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Starting a Business in South Carolina: LLC vs Corporation – Your Complete Guide

By Frank Tumminello | August 12, 2025

South Carolina offers competitive business environment, strategic Southeast location, and business-friendly policies. The Palmetto State attracts businesses with low costs and growing economy.

At FileForms, we simplify business formation and ongoing compliance with automated filing services and expert guidance. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your South Carolina business.

Why South Carolina for Your Business?

South Carolina provides competitive business costs, strategic coastal location, and business-friendly environment. The state offers incentives and infrastructure that attract businesses across industries.

LLC Formation in South Carolina

Key Requirements:

  • Articles of Organization filed with South Carolina Secretary of State
  • Filing Fee: $110
  • Registered Agent: Required with South Carolina physical address
  • Annual Report: Not required for LLCs
  • No Publication Requirement: South Carolina doesn’t require newspaper publication

Benefits of South Carolina LLC:

  • No annual report requirement
  • Competitive formation costs
  • Business-friendly environment
  • Strategic Southeast location

Ongoing Compliance:

  • Maintain registered agent service
  • File federal tax returns
  • Keep operating agreement current

Corporation Formation in South Carolina

Key Requirements:

  • Articles of Incorporation filed with South Carolina Secretary of State
  • Filing Fee: $135
  • Registered Agent: Required with South Carolina physical address
  • Annual Report: Due by first day of third month after formation, then annually
  • Corporate Bylaws: Must be adopted

Benefits of South Carolina Corporation:

  • Enhanced business credibility
  • Strategic coastal location
  • Competitive costs
  • Business-friendly policies

Ongoing Compliance:

  • Annual Report: Due annually with $25 fee
  • Maintain corporate records
  • Hold required board meetings

Cost Comparison: LLC vs Corporation in South Carolina

Requirement LLC Corporation
State Filing Fee $110 $135
Registered Agent (Annual) $100-$300 $100-$300
Annual Report Fee None $25
Publication Requirement None None

How FileForms Streamlines South Carolina Business Formation

FileForms makes South Carolina business formation seamless with:

  • Automated Filing: Complete all South Carolina Secretary of State requirements
  • Registered Agent Services: Professional South Carolina address across all counties
  • Simplified LLC Compliance: Take advantage of no annual report requirement
  • Third Month Deadline Management: Specialized tracking for corporation requirements
  • Coastal Market Access: Strategic positioning for Southeast opportunities

Making Your Decision

Choose an LLC if you want:

  • No annual report obligations
  • Competitive formation costs
  • Minimal ongoing compliance
  • Strategic coastal location benefits

Choose a Corporation if you plan to:

  • Build enhanced business credibility
  • Access competitive business environment
  • Pursue growth opportunities
  • Take advantage of business-friendly policies

Take Action Today

Ready to start your South Carolina business? Don’t navigate the Palmetto State’s requirements alone.

✅ Create a FileForms account today

✅ Get expert guidance on LLC vs Corporation choice

✅ Handle all filing requirements seamlessly

👉 Book a demo today to see how FileForms makes South Carolina business formation fast, easy, and compliant from day one.

Frank Tumminello

CEO, Fileforms