South Carolina Registered Agent Guide
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC and maintaining a registered agent in South Carolina
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South Carolina
LLC Formation Costs & Requirements
Filing Fee
$110
↓11% below avg
Annual Fee
FREE
Franchise Tax
None
1st Year Total
$110
↓51% below avg
Processing Time
5-10 business days
5-Year Cost Projection
Total over 5 years
$110
Average per year
$22
South Carolina LLC Formation Costs
State Filing Fees
💡 Pro Tip:
South Carolina doesn't charge an annual report fee, making it one of the most affordable states for ongoing LLC maintenance.
Registered Agent Requirements in South Carolina
Every LLC in South Carolina must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The registered agent receives legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your business.
Key Requirements:
- • Must have a physical street address in South Carolina (no P.O. boxes)
- • Must be available during normal business hours
- • Can be an individual resident or a registered agent service
- • Must consent to the appointment in writing
⚠️ Important:
Failing to maintain a registered agent can result in your LLC losing its good standing with the state, facing penalties, and potentially being administratively dissolved.
Formation Timeline in South Carolina
Choose Your Business Name
Search the South Carolina business database to ensure your desired LLC name is available. Your name must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company."
Timeline: Same day
Appoint a Registered Agent
Select and confirm your registered agent service before filing your formation documents.
Timeline: Same day
File Articles of Organization
Submit your formation documents and pay the $110 state filing fee.
Timeline: 5-10 business days
Obtain EIN from IRS
Apply for your federal Employer Identification Number (free from IRS).
Timeline: Immediate online, 4 weeks by mail
Your LLC is Formed!
Once approved, you'll receive your LLC formation certificate from the state.
Total Timeline: 5-10 business days
Annual Compliance Requirements
LLC Formation Checklist
South Carolina Requirements
Total Cost
$110
1 Pre-Formation Requirements
2 Filing Requirements
3 Post-Formation Steps
4 Ongoing Compliance
South Carolina Specific Notes
- • Filing fee: $110
- • Processing time: 5-10 business days
- • Registered agent can be a commercial service
Track your progress as you complete each step
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Best Registered Agent Services for South Carolina
Based on our analysis of pricing, features, and South Carolina-specific requirements, here are our top recommendations for registered agent services:
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons:
- ✗ Some features require upgraded plans
- ✗ More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Customer service via chat/email only
South Carolina-Specific Tips
✅ Advantages
- • No annual report fees
- • No franchise tax
- • Business-friendly regulations
- • Strong legal protections for LLCs
- • Flexible management structure
📋 Considerations
- • Must maintain registered agent at all times
- • State filing fee of $110
- • Processing time of 5-10 business days
- • Business licenses may be required
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Carolina?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in South Carolina is $110. Additional costs may include registered agent service (typically $100-300/year), EIN obtainment (free from IRS), and any business licenses required by your city or county. The total first-year cost including state fees is $110.
How long does it take to form an LLC in South Carolina?
Standard processing time for LLC formation in South Carolina is 5-10 business days. Many formation services offer expedited processing that can reduce this time significantly. Some states also offer their own expedited processing for an additional fee.
Can I be my own registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in South Carolina if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. However, using a professional service ensures privacy, reliability, and compliance with state requirements.
What happens if I don't have a registered agent?
Operating without a registered agent in South Carolina can result in serious consequences including loss of good standing, inability to file lawsuits, state penalties and fines, missing important legal documents, and potential administrative dissolution of your LLC.
Do I need a business license in South Carolina?
While forming an LLC with the state, you may also need local business licenses depending on your business type and location. Check with your city and county for specific requirements. Some businesses may also need professional licenses or permits based on their industry.
Ready to Form Your South Carolina LLC?
Get started with a trusted registered agent service today