Home Starting an LLC South Carolina Lesson 1 · South Carolina
How to Start an LLC in South Carolina (2026): 7 Steps and the 3 Best LLC Services
Here is the 2026 answer for starting an LLC in South Carolina: Mainstay Filing ($199), South Carolina Registered Agent.co ($199) and SC Registered Agent.org ($199), ranked in that order. Below the picks you will find 7 steps in order, starting with the name and ending with the yearly upkeep (filing fee $110).
The Founder Classroom teaching team · Updated November 12, 2026
Disclosure Founder Classroom is reader-supported. We may earn money when you buy through links on this page, and the companies we rank are our partners. Prices come from each company's own pages and official state sources.
Lesson map Recommended services How to do it The costs Check your understanding References Before you start
Recurring report None The state has none
State fees over three years $110 State charges only
How many steps 7 In order Lesson goals How the South Carolina formation filing works The registered agent requirement The recurring state filing The services we recommend
Teacher's pick
If you want help with the filing Graded with our
rubric : three-year cost 30%, lesson steps handled 35%, then renewal, state fit and clear pricing.
Top pick
1. Mainstay Filing: best for filing and agent on one bill
$199 yearly, renewing at $199
Mainstay Filing gets the top grade here. Why: one $199 yearly price for the filing and the registered agent, EIN application included.
You pay $200 more over three years than with South Carolina Registered Agent.co, for less paperwork on your side.
What you get The formation filing Registered agent for the full year EIN application State fee passed through at cost What we like $199/year for the bundle $199 at renewal EIN step in the price Watch out for South Carolina Registered Agent.co renews for $100 less South Carolina has no report for it to file
One-state plan
2. South Carolina Registered Agent.co: best for budget South Carolina LLCs
Formation $199 · renewal $99 a year
Second place goes to South Carolina Registered Agent.co: $199 plus the state fee with the first agent year included, then $99 a year.
What you get Your filing, done First year of agent service What we like Year one of agent service in the price Low $99 renewal Formation fee $199
One-state plan
3. SC Registered Agent.org: best for a low agent renewal
Formation $199 · renewal $99 a year
Third place goes to SC Registered Agent.org: $199 plus the state fee with the first agent year included, then $99 a year.
On price it ties with South Carolina Registered Agent.co.
What you get Your filing, done First year of agent service What we like Year one of agent service in the price Low $99 renewal Formation fee $199
Prices at a glance
Each company's listed price on November 12, 2026. State fee ($110) not included.
The steps
Step 1
Step 1: Pick the LLC's nameA quick search of the state's business records tells you whether the name is free.
Tip Check the matching web domain at the same time.
Step 2
Step 2: Appoint a registered agentEvery 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.
Tip Our picks all provide the registered agent.
Official source: Official: scstatehouse.gov , October 2026
Step 3
Step 3: File it yourself, or hire it outIf you file yourself, budget $110. If a service files, add $199; our picks are ranked above.
Step 4
Step 4: File the Articles of OrganizationComplete the Articles of Organization, pay $110 and file it with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Official source: Official: scstatehouse.gov , October 2026
Step 5
Step 5: Apply for an EINAfter the South Carolina approval, the IRS issues an EIN, the number banks and payroll use for the LLC. This step is included with Mainstay Filing.
Step 6
Step 6: Sign an operating agreementEven with one owner, a written operating agreement for the South Carolina LLC is worth having in your records.
Step 7
Step 7: Stay in good standing with South CarolinaSouth Carolina asks for no recurring LLC report, but the registered agent has to stay on file all year.
What you will pay
Cost item Paid to Price
The formation step State office $110 Filing service (optional) The service $199 up front Three years of state fees State office $110
For the three-year state total we add the filing fee, the reports in years two and three and any minimum yearly tax.
Why this order Mainstay Filing beat South Carolina Registered Agent.co on lesson steps handled, our 35% criterion.
Steps handled still decided it, narrowly.
Quick answers
What does it cost to form an LLC in South Carolina? South Carolina charges $110. With a service, add $199.
Which form creates the LLC? The South Carolina Secretary of State takes the Articles of Organization; that filing creates the LLC.
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? Can I form the LLC without a service? Yes. The state accepts filings from owners directly; budget $110 plus a registered agent.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use? Mainstay Filing first, then South Carolina Registered Agent.co and SC Registered Agent.org; Mainstay Filing leads on lesson steps handled.
References S.C, published at scstatehouse.gov , as of August 2026 Prices from Mainstay Filing's South Carolina service page, November 12, 2026 Prices from South Carolina Registered Agent.co's pricing page, November 12, 2026 Prices from SC Registered Agent.org's pricing page, November 12, 2026