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LLC Formation·Best Overall·Updated Mar 12, 2026

Best LLC Formation Services in South Carolina

South Carolina charges a $110 filing fee to form an LLC online through the Secretary of State, and most filings are processed in 1-2 business days. No expedited option exists, but the standard turnaround is already fast.

Mar 12, 202615 min read
Daniel Wong
Written byDaniel Wong
Legal & Compliance Analyst
5 services reviewed
Independently tested
Updated quarterly

How We Chose the Best LLC Services for South Carolina

South Carolina's $110 fee and 1-to-2-day processing through the Secretary of State provided fast turnaround for our test filings. We evaluated each service on how they handled the state's straightforward filing requirements, the lack of a franchise tax, and ongoing compliance obligations. Because South Carolina does not offer anonymous LLCs, we also assessed whether services accurately described privacy limitations rather than leaving founders to discover them later.

The single biggest perk of a South Carolina LLC is that the state does not require annual reports. Most states charge $50-$300 per year in report fees. In South Carolina, you skip that entirely, which makes long-term maintenance costs significantly lower than in neighboring Georgia ($50/year) or North Carolina ($200/year).

12

Services Tested

200

Hours of Research

50

States Covered

March 2026

Last Updated

Quick Comparison: All 5 Services

Compare pricing and ratings at a glance, then visit a service or read the full review below.

Service
ZB logo

ZenBusiness

Best Overall Value
From $0
4.5
Visit →Read review
NR logo

Northwest Registered Agent

Best Privacy
From $39
4.8
Visit →Read review
TB logo

Tailor Brands

Best for Branding
From $0
4.2
Visit →Read review
SF logo

Swyft Filings

Best for Fast Filing
From $0
3.2
Visit →Read review
LZ logo

LegalZoom

Most Recognized
From $0
2.8
Visit →Read review

Full Reviews

1
ZB logo
From $0
Best Overall Value

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness offers a phenomenal $0 base plan and an incredibly intuitive dashboard, making it our top recommendation for first-time founders.

4.5
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Starter

+ state fees

  • Name availability search
  • Articles of formation filing
  • Electronic document access
Popular
$199/yr

Pro

+ state fees

  • All Starter features
  • 1-day rush processing
  • Operating agreement template
$399/yr

Premium

+ state fees

  • All Pro features
  • Business document templates
  • Registered Agent service

ZenBusiness stands out as the absolute best LLC formation service for first-time founders. The platform is incredibly intuitive and offers a genuine $0 Starter plan that only requires you to pay state fees. You do need to watch out for pre-checked upsells during checkout that trigger recurring annual costs. We highly recommend ZenBusiness if you want a guided, stress-free path to starting your business.

Pros

  • $0 Starter plan requiring only state filing fees
  • Highly intuitive dashboard that simplifies the formation process
  • Responsive support team available on Sundays
  • First year of Worry-Free Compliance included for free
  • Excellent mobile app for managing your business on the go

Cons

  • Heavy push for add-on services during the checkout process
  • Registered agent and compliance renewals become expensive after the first year
  • Difficult-to-cancel auto-renewing subscriptions

Best For: First-time founders needing an easy, guided, and affordable LLC setup

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

2
NR logo
From $39
Best Privacy

Northwest Registered Agent

An exceptionally transparent LLC formation service that prioritises your privacy and completely skips the annoying upsells.

4.8
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

Pricing Plans

Popular
$39

LLC Formation

+ state fees

  • Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
  • 1 full year of Registered Agent service included
  • Operating Agreement draft

Northwest Registered Agent delivers a masterclass in straightforward LLC formation. We loved the flat $39 fee and the inclusion of a full year of registered agent service with zero hidden gotchas. The U.S.-based Corporate Guides offer outstanding support for first-time founders navigating complex state requirements. While their online cancellation process could be smoother, we highly recommend Northwest as a top choice for privacy-conscious entrepreneurs.

Pros

  • Highly transparent $39 flat-rate pricing.
  • Exceptional privacy protection using their business address.
  • Includes a full year of registered agent service.
  • Outstanding support from U.S.-based Corporate Guides.
  • Same-day filing speeds with no extra rush fees.

