2026 Guide

How to Start an LLC in South Carolina

The complete guide to filing fees, Secretary of State forms, and requirements.

The American LLC Research Team

Formation, Compliance and Tax Research

Last reviewed September 2026

Filing Fee

$110

Processing Time

1–2 business days

Compliance

No Annual Report

South Carolina fees on this page are being re-verified against the South Carolina Secretary of State. Check the official fee schedule before you file.

Form Your South Carolina LLC with Northwest »

$39 + $110 state fee · first year of registered agent service included · we may earn a commission

Step 1: Choose Your Business Type

Select your industry to see a custom guide for South Carolina.

Home Improvement & Construction

Handyman→Electrician→Plumbing→HVAC→Roofing→Solar Panel→Construction→Painting→Fencing→Flooring→

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning→Pressure Washing→Car Detailing→Pool Cleaning→Pest Control→Landscaping→Home Inspection→Junk Removal→

Digital & Technology

Web Design→App Development→Cybersecurity→Digital Marketing→Graphic Design→Freelance Writing→Virtual Assistant→Dropshipping→YouTuber→

Professional & Business

Real Estate→Accounting→Bookkeeping→Consulting→Notary Public→Logistics→Trucking→Travel Agency→Airbnb→

Food, Retail & Events

Food Truck→Catering→Bakery→Coffee Shop→Vending Machine→Clothing Brand→Candle Making→Event Planning→Photography→

Personal Care & Education

Personal Training→Gym→Life Coaching→Daycare→Tutoring→Dog Walking→Interior Design→

1Name Your South Carolina LLC

The first listing requirement is ensuring your business name is unique. It must be distinguishable from other entities registered with the Secretary of State. You must also include a designator like "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to comply with state statutes.

2Assign a Registered Agent

Every South Carolina LLC must appoint a Registered Agent. This individual or business entity agrees to accept legal documents (Service of Process) on behalf of your company. They must have a physical street address in South Carolina (not a P.O. Box) and be available during regular business hours.

3File Articles of Organization

To officially create your entity, you must file the Articles of Organization with the state. The filing fee is $110. This fee is non-refundable. Most entrepreneurs choose to file online for faster approval, which typically takes 1–2 business days.

4Get Your EIN & Bank Account

Once your LLC is approved, apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. This nine-digit number is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. Keeping your business finances separate from personal accounts is critical for maintaining your liability protection.

South Carolina LLC Cost Breakdown

The cost to open an LLC in South Carolina includes both the initial filing fee and ongoing compliance fees. Here is the breakdown:

ItemEstimated Cost
State Filing Fee (LLC)$110
Annual Report Fee$0
Report Due DateNot required
Notes & Hidden CostsNo report unless filing as S-Corp

* Fees are payable to the Secretary of State and are subject to change.

Start South Carolina LLC for $39 & Get 1 Year Agent Free

Common Questions in South Carolina

How much does it cost to start an LLC in South Carolina?
The state filing fee for a South Carolina LLC is $110, paid once to the Secretary of State. If you use a formation service, you pay this state fee plus the service's own charge.
How long does it take to get an LLC in South Carolina?
Standard processing in South Carolina takes about 1–2 business days, though it varies with filing volume.
Does South Carolina require an Annual Report?
No. South Carolina does not require LLCs to file an annual report, and there is no annual state fee. You still need to keep your registered agent information current with the Secretary of State.
Do I need to file a BOI report with FinCEN for my LLC?
No — not if your LLC was formed in the United States. FinCEN's interim final rule of March 2025, made permanent by a final rule on August 14, 2026, exempts all U.S.-created companies, including LLCs, and their U.S. owners from Beneficial Ownership Information reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. Only entities formed under foreign law that register to do business in a U.S. state must still report. Be wary of mailers or emails demanding a BOI filing fee.
Can I be my own Registered Agent?
Yes. You can serve as your own registered agent in every state as long as you have a physical street address in that state and are available there during normal business hours to accept legal papers (service of process). The trade-off is privacy: that address goes on the public state record. Many owners hire a registered agent service to keep their home address off public filings.
View all South Carolina FAQs & Legal Data →

Sources

South Carolina fees on this page are being re-verified against the South Carolina Secretary of State. Check the official fee schedule before you file.

Cost ranges for startup, insurance, job rates and revenue are estimates, not figures from these sources. Fees change; confirm with the agency before you file.