Business Formation / LLC South Carolina

How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in South Carolina?

🏁 Initial Formation Costs

• Articles of Organization: $110 filing fee to the Secretary of State (via mail or online) 

• Name Reservation (optional): $25, holds your desired name for 120 days 

• DBA / Trade Name (optional): $10, filed at the county clerk’s office

• Registered Agent (optional):

  • $0 if self‑appointed

  • $80–$300/year for a professional service 

• Operating Agreement (optional): Typically free with templates; attorney-drafted versions may cost $100–$200+ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Free from the IRS 

🔄 Ongoing & Annual Fees

• Annual Report: $0 for default LLCs (unless taxed as a corporation, then $25) 

• Registered Agent Service: $80–$300/year, if using one 

• Certificate of Existence / Good Standing: $10 (optional) 

• Certified Document Copies: $3 + $0.50/page, optionally processed by state 

💰 Estimated Total Costs

✔️ Highlights

1. Flat $110 formation fee—no additional state setup charges No annual report required for most LLCs (just $25 if taxed as an S- or C-corp) 

2. Optional extras like name reservation, DBA filing, and agent services add flexibility

3. Affordable maintenance — registered agent service may be your only recurring cost

🛑 What additional costs am I responsible for?

In addition to our fee, you will be potentially responsible for the costs of some or all of the items below if applicable.

1. Licenses 
   
2. Filing Fees
3. Reports
4. Name Reservations
5. Articles of Organization