How Much Does It Cost to Form a South Carolina LLC?
South Carolina is priced in the middle of the national range for LLC filing fees. But the state filing fee is only part of the picture. This page breaks down every cost you'll encounter — formation, ongoing compliance, and optional services — so there are no surprises.
State Filing Fee
The South Carolina Secretary of State charges $110 to file your Articles of Organization. This is a one-time fee paid when you form the LLC.
Annual / Recurring State Fees
South Carolina does not require an annual report from LLCs. This is one of a handful of states with no recurring state filing obligation for standard LLCs.
South Carolina tax note: No annual report required for standard LLCs (taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities). Only LLCs electing corporate tax treatment file Form CL-1 ($25 one-time initial report). No franchise tax for LLCs.
Registered Agent Cost
Every South Carolina LLC is required to maintain a registered agent. With our formation package, the first year of registered agent service is included. After that, ongoing service is $99/year.
Expedited Processing
If you need your LLC formed faster, the South Carolina Secretary of State offers expedited processing for $25. This typically reduces the turnaround from 5-10 business days to 24 hours.
Full Cost Table
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | $110 | One-time, paid to the South Carolina Secretary of State |
| Annual report | $0 | Not required in this state |
| Registered Agent service | $99/year | First year included with formation |
| Expedited processing | $25 | Optional — reduces turnaround to 24 hours |
First-Year Cost Summary
If you form through us, your first-year cost is $199 — that covers our formation service, the $110 state fee, first-year registered agent service, operating agreement, and EIN assistance. There's nothing hidden.
Ongoing Annual Costs
After year one, your ongoing costs are: $99 (registered agent service only — no state annual report).
How We Compare
Many LLC formation services charge $199-level fees but then tack on upsells: compliance packages, rush fees, unnecessary add-ons. Our fee is straightforward — $199 covers everything you need to get your South Carolina LLC filed and operational.