ranked the four best business formation services by actually forming separate South Carolina LLCs with each service provider.
In this business formation services review, we’ll explore some of the best South Carolina LLC services in 2023 and share what makes them the top choice.
Best LLC Services in South Carolina:
Best LLC Service: Northwest
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the overall best online business formation service because of its affordability and knowledgeable customer support.
($29 + State Fees)
1. Northwest
Northwest's incorporation service starts at just $29 plus state fees; it includes South Carolina LLC filing, premium registered agent services, customer privacy protection, online document dashboard, free mail forwarding, and more.
Northwest is known for its top-notch customer service; they provide their clients with Corporate Guides, who are highly trained US-based support agents. Every customer gets a Corporate Guide assigned to their specific account, so you can talk to the same person if you have any questions or concerns.
Pros
- Positive customer reviews
- User-friendly online ordering process
- No hidden fees or “free trials” that cost money later on
- Professional US-based customer service representatives
Cons
- You’ll need to pay extra fees for important company formation features such as an EIN. Another option is to get an EIN for free on your own.
Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more.
Northwest
Northwest provides personalized, knowledgeable customer service at an affordable price.
($29 plus state fees)
2. Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands is one of the top LLC formation services that we recommend to business owners. Specifically, it is Tailor Brands’ Elite package that is well worth considering.
With the Elite package from Tailor Brands (which costs $199 + state fees), you will receive standard LLC service as well as tools like a website builder, logo maker, social media post designer, and more to build your new brand. These features empower entrepreneurs to establish their online presence and are a big part of what sets Tailor Brands apart from the competition.
Pros
- Great customer reviews
- Provides powerful brand-boosting tools along with formation services
- Offers a lot of value for the price
Cons
- Entrepreneurs who only need basic LLC formation services can find more affordable options on the market
Read our full Tailor Brands review to learn more.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands provides the best premium, one-stop shop package for entrepreneurs to form an LLC and build their online presence.
($199 + state fees)
3. ZenBusiness
Since being founded in 2015, ZenBusiness has grown to become one of the most recognizable names in the LLC formation industry. Today, ZenBusiness offers three different packages for new entrepreneurs to consider.
Pricing for these plans ranges from $0-$299 (plus state fees). Depending on the specific package that you choose, you will receive standard company formation services along with benefits such as expedited filing and a customizable website.
Pros
- You can file your LLC in as little as 1-2 business days with the rush filing offered by ZenBusiness’s Premium package
- Offers a $0 plus state fees starter plan
- Excellent customer reviews
Cons
- Registered agent services cost extra with each package
Read our full ZenBusiness review to learn more.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness provides essential services to help get your company up and running.
($0 + State Fees)
4. Incfile
Our final recommendation for business formation services is Incfile. Like many of the top LLC services, Incfile offers several plans to choose from. This makes it easy to select a package that best matches your needs and budget.
Pricing for Incfile’s packages ranges from $0-$249 (plus state fees). Depending on the specific plan that you choose, you will receive features such as EIN registration, expedited filing, and a free business website.
Pros
- Offers basic company formation services free of charge (aside from state fees)
- Provides a user-friendly dashboard for tracking the status of your LLC’s filing
- One year of free registered agent services is included with each Incfile package
Cons
- Some client reviews complain of lengthy turnaround times
Read our full Incfile review to learn more.
Incfile
Incfile is one of the best LLC services if you are working with a limited budget, and want a lot of added features.
($0 + State Fees)
How to Form an LLC in South Carolina
You can start an LLC in South Carolina on your own in five easy steps:
1. Name Your LLC
You won’t be able to form your company until you actually name it. Be sure to follow the LLC naming rules that are outlined in the South Carolina naming requirements.
Then, make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a Business Name Search on the State of South Carolina's website.
We also recommend using our LLC Name Generator tool to help secure a domain name for your enterprise.
2. Choose an Agent for Service of Process
You are required to designate an agent for service of process, known in most states as a registered agent, for your South Carolina LLC, which is an individual or business entity in charge of receiving legal documents, government correspondence, and more on behalf of your company.
If you form your company online on the South Carolina Secretary of State website, your registered agent’s name and contact information will be requested when you file your LLC’s Articles of Organization.
If you form your venture by mail, download the Articles of Organization form, fill out the required fields, and submit a physical copy to the South Carolina Secretary of State. You’ll be asked to provide your registered agent under the number 3 on page 1.
3. File the Articles of Organization
To register your new enterprise, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can apply online or by mail.
Learn more with our South Carolina Articles of Organization guide.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your LLC in South Carolina.
Although an operating agreement is not required, it’s recommended. According to South Carolina Code of Laws Section 33-44-103, all members of an LLC may enter into an operating agreement to regulate the internal affairs of the company.
You can read more about South Carolina LLC operating agreements in our full guide.
5. Get an EIN
You can think of an Employer Identification Number as a Social Security number for your business. Get one for free through the IRS website.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a South Carolina LLC?
The cost to start a South Carolina LLC is $110.
How do I get a South Carolina certificate of good standing?
You can obtain your certificate of good standing, known as a certificate of existence in South Carolina, by requesting it from the Secretary of State.
What are some local resources to help me form a company in South Carolina?
To help you start your new venture, we have identified the best resources across the state: