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LLC Formation·Best Overall·Updated June 29, 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.

June 29, 202615 min read
Daniel Wong
Written byDaniel Wong
Legal & Compliance Analyst
6 services reviewed
Independently tested
Updated quarterly

Quick Comparison of All 6 Services

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

South Carolina

Sets the state fee and annual report below.

Include in every price

The agent is required in every state and the main reason provider prices differ. State fees go to the state and are identical with every provider.

Every price below is the full amount due, the $110 South Carolina filing fee is already in it. That fee goes to the state, not the company, and is identical whoever files for you. Only the provider's own fee varies. what the service charges $110 South Carolina state fee

NR logo

Northwest Registered Agent

4.8Best Overall
Registered agent free year 1, then $125 a yearBusiness address, domain, email and website includedOne flat price, no upsells at checkout

Due today

$149

Registered agent included, free year 1State fees included

Then every year

$125

Z logo

ZenBusiness

4.5Best for LLC Formation
$0 formation with guided, beginner friendly setupFree year of compliance remindersAgent costs $199 a year here, most of the price

Due today

$309

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$199

TB logo

Tailor Brands

4.2Best for Branding
$0 filing with logo and website tools built inWeekend support and a guided setupAgent $199 a year plus pre-checked trial add-ons

Due today

$309

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$199

L logo

LegalZoom

2.8Most Recognized
Best known brand with a big legal document libraryAgent costs $249 a year, priciest in this listAggressive upsells during checkout

Due today

$359

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$249

D logo

Doola

4.0Best for Non-US Founders
Built for non US founders, EIN and banking helpAgent and virtual address inside the $297 planPlan renews at $297 a year and is mandatory

Due today

$407

Registered agent included in the planState fees included

Then every year

$297

Special offer, 30% off every plan as of July 30, 2026. Starter is $208 instead of $297, and the discount applies to the higher tiers too. Doola shows no end date for it, so check the current price on their site before you buy.

HC logo

Harbor Compliance

3.4Best for Regulated Industries
Dedicated compliance specialist for every accountOne business day filing at no extra feeAgent $99 year 1, renews at $149 a year

Due today

$308

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$149

* Based on prices and renewal rates verified July 26, 2026. Provider and government fees change.

Compare every detailShow
Service
NR logo

Northwest Registered Agent

Best Overall
From $39
4.8
ZB logo

ZenBusiness

Best for LLC Formation
From $0
4.5
TB logo

Tailor Brands

Best for Branding
From $0
4.2
FN logo

FileNow

Best for Speed
From $49
4.2
SF logo

Swyft Filings

Best for Fast Filing
From $0
3.2
LZ logo

LegalZoom

Most Recognized
From $0
2.8

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

June 29, 2026

Last Updated

Full Reviews

1
NR logo
From $39
Best Overall

Northwest Registered Agent

A transparent LLC formation service that bundles a complete business identity (address, domain, email, phone, website) into a single $39 fee with no upsells.

4.8
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

Pricing Plans

Popular
$39

LLC Formation + Business Identity

+ state fees

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

Northwest Registered Agent is our top pick for LLC formation. Their $39 package now includes what they call a Business Identity: a business address, domain name, website with hosting, email, phone service, and mail scanning, on top of the formation filing and a year of registered agent service. No tiered plans, no upsell games during checkout. They are a family-owned, privately held company with U.S.-based Corporate Guides who actually know what they are talking about. The dashboard is more utilitarian than polished, but that is a fair tradeoff for the most complete formation package at this price.

Pros

  • Flat $39 formation fee with no tiered packages or hidden add-ons.
  • Full Business Identity included: business address, domain, email, website, and phone service.
  • Free year of registered agent service with privacy protection.
  • Free mail scanning (up to 5 documents) and renewal reminders.
  • Same-day filing with no extra rush fees.
  • U.S.-based Corporate Guides who actually answer the phone.

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: Founders who want a complete business setup (formation, address, domain, email, website, phone) in one flat-fee package with no upsells.

Read full review
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

2
ZB logo
From $0
Best for LLC Formation

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 offers the smoothest LLC formation experience available. The guided setup walks first-time founders through every step, and the $0 Starter plan only requires you to pay state fees. The dashboard sends compliance reminders so you do not miss deadlines. Watch for pre-checked upsells during checkout that trigger recurring annual costs, and know that the Pro plan renewal jumps to $199/year. A strong choice if you want a polished, beginner-friendly formation process.

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

3
TB logo
From $0
Best for Branding

Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands bundles logo design and a website into LLC formation, then charges $199 a year for the registered agent almost everyone needs.

4.2
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Lite

+ state fees

  • Filing of Articles of Organization
  • Standard processing, up to 14 business days
  • Business coaching program access
Popular
$199/yr

Essential

+ state fees

  • Everything in Lite
  • Expedited processing, 1 to 2 business days
  • Operating agreement creation
$249/yr

Elite

+ state fees

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

Formation is the free part. The logo and website builders are easy to use, and the guided setup is beginner friendly. The catch is checkout. Plan prices stay hidden until the end, a $39 a month bookkeeping trial comes pre-checked, and the registered agent most founders need costs $199 a year. That puts the real first-year cost near $309 in a state like Delaware. If you want branding and formation together, it works. If you only need the LLC, Northwest files for a flat $39 with no upsells.

Pros

  • Free Lite plan covers the LLC filing and standard processing
  • Beginner-friendly dashboard that is easy to navigate
  • Built-in logo maker and website builder in one dashboard
  • Customer support available on weekends
  • Guided questionnaire walks you through setup

Cons

  • Plan prices stay hidden until the end of the questionnaire
  • Pre-checked $39 a month bookkeeping trial you must cancel yourself
  • Registered agent service costs $199 a year, more than budget rivals

Best For: First-time founders who want LLC filing and basic branding tools in one place.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

4
FN logo
From $49
Best for Speed

FileNow

FileNow guarantees 24-hour processing on all orders, but its lack of a free entry-level plan makes it less competitive for founders on a strict budget.

4.2
Get Started

From $49 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$49

Starter

+ state fee

  • Filing Articles of Organization / Incorporation
  • Unlimited Phone & Email Support
  • Electronic Delivery of State Documents
Popular
$199

Premium

+ state fee

  • Filing Articles of Organization / Incorporation
  • Unlimited Phone & Email Support
  • Electronic Delivery of State Documents

FileNow delivers a remarkably fast and straightforward LLC formation experience. We appreciate that 24-hour processing is standard across all plans instead of being an expensive add-on. The checkout process is completely transparent with zero pre-checked upsells or hidden fees. However, because the base plan costs $49 and does not include a registered agent, budget-conscious founders might prefer cheaper alternatives.

Pros

  • 24-hour order processing included on all plans at no extra cost
  • Transparent pricing with zero hidden fees or pre-checked subscriptions
  • Simple two-tier pricing makes choosing a package easy
  • Premium plan provides excellent value by bundling essential startup documents
  • Customer support is accessible via phone, chat, and email

Cons

  • No free formation tier available
  • Starter plan does not include registered agent service
  • Lacks advanced legal tools and ongoing compliance dashboards

Best For: Entrepreneurs who prioritize fast 24-hour processing and straightforward, transparent pricing.

Read full review
Get Started

From $49 + state fees

5
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

6
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 About South Carolina LLCs

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

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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