Whether you are starting a business or incorporating an existing one in South Carolina, you’ll want to understand state requirements for South Carolina corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
South Carolina Corporation Formation Requirements
Cost to incorporate. BizFilings clearly outlines our fees and the state fees to form a corporation in South Carolina. View our pricing to plainly see:
- BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
- State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in South Carolina with standard turn-around.
- Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
- Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.
Corporate name. The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," "Limited," the abbreviation "Corp.," "Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd.," or abbreviations of words with similar meanings in another language. The name cannot contain language indicating a purpose other than that permitted by state law and the Articles of Incorporation. It must be distinguishable upon records of the Secretary of State from the name of a domestic or qualified foreign corporation, reserved or registered corporate name, non-profit corporation, or limited partnership.
Director information. The following are South Carolina’s requirements for directors of corporations.
- Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
- Residence requirements. South Carolina does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
- Age requirements. South Carolina does not have age requirements.
- Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation, but they must be listed in the initial report.
Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no P.O. Boxes) in South Carolina. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Professional services businesses. Professional corporations (PCs) are allowed to be formed in South Carolina for professional services businesses.