Ten questions we get most often about forming an LLC in South Carolina — with straight answers, not hedged ones.
5–10 business days for standard online processing through the South Carolina Secretary of State. Once the LLC is approved, we obtain the EIN the same day and deliver your bank-ready packet within a day or two after that.
Our service is $299 flat. South Carolina's state filing fee is $110, paid directly to the South Carolina Secretary of State. First-year total is $409, with no upsells and no tiered pricing.
No. South Carolina allows non-residents to form and own LLCs in the state. You do need a South Carolina registered agent — that's included in the $299 for the first year. Our Columbia office serves as the agent of record.
Yes. South Carolina allows single-member LLCs, which the IRS treats as disregarded entities by default — meaning the LLC's income flows through to the owner's personal tax return.
Four things: your South Carolina Articles of Organization filed by a formation specialist, federal EIN obtained from the IRS, a custom operating agreement drafted to your actual ownership structure, and one year of registered agent service in South Carolina. No hidden costs, no tiered pricing.
South Carolina does not require an annual report for LLCs. Once formed, there is no recurring filing with the South Carolina Secretary of State to keep the LLC alive. You still have federal tax obligations, and any state income or franchise tax obligations that may apply.
Yes, South Carolina law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive service of process and official correspondence. Our Columbia office serves as your registered agent for the first year as part of the $299.
Yes. After the first year you can renew our service at $119/year, or designate yourself, an employee, or another agent by filing a change-of-agent form with the South Carolina Secretary of State. The state typically charges a small fee for the change.
Yes. Our operating agreements are drafted to your actual ownership structure — member names, percentages, voting rights, profit allocations — not a fill-in-the-blank template. Every major U.S. bank accepts them for business account opening.
No annual report required for standard LLCs (taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities). Only LLCs electing corporate tax treatment file Form CL-1 ($25 one-time initial report). No franchise tax for LLCs.
No annual report required for standard LLCs (taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities).
Reservation takes three minutes. A formation specialist in Columbia handles the rest.