Starting a Business in South Carolina Checklist

Check business name availability Do a name search here: http://www.sos.sc.gov/Search%20Business%20Filings A corporate name in South Carolina must contain the word “corporation”, “incorporated”, “limited”, or the abbreviation “corp.”, “inc.”, “co.”, “ltd.”, or similar words and abbreviations in another language. The corporate name cannot contain language that states or implies that it has been organized for any reason other than what is legally set forth in its bylaws. Finally, the name must be distinguishable upon the records of the secretary of state from the name of another corporation or business registered in South Carolina. The name of a South Carolina limited liability company must contain the phrase “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or the abbreviations: L.L.C., LLC, L.C., or LC. “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.” “Company” may be abbreviated as “Co.” The name MUST be distinguishable on the records of the secretary of state from the names of other registered businesses in that state or names that have been reserved. South Carolina Secretary of State SC Secretary of States Office Attn: Business Filings Division 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525 Columbia, SC 29201 P: (803) 734-2158
File paperwork to create your legal business Form your corporation or LLC by filing with the Secretary of State. You can mail in the paper form or file online using South Carolina Business One Stop (SCBOS) https://www.scbos.sc.gov/. The online registration allows you to register with multiple state agencies. If you file online, make sure you scan and upload any required documents. A signature page will be created for you during the online filing process.If you are forming a corporation, your Articles of Incorporation will need to be signed by a South Carolina licensed attorney. It will cost $110 to file Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization. Corporations have to pay an extra $25 ($135 total) because they have to file their initial report with the Articles of Incorporation. Processing takes about 2 days. If you’d prefer not to file your business’ formation documents, you can incorporate in South Carolina with Northwest Registered Agent. Business Filings Division SC Secretary of States Office Attn: Business Filings Division 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525 Columbia, SC 29201 P: (803) 734-2158 http://www.sos.sc.gov/Business_Filings_-_General_Information
Register with the Department of Revenue You can register your business for sales/use tax and income tax withholding online using SCBOS. You also have the option of sending in a Business Tax Application form. When you register for sales tax you’ll have to pay a $50 fee . You have to use the paper form to register for the Business Personal Property Tax. Registration forms are available on the Department of Revenue website.Sales Tax: The state sales tax rate is 6% Income Tax: Individual Income tax rates range from 0% to 7%. Corporate net income tax is 5%. The license fee rate is .001% of the corporation’s capitalization plus $15. The minimum license fee is $25. Business Personal Property Tax: You have to register if you have personal property in a business or lease equipment to a business. The county auditor will calculate the amount of tax due and send you a bill. Department of Revenue Department of Revenue Main Office 300A Outlet Pointe Blvd Columbia, SC 29210 P.O. Box 125 Columbia, SC 29214 P: (803) 898-5000 F: (803) 896-1129 http://www.sctax.org/default.htm
Get a business license You can get some state licenses online through SCBOS, but most business licenses are issued at the county and city level, not by the state.Professional licenses, including contractors licenses, are issued by the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation http://www.llr.state.sc.us/ Any other registration requirements? Always check with your city and county government to see if you need any local licenses or permits. City of Greenville If your business is physically located or operates in Greenville, you need a city business license. You can download applications online, but if you are getting a business license for the first time, it’s a good idea to call the business license office first. City of Columbia You need a Business License from the city to do business in Columbia. You can apply for the license in person at the Business License Division. Local License Info City of Greenville Business License office City Hall 206 South Main Street P.O. Box 2207 Greenville, SC 29602 P: (864) 467-4505 http://www.greenvillesc.gov/Revenue/BusinessLicense.aspx City of Columbia Business License Division 1339 Main Street Columbia, SC 29217 P: (803) 545-3345 F: (803) 988-8025 http://www.columbiasc.net/business-licensing
Collect and Charge Sales Tax Do I need to collect South Carolina sales tax? A retail license is required if you are in the business of selling tangible personal property at retail in South Carolina. What is the South Carolina sales tax rate? The state sales tax rate is 6%. How do I register for South Carolina sales tax? You can register your business for sales/use tax online at https://www.scbos.sc.gov You also have the option of sending in a Business Tax Application form, which you can get on the Department of Revenue website. How much does a South Carolina retail license cost? There is a $50 fee. Department of Revenue Department of Revenue Main Office 300A Outlet Pointe Blvd Columbia, SC 29210 P.O. Box 125 Columbia, SC 29214 P: (803) 898-5000 F: (803) 896-1129 http://www.sctax.org/default.htm