Cons

  • Customer support is not available on weekends.
  • Online cancellation process can be cumbersome.
  • Trial digital services auto-renew if you forget to cancel.

Best For: First-time founders who value data privacy, transparent pricing, and expert U.S.-based customer support.

Read full review
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

3
TB logo
From $0
Best for Branding

Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands combines free LLC filing with brilliant design tools to help you launch your business in record time.

4.2
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Lite

+ state fees

  • Filing of Articles of Organization
  • Standard processing
  • Business coaching program access
Popular
$199/yr

Essential

+ state fees

  • Everything in Lite
  • Expedited 2-day processing
  • Operating agreement creation
$249/yr

Elite

+ state fees

  • Everything in Essential
  • 1-year free domain hosting
  • AI-powered website builder

Tailor Brands is a fantastic choice for first-time founders who want to build a cohesive brand alongside their legal entity. The platform pairs a $0 LLC formation tier with incredibly intuitive logo and website builders. The main drawback is the heavy push toward recurring subscriptions and expensive basic add-ons during checkout. We highly recommend this service if you want a true all-in-one business launchpad and prefer having everything in one dashboard.

Pros

  • Free Lite plan covers basic LLC formation and standard processing
  • Extremely intuitive and beginner-friendly dashboard design
  • Incredible built-in tools for designing logos and launching websites
  • Helpful customer support available during the weekend
  • Guided step-by-step questionnaire simplifies the setup process

Cons

  • Pricing tiers are hidden until the end of the initial questionnaire
  • Pre-checked $30 monthly bookkeeping free trial requires manual cancellation
  • Steep $199 annual fee for Registered Agent services

Best For: First-time founders wanting an all-in-one platform for LLC formation and seamless branding.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

4
SF logo
From $0
Best for Fast Filing

Swyft Filings

Swyft Filings offers exceptionally fast processing speeds, but you must navigate a minefield of expensive upsells during checkout.

3.2
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Basic

+ state fees

  • Preparation and filing of LLC documents
  • Business name availability check
  • Standard processing (7-10 business days)
Popular
$199

Standard

+ state fees

  • Everything in Basic
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN) obtainment
  • Custom Operating Agreement
$299

Premium

+ state fees

  • Everything in Standard
  • Expedited processing (1 business day)
  • 2 months of unlimited attorney consultations

Swyft Filings lives up to its name by offering some of the fastest LLC formation times on the market. Their 5-step setup process is simple and easy for beginners to understand. However, their aggressive upsells and missing registered agent service make their $0 starting price highly deceptive. We recommend them only if you desperately need same-day processing and know exactly which add-ons to decline.

Pros

  • Exceptionally fast processing speeds
  • Streamlined 5-step application interface
  • Knowledgeable and responsive phone support
  • Basic package starts at $0 plus state fees
  • No confusing legal jargon during setup

Cons

  • Registered agent service costs an extra $149 per year
  • Aggressive multi-page upsell flow
  • Difficult cancellation process for ongoing subscriptions

Best For: Founders needing fast turnaround who can navigate heavy upsells.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

5
LZ logo
From $0
Most Recognized

LegalZoom

A famous name with an aggressive checkout process and expensive recurring fees.

2.8
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Basic

+ state filing fees

  • Articles of organization filing
  • Business name availability check
  • Digital welcome packet
Popular
$249

Pro

+ state filing fees

  • Everything in the Basic package
  • Operating Agreement
  • EIN registration
$299

Premium

+ state filing fees

  • Everything in the Pro package
  • Business attorney guidance (30-day subscription)
  • Bookkeeping tools (6-month subscription)

LegalZoom relies heavily on its brand recognition to charge premium prices for basic services. While the platform is easy to navigate and offers excellent legal document libraries, the checkout process is a maze of expensive upsells and auto-renewing trials. We do not recommend it if you are on a budget. You will end up paying significantly more for registered agent and compliance services than you would with competitors.

Pros

  • Highly intuitive platform that is easy for absolute beginners to navigate.
  • Access to a massive library of legal documents and forms.
  • Long-standing brand reputation provides reliability and peace of mind.
  • Customer support is available seven days a week.
  • Basic LLC formation is free excluding mandatory state fees.

