Forming an LLC in South Carolina (2026): 7 Procedures and the 3 Best LLC Services
For forming an LLC in South Carolina in 2026, the lab recommends South Carolina Registered Agent.co ($199), Mainstay Filing ($199) and SC Registered Agent.org ($199), highest reading first. The sheet records 7 procedures and a $110 state fee, ending with the first year of upkeep.
Each company's listed price on November 13, 2026. No row includes the $110 state fee.
The sheet, procedure by procedure
Procedure1
Procedure 1: Select a name
The first observation to make is a name search at the South Carolina Secretary of State, before any filing is prepared under a name already in use.
TipA runner-up name avoids a repeat search.
Procedure2
Procedure 2: Identify the registered agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. A South Carolina resident, a South Carolina corporation, another LLC, or a corporation or company from another state authorized to do business in South Carolina.
The address has to be a street address in South Carolina for the agent, stated in the articles. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
TipEvery service measured on this sheet can act as the registered agent.
Specimen: Observed at scstatehouse.gov; entry dated October 2026
Procedure3
Procedure 3: Compare filing alone with engaging a service
The state's fee is $110 on either route. A service adds $199; the readings show which to use.
Procedure4
Procedure 4: Assemble and file the Articles of Organization
The company comes into existence through the Articles of Organization, delivered to the South Carolina Secretary of State with $110 (S.C. Code § 33-44-202).
Specimen: Observed at scstatehouse.gov; entry dated October 2026
Procedure5
Procedure 5: Request the LLC's federal tax ID
Sequence: state approval, then the IRS number. This procedure sits inside the Mainstay Filing package.
Procedure6
Procedure 6: Set the ownership rules in writing
Even a single-owner South Carolina LLC gains from a written operating agreement kept on file.
Procedure7
Procedure 7: Maintain good standing in South Carolina
South Carolina omits the yearly report. Maintaining the registered agent is sufficient.
South Carolina costs by procedure
Cost item
Paid to
Amount
Filing the LLC
To the state
$110
Filing service (optional)
Service company
$199 up front
Three years of state fees
To the state
$110
Filing fee plus two later reports plus any minimum tax gives the state's three-year total. The specimens below name the page behind each amount.
How the readings worked out
moved ahead of on measured cost over three years, which counts for 36%.
Years one to three cost $397 with South Carolina Registered Agent.co, while Mainstay Filing costs $200 more.
South Carolina questions
How large is the South Carolina state fee for a new LLC?
The state fee measures $110. The ranked services charge $199 on top.
Which form creates the LLC?
Formation is complete when the South Carolina Secretary of State accepts the Articles of Organization.
Is a registered agent required?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
What does South Carolina require each year?
The state requires no recurring report.
Can I form the LLC without a service?
It is permitted: South Carolina asks $110, and a registered agent must also be named.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?
South Carolina Registered Agent.co, Mainstay Filing and SC Registered Agent.org, in descending order of reading.