How much does it cost to start an LLC in South Carolina in 2026?

Forming an LLC in South Carolina requires a one-time initial filing fee of $110 paid to the South Carolina Secretary of State. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $149.

What are the annual recurring fees for a South Carolina LLC?

South Carolina charges an annual report fee of $0 filed on a none basis (due No annual report required for LLCs). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in South Carolina.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a South Carolina LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a South Carolina LLC is approximately $305. This includes initial formation ($110), recurring none reports ($0), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in South Carolina?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in South Carolina, you must register as a Foreign LLC in South Carolina. In South Carolina, the foreign qualification filing fee is $110 plus ongoing maintenance of $0/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

South Carolina LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $110. Ongoing annual report fee: $0 (none). No state franchise tax.

Compare South Carolina vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in South Carolina costs $110 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $0/yr in recurring none report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a South Carolina LLC costs an estimated $305.

Initial State Filing$110One-time payment

Annual Report$0Due No annual report required for LLCs

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: South Carolina Secretary of State

Verify on State Website (.gov)

South Carolina LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $110

Approval speed: 1-2 business days online•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

South Carolina Tax Rule: Pass-through LLCs in South Carolina do not pay franchise tax or annual report fees.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Standard Processing (Included)

South Carolina already processes online filings within 1-3 business days.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare South Carolina vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$149

Initial formation fee ($110) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$39 /yr avg

No annual report fee

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$305(~$5/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in South Carolina.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($149)

$149

Year 1Formation

$39

Year 2Renewal

$39

Year 3Renewal

$39

Year 4Renewal

$39

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $149

State Filing$110

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$110

36% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

0% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

64% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your South Carolina LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

Explore Mercury ($0 Monthly Fees)

South Carolina LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the South Carolina Secretary of State.

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateNo annual report required for LLCsFrequency: NONE

Normal Turnaround1-2 business days onlineExpedited: Fast / Included

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income TaxUp to 6.4%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

South Carolina Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

Pass-through LLCs in South Carolina do not pay franchise tax or annual report fees.

Advantages of a South Carolina LLC

$0 annual report fee forever
No state franchise tax on pass-through LLCs
Affordable initial setup

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

Corporate tax rates apply if corporate election made

Founder Pro-Tip for South Carolina

South Carolina is one of the quiet champions for low recurring fees: $110 once, and $0/year ongoing.

Step-by-Step South Carolina LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the South Carolina Secretary of State registry.

Appoint a South Carolina Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in South Carolina (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($110 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the South Carolina Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within 1-2 business days online.

Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN

Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.

Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (No annual report required for LLCs)

Submit the none report with the $0 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.

Compare South Carolina with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70