South Carolina LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $110. Ongoing annual report fee: $0 (none). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official South Carolina database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official South Carolina Secretary of State registry before submitting your $110 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in South Carolina?
An LLC in South Carolina costs $110 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $0 per year in none report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $305, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $110 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | South Carolina Secretary of State |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $0 | none | Due No annual report required for LLCs | South Carolina Secretary of State |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $0 | None | No franchise tax | N/A |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $110 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
South Carolina LLC 5-Year Cost Model
SCChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($110) + registered agent
No annual report fee
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in South Carolina.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $1495-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your South Carolina LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
South Carolina LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the South Carolina Secretary of State.
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.
South Carolina LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in South Carolina.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in South Carolina?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in South Carolina is $110, paid to the South Carolina Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $149 in your first year.
What is the South Carolina LLC filing fee for 2026?
The South Carolina LLC filing fee is $110. This is a one-time fee paid to the South Carolina Secretary of State to register your Articles of Organization. Normal processing time is 1-2 business days online.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in South Carolina?
South Carolina charges a none report fee of $0, due No annual report required for LLCs. There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in South Carolina, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a South Carolina LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a South Carolina LLC includes the none report fee ($0), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $305.
Does South Carolina have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No. South Carolina does not impose a franchise tax or entity-level tax on standard domestic LLCs. This makes South Carolina one of the more affordable states for LLC maintenance.
Can I form an LLC in South Carolina if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in South Carolina regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In South Carolina, foreign LLC registration costs $110 plus $0/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare South Carolina with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: