How To Start An LLC In South Carolina In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in South Carolina, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Palmetto State.
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South Carolina makes LLC formation incredibly affordable and straightforward. With a low $110 state filing fee and no annual report requirements for most LLCs, South Carolina is an excellent choice for starting your business. Whether you're in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, or anywhere else in the Palmetto State, you can have your South Carolina LLC up and running in just 1-2 business days.
Our top pick for South Carolina LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer expedited processing for South Carolina LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $110 South Carolina state fee. With their expertise in South Carolina business law and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and stress-free.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best South Carolina LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for South Carolina LLC Services
Best Overall for South Carolina ZenBusiness excels at South Carolina LLC formation with their fast filing option and deep knowledge of South Carolina's specific requirements. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your state registration, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team is well-versed in South Carolina's business regulations and can help ensure you stay compliant with all state requirements.
Best For:
South Carolina entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and fast, accurate filing
Pros
- Fast South Carolina LLC filing (1-2 business days)
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- South Carolina registered agent service available
- Expert support familiar with South Carolina requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on South Carolina filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Fastest South Carolina Formation Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast South Carolina LLC formation with guaranteed 1-2 business day processing. They provide a free South Carolina registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks South Carolina's minimal compliance requirements. Perfect for entrepreneurs who need their South Carolina LLC formed immediately.
Best For:
South Carolina businesses needing the fastest possible formation
Pros
- 1-2 day South Carolina processing guaranteed
- Free South Carolina registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for South Carolina compliance
- Dashboard tracks South Carolina requirements
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in SC LegalZoom brings decades of experience with South Carolina business formation. Their attorney network includes South Carolina-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for South Carolina businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
South Carolina businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for South Carolina law
- Rush filing available for South Carolina
- Comprehensive South Carolina legal forms library
- Phone support with South Carolina expertise
- 30+ years serving South Carolina businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- South Carolina registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best South Carolina Branding Package Tailor Brands combines South Carolina LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for South Carolina's growing creative and manufacturing industries, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional South Carolina business presence online and offline.
Best For:
South Carolina creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with South Carolina business info
- Business cards with South Carolina address
- 1-2 day South Carolina processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for South Carolina business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No rush processing for South Carolina
Free South Carolina Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free South Carolina LLC formation where you only pay the $110 state fee. They include a free South Carolina registered agent for the first year and handle all state filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for South Carolina entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious South Carolina entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free South Carolina LLC formation
- Free South Carolina registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for South Carolina businesses
- Handles state filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- South Carolina business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- South Carolina registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to South Carolina LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your South Carolina state registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation.
Best For:
South Carolina entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for South Carolina businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles South Carolina state filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward South Carolina LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for South Carolina filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to South Carolina LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus South Carolina's $110 state filing fee. With guaranteed 2-business-day turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their South Carolina LLC formation process.
Best For:
South Carolina businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed 2-business-day South Carolina formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- South Carolina-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple South Carolina LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to South Carolina-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex South Carolina business needs.
Best For:
South Carolina businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to South Carolina-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush South Carolina processing available (additional fee)
- South Carolina business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- South Carolina formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable South Carolina LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many South Carolina business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand South Carolina's specific LLC requirements and minimal compliance obligations.
Best For:
South Carolina entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with South Carolina expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for South Carolina
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- South Carolina compliance reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of South Carolina business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established South Carolina businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
South Carolina businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing South Carolina compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
- Comprehensive compliance support
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
South Carolina LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a South Carolina LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other South Carolina businesses
- ✓ South Carolina Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a South Carolina street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with South Carolina Secretary of State
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by South Carolina but highly recommended
- ✓ No Annual Report Required: South Carolina LLCs have no ongoing reporting obligations
South Carolina LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $110 (very competitive)
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $0 for most LLCs (no annual report required)
- • Business License: Varies by city/county ($50-$400)
South Carolina LLC Timeline
- • Name Approval: Instant online check via Secretary of State
- • Processing Time: 1-2 business days online, 3-4 days by mail
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 1-3 business days with expedited service
Why Form Your LLC in South Carolina?
Tax Advantages
- • No franchise tax on LLCs
- • Pass-through taxation benefits
- • Progressive personal income tax rates
Business Environment
- • Growing manufacturing sector
- • Strategic Atlantic coast location
- • Business-friendly regulatory environment
- • Access to major ports and transportation
Legal Protections
- • Strong limited liability protection
- • Flexible management structure
- • Privacy for members and managers
- • Charging order protection
Easy Administration
- • Low state filing fee ($110)
- • Fast processing times (1-2 days)
- • No annual report requirements
- • Simple ongoing compliance
South Carolina LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Carolina?
The South Carolina state filing fee is $110, making it one of the most affordable states for LLC formation. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and potential business licensing fees. Most South Carolina entrepreneurs spend between $110-$450 total to form their LLC, depending on which services they choose.
Do I need a registered agent for my South Carolina LLC?
Yes, South Carolina law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a South Carolina street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a South Carolina address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Many services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers very fast LLC processing times. Online filing through the Secretary of State typically takes 1-2 business days, while mail filing takes longer. With expedited service through providers like ZenBusiness or Bizee, you can often have your South Carolina LLC approved within 1-2 business days.
Does South Carolina require annual reports for LLCs?
No, South Carolina does not require annual reports for most LLCs, making it one of the most business-friendly states for ongoing compliance. This means no annual filing fees and minimal administrative burden.
Can I form a South Carolina LLC if I don't live in South Carolina?
Yes, you don't need to be a South Carolina resident to form a South Carolina LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with a South Carolina street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for South Carolina LLCs?
Your South Carolina LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" at the end. You can check name availability through the South Carolina Secretary of State's website. Certain words like "bank," "insurance," or "trust" may require additional approval. You can also reserve a name for 120 days for a $25 fee if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Popular South Carolina Cities for LLCs
- • Charleston
- • Mount Pleasant
- • Hilton Head Island
- • Beaufort
- • Columbia
- • Lexington
- • Irmo
- • Cayce
- • Greenville
- • Spartanburg
- • Anderson
- • Rock Hill
- • Florence
- • Sumter
- • Myrtle Beach
- • Conway
Ready to Start Your South Carolina LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their South Carolina LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.