LLC Cost in South Carolina – How Much to Pay for an LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Perhaps you are hoping to form an LLC in SC. People assume that starting an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in South Carolina.

South Carolina LLC Cost of Filing

Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in South Carolina.

Cost of Filing Formation Certificates

The South Carolina Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the South Carolina Secretary of State.

South Carolina Domestic LLC

  • Online Filing costs $110.
  • Annual Report not required
  • Name Reservation fee costs $25
  • By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, Attn: Corporate Fillings, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201. Costs $110.

South Carolina Foreign LLC

  • Online Filing costs $110.
  • Annual Report not required
  • Name Reservation fee costs $25
  • By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, Attn: Corporate Fillings, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201. Costs $110.

Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.

South Carolina LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee

You need a registered agent to form an LLC in South Carolina, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

LLC Service

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$0 + State Fees

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  • Extras are bit more expensive

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Business Permits and Licenses

The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the South Carolina Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.

Taxes Payable to South Carolina Department of Revenue

There are a number of taxes that are to be paid in South Carolina while registering your LLC. The taxes are levied by Federal & State governments.

State Income Tax

The State Income tax is levied on all the earnings you draw from your LLC. The earnings you make shall be taxed through your personal tax return. The standard income tax rate in South Carolina ranges from 3% to 7.9%, calculated on the basis of the earning you make. You can apply for all the standard allowances and deductions.

State Sales & Use Tax

Any seller of Tangible goods, Goods like Furniture, cars, electronics, etc., or a service provider company has to pay the sales & use tax in South Carolina. The current state sales & use tax rate on LLC in South Carolina is 6%

Federal Self-Employment Tax

The Federal Self-employment tax is levied on all the members or managers of the LLC. Similar to State Tax, this Federal Tax has also been calculated basis all the earnings you draw from the Company. The Federal self-employment tax rate in South Carolina is 15.3 percent.

Federal Income Tax

If you are registering your LLC in South Carolina, you have to pay Income tax even to the Federal Government. This tax is calculated on the basis of your earnings, the income tax bracket your LLC falls, the deductions, & the manner/ mode of filing.

The Federal Income Tax is levied on all the profits your LLC makes after calculating the deductions & allowances such as Healthcare or Retirement Plans.

Employee & Employer Taxes

The Employee & Employer Taxes may vary, depending on various factors, e.g., the amount, number of employees, etc. Every LLC in South Carolina, which has several employees earning a monthly salary, is bound to pay these taxes.

Cost Comparison Between States

The neighboring states of South Carolina are North Carolina & Georgia. Each of these states has a different rate of taxes levied on LLCs. Let us take a look at this comparative chart.

StatesFiling FeeAnnual/Biennial FeeSales Tax
South Carolina$110Not Required6%
North Carolina$125$2004.75%
Georgia$100$254%

Based on the kind of industry you LLC operated in, your LLC will be liable to some other taxes & duties. For Example, if your LLC is in the sector of import & export, you have to pay the import-export duty. You should consult with a professional to verify the tax rates or business costs of registering an LLC in South Carolina.

Other Costs

F.A.Qs

Can I start an LLC for free?

It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.

Is an LLC expensive?

It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.

Does an LLC need a bank account?

The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in South Carolina

To maintain an LLC in South Carolina you do not need to pay an annual fee. However, state income tax at 3% to 7.9%, sales & use tax at 6% and federal taxes are levied.

One of the primary expenses associated with maintaining an LLC in South Carolina is the annual report filing fee. Every LLC operating in the state is required to file an annual report with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office. This report typically includes important information about the business, such as its name, address, registered agent, and members/managers. The filing fee for the annual report may vary depending on the entity’s revenue or assets.

In addition to the annual report filing fee, LLCs in South Carolina are also required to pay an annual registration fee to the Secretary of State’s office. This fee is separate from the annual report filing fee and is meant to cover the administrative costs associated with maintaining the LLC’s registration with the state. The annual registration fee can vary depending on the size and type of the business.

Another cost that LLCs in South Carolina may incur is the cost of a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or entity that is designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC. In South Carolina, LLCs are required to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive important communications from the government and other entities. This service typically comes with an annual fee, which can vary depending on the registered agent company chosen.

Moreover, LLCs in South Carolina may also choose to seek the services of a professional accountant or tax advisor to help with annual reporting requirements and other financial matters. While this is not a legal requirement, many business owners find it beneficial to have professional assistance when it comes to compliance with state regulations and tax laws. The cost of hiring a professional accountant can vary depending on the level of service needed.

Overall, maintaining an LLC in South Carolina requires a commitment to keeping up with various administrative and financial obligations. While the specific costs associated with running an LLC in the state may vary, business owners should be prepared to budget for annual fees, registered agent services, and potentially professional accounting services. It is important to consider these expenses when planning the finances of the business to ensure that the LLC remains in good standing with the state and is able to focus on its core operations and growth.

In Conclusion

The cost of South Carolina is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.

1 thought on “LLC Cost in South Carolina – How Much to Pay for an LLC”

  1. Mi llc se dedica a realizar gabinetes de cocina baños.. hacemos carpinteria fina, me pueden ayudar diciendome cual es el % de impuestos que debo pagar sobre los pagos que recibo, estoy subcontratado por otra empresa mas grande que se dedica a la carpinteria fina

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