Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in South Carolina?
Filing it yourself, a South Carolina LLC costs $110 to start — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
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| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $110 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | None required | No |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in South Carolina: No annual report for most LLCs (exception: LLCs taxed as S-corp/C-corp file Form CL-1, $25, within 60 days). Typical processing: ~1–2 business days online ($125 online filing fee); ~3–4 weeks by mail. Figures are estimates — verify with the South Carolina Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
South Carolina LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in South Carolina?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in South Carolina is $110. The recurring cost is none required. An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the South Carolina Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina requires an LLC to have a registered agent, but you can act as your own at no cost if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. A registered agent service typically runs about $100–$150 per year if you'd rather not use your own address.
What's the cheapest way to form an LLC in South Carolina?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $110 state filing fee — no formation-service markup. A paid formation service adds convenience, not anything you can't do yourself. Verify the current fee with the South Carolina Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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Next: read the full South Carolina LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in South Carolina, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.