Cons

  • Incredibly aggressive upselling for simple tasks like obtaining an EIN.
  • Registered agent fees are heavily inflated at $249 per year.
  • Checkout includes pre-selected free trials that auto-renew at high prices.
  • Standard processing times are slow unless you pay a $99 expedite fee.

Best For: Founders prioritizing brand recognition and access to an extensive legal document library.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

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What Makes a Good LLC Service for South Carolina Founders

South Carolina has no franchise tax for LLCs, unlike neighboring Georgia, which imposes a net worth tax on entities above a certain threshold. Your only recurring state obligation is filing your income tax return.

The state does not offer anonymous LLCs. Your Articles of Organization will list your name or your registered agent's name on the public record with the Secretary of State. If privacy is a priority, you would need to layer your structure with a holding company in another state.

South Carolina lets you reserve your LLC name for 120 days for $25, which is one of the longer reservation windows in the Southeast. North Carolina gives you the same 120 days but charges $30.

Local business licenses are common even though there is no general state business license. Cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville each have their own license requirements, so check with your local county or municipality after formation.

What to Do After You File Your South Carolina LLC

  1. Get your EIN from the IRS (free, same day). You need this to open a business bank account and hire employees. Apply directly at irs.gov.
  2. Appoint a registered agent with a South Carolina physical address. Your agent must be an individual who resides in South Carolina or a business entity authorized to operate in the state. A P.O. Box does not qualify.
  3. Draft an operating agreement. South Carolina does not legally require one, but banks and lenders will ask for it. Put ownership percentages, profit splits, and management duties in writing.
  4. Check local business license requirements. Many South Carolina cities and counties require a separate business license. Contact your local municipality within 30 days of starting operations.
  5. Register for state taxes with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. If you sell goods or taxable services, you must collect the 6% state sales tax. Register online through MyDORWAY.
  6. File your BOI report with FinCEN. LLCs formed in 2024 or later must file a Beneficial Ownership Information report within 90 days of formation. This is a federal requirement, not a state one, but missing it carries penalties up to $500 per day.

South Carolina LLC Tax Overview

South Carolina has a state income tax with rates ranging from 0% to 6.5%, and LLC profits pass through to your personal return. There is no franchise tax or annual report fee, so your only recurring state cost is the income tax itself.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For in South Carolina

  • No Expedited Filing Option - South Carolina does not offer any expedited processing, so you cannot pay extra to speed things up beyond the standard 1-2 business days.
  • Local Business License Fees - Many South Carolina municipalities charge their own business license fee, often ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on your city and revenue.
  • Reinstatement Fee - If your LLC is administratively dissolved, reinstatement costs $25 plus a $60 Certificate of Tax Compliance fee and any delinquent taxes owed to the state.
  • Certificate of Good Standing - If you need proof your LLC is in good standing for a bank or contract, the Secretary of State charges $10.

Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina LLC

How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Carolina?

The state filing fee is $110 when you file online with the South Carolina Secretary of State. If you use a formation service, add their service fee on top. ZenBusiness starts at $0 plus the state fee, while LegalZoom starts at $0 but charges more for add-ons.

Does South Carolina require a registered agent?

Yes. Your registered agent must be an individual who lives in South Carolina or a business entity authorized to do business in the state. The agent must have a physical street address in South Carolina. A P.O. Box is not acceptable.

How long does LLC formation take in South Carolina?

Online filings with the Secretary of State are typically processed in 1-2 business days. South Carolina does not offer an expedited option, so this is the fastest available timeline. Most formation services submit your paperwork the same day you order.

Does South Carolina require an annual report for LLCs?

No. South Carolina is one of the few states that does not require LLCs to file an annual report, unless your LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation. This saves you both the fee and the administrative hassle that LLC owners in most other states deal with every year.

About the Author

Daniel Wong
Daniel Wong

Legal & Compliance Analyst

Daniel grew up in the shadow of Silicon Valley but chose the legal route over engineering, working as a paralegal for a corporate law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. He realized that early-stage founders were constantly making catastrophic legal mistakes because they couldn't afford a $500/hour attorney, prompting his move to B2B media.

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