Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in South Carolina is one of the smartest ways to protect your personal assets and build a flexible business structure. Whether you’re launching a new venture or turning your side hustle into an official entity, this guide walks you through each step to help you start your South Carolina LLC confidently and stay compliant.
Your LLC’s name sets the foundation for your brand and legal identity.
To comply with South Carolina law:
The name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “LC.”
It must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in South Carolina.
You can check availability through the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Name Search tool.
If you’re not ready to file yet, you may reserve your name for a limited time for a small fee.
Tip: Choose a name that reflects your business purpose and is easy for clients to remember.
Every South Carolina LLC must appoint a registered agent. This person or entity receives official mail, legal notices, and state correspondence on behalf of your business.
Your registered agent must:
Have a physical address (not a P.O. box) in South Carolina.
Be available during normal business hours.
Having a dependable registered agent ensures you never miss important legal documents or compliance notices.
This step officially establishes your LLC. File your Articles of Organization with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Online filing fee: $125 (faster processing, usually 1–2 business days)
Mail filing fee: $110 (processing can take 1–2 weeks)
Your LLC name
Registered agent’s name and address
Principal business address
Names and signatures of the organizers
Once the Articles are approved, your South Carolina LLC is legally formed.
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Though not required by law, an Operating Agreement is essential.
This internal document outlines your LLC’s structure, rules, and decision-making processes.
A solid Operating Agreement defines:
Ownership percentages and capital contributions
Member roles and responsibilities
Profit and loss allocation
Procedures for adding or removing members
Even for single-member LLCs, having an Operating Agreement helps prove your business is separate from your personal finances—important for liability protection.
Your LLC will need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Required for hiring employees
Needed to open a business bank account
Used for federal tax filing and reporting
Applying is free, and it’s a must-have for separating your business identity from your personal one.
To maintain compliance, South Carolina requires LLCs to submit annual reports to the Secretary of State.
Filing fee: $25
Due: Every year on the anniversary of your LLC formation
Processing: Usually instant if filed online
Timely filing keeps your LLC in good standing and helps avoid penalties.
After your LLC is formed, take a few more steps to stay organized and compliant:
Open a business bank account to separate personal and business finances.
Register for state taxes with the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) if applicable.
Apply for local business licenses or permits depending on your county or city.
File a DBA (Doing Business As) if operating under a name different from your LLC’s official name.
These steps help legitimize your business and prepare it for growth.
Launching your LLC is just the start — maintaining it properly is where many small business owners need guidance. Managing finances, payroll, and taxes can be time-consuming and complex, especially for growing companies.
That’s where Counto’s accounting services in the US come in. We combine intelligent automation with expert accountants to help US small businesses stay compliant, organized, and financially healthy. Counto helps you:
Set up accurate bookkeeping from day one
Track expenses, invoices, and cash flow efficiently
Manage payroll and tax deadlines automatically
Prepare and file federal and state returns accurately
Keep your business audit-ready year-round
With Counto, you get more than accounting — you gain a partner committed to your small business success.
Forming a South Carolina LLC involves a few clear steps: choosing a legal name, appointing a registered agent, filing your Articles of Organization, and maintaining your annual reports. Once your business is set up, using professional accounting services in the US ensures you meet all financial obligations and stay focused on growth.
Running a small business means wearing too many hats. Your accounting shouldn’t add to that burden. Yet traditional bookkeeping services keep asking the same questions month after month.
Counto delivers outsourced accounting that gets smarter over time. Our AI platform learns your unique business patterns and automatically handles daily transactions, while expert accountants ensure everything’s accurate. With direct WhatsApp access to your Customer Success Manager, you get enterprise-level financial management without the enterprise price tag.
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