How to Form an LLC in South Carolina (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps
South Carolina charges $110 to file Articles of Organization online with the Secretary of State. You'll need a registered agent with a physical SC address—Northwest Registered Agent handles this for $125/year. Unlike most states, South Carolina has NO annual report requirement for LLCs, saving you recurring filing fees and paperwork. You will need an EIN from the IRS (free), a written Operating Agreement (not filed), and registration for state tax accounts if you have employees or sell taxable goods. Most single-member LLCs spend around $235 in year one; multi-member LLCs pay the same baseline costs. Mercury offers business banking built for LLCs with no monthly fees.
Before you file, two things drive cost the most in South Carolina: registered agent requirements and whether you open Mercury vs Bluevine business banking separately. The full breakdown below covers both.
Year-1 cost table
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (online filing) | $110 | cite |
| Registered Agent (Northwest, annual) | $125 | cite |
| Annual Report / Renewal | $0 | cite |
| EIN from IRS | $0 | cite |
| Year-1 Total (typical single-member) | ~$235 | cite |
The 6 steps
- Step 1: File Articles of Organization
Submit the formation document to the South Carolina Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.
- Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Every South Carolina LLC needs a registered agent with a South Carolina street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.
- Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.
- Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement
Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.
- Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.
- Step 6: File State Tax Registrations
Register for South Carolina state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.
Recommended tools
Northwest vs ZenBusiness for South Carolina LLCs
Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for South Carolina LLCs. They publish a South Carolina-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.
| Criterion | Northwest | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Registered-agent only price (South Carolina) | $125/yr | $199/yr |
| Bundled formation | Optional add-on | Included in formation plans |
| Privacy (address shielding) | Strong | Strong |
| Upsells at checkout | None | Several |
| Annual-report filing service | $100/yr add-on | $199/yr add-on |
Frequently asked questions
Does South Carolina require an annual report for LLCs?
No. South Carolina is one of the few states with no annual report requirement for LLCs, eliminating recurring filing fees and administrative burden after formation.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Carolina?
The state charges $110 to file Articles of Organization online. Adding a registered agent ($125/year with Northwest) brings year-one costs to approximately $235, with no annual report fees in subsequent years.
Do I need to publish a notice of my South Carolina LLC formation?
No. South Carolina does not require newspaper publication for LLCs, unlike Arizona or New York, saving you several hundred dollars in publication costs.
Can I be my own registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, if you maintain a physical SC street address and are available during business hours. Most owners prefer Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) to keep their home address private and ensure reliable service of process.
Does South Carolina charge franchise tax or business license tax on LLCs?
South Carolina has no state-level franchise tax for LLCs. However, you must obtain a business license from your county or municipality; fees vary by location and are typically modest (often under $100 annually).
Annual filing deadline
South Carolina does not require LLCs to file annual reports or pay recurring franchise taxes, making ongoing compliance simpler than most states.
Authoritative sources
- https://www.scsos.com/business-filings/limited-liability-companies
- https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
- https://dor.sc.gov/tax/business
Other states
Updated 2026-05-12. Source quality: d1_hydrated. AthenAI is not a law firm; this page is informational.