5 Best South Carolina LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)


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#1 TOP PICK
 LegalZoom - ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup

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Best LLC Formation Service in South Carolina

When you decide to start an LLC in South Carolina, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in South Carolina becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in South Carolina. Surprisingly, every other company will claim to be the best. But who to trust? How do you know who is the best for your business?

LLCBuddy Editors have eased the task for you. We scanned the market and came up with a list of the best LLC formation services in South Carolina. You can compare their services, prices, and other information here before choosing the right one! 

If you do not like reading a long article, you can watch the above video for the complete list of best LLC South Carolina LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in South Carolina, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your South Carolina LLC. You may start it on your own, but it will not be a wise decision, as missing out any step or even a small thing can lead to the cancellation of the process.

Best LLC Formation Services in South Carolina

Here is the list of best LLC services available in South Carolina. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in South Carolina at $0. Other than the state fees and charges, you do not have to pay any charges to the service provider. You will get the basic formation package for free. Now, let’s check out the list of best LLC formation service providers in South Carolina-

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

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#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • Free LLC formation

  • Access to Legal Support

  • Trustworthy and established reputation

$299 + State Fees

  • Flat pricing for all services

  • Basic business filing services

  • A+ BBB Accredited

Below is the list of best LLC formation services in South Carolina we picked for you.

  1. LegalZoom
  2. BetterLegal
  3. TailorBrands
  4. ZenBusiness
  5. NorthWest Registered Agent

LLCBuddy Editorial Team selects these companies through thorough research and market study. It is recommended that you must cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your business.

1. LegalZoom

incfile-logo

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in South Carolina that offers free LLC formation services. If you want to avoid spending money to form your LLC, then LegalZoom is for you. It offers various formation packages that include all types of LLC services. Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom offers C and S corp formation. With over thousands of customers, the company offers basic LLC formation services at $0. 

LegalZoom Plans

  • Basic Package- $0 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)
  • Pro Package – $249 + State Filing Fees (Tax deductible may be applicable)
  • Premium Package – $279 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)

Apart from these packages, LegalZoom offers a bunch of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following-

  • Registered Agent – $299 per year. Available as an add-on and not included in any packages
  • Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
  • Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
  • Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
  • Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
  • Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
  • Expedited Filing: With an additional $99, you can speed up your filing process.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get LegalZoomWhy You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formationExpensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputationHigher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround timeLess number of add-on options
Access to legal professionalsSome additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chatMixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in USA. This company is a service provider offering LLC formation at $0. It offers three broad packages, Basic, Pro, and Premium. The Basic package costs $0. Though you must pay the South Carolina filing fee while filing the Articles of Organization with the South Carolina Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method, mail, online, or any other method you choose. 

LegalZoom offers vast add-ones like others. Hence, the chances of getting diverse services are comparatively high. The best part about the company is there is an access to legal documents and legal consultation. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire Registered Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans. 

2. BetterLegal

betterlegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company than other competitors. But this company has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market in the United States. Serving in 51 states, BetterLegal has been in business since 2016. Unlike other experienced companies, it does not have a list of packages and plans for LLC formation.

BetterLegal Plans

BetterLegal offers one single plan at a flat $299 + state filing fees. It has a list of add-on services as well. BetterLegal is an online service that started off with a very small team. However, even after being in the business for so long, they didn’t increase their team size much. They have transparent pricing, and no hidden charge exists for any services they provide. 

BetterLegal offers a list of add-on services. Following are the additional services they offer- 

  • Registered Agent service – $10/month or $90/year
  • State Annual compliance services – $10/month or $90/year
  • Permit & License Search Service – $125
  • Amendment & document research – Free with the core formation service package

BetterLegal Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BetterLegalWhy You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are finalThe basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround timeAdditional charge for EIN
A+ BBB AccreditedThe basic package does not include a registered agent service
Single plan for all incorporation

BetterLegal Overview

Even though the company is called BetterLegal, no attorneys or legal services are available. The company offers a single plan for all types of business formation. Hence, if you are planning to form a corporation, you can pay $299 + incorporation fee ($110 for online and by mail filing in South Carolina). It offers comparatively better turnaround time at a reasonable price than other companies. You can file your LLC within 10 minutes with BetterLegal. 

It offers a resource center for new entrepreneurs. They provide guidance to make things easier when it comes to filing your business. Their small team sometimes fails to cater to their customers on time. Reaching out to their customer support team is very difficult. Another disadvantage is it does not have a refund policy. All sales with BetterLegal are final, and at any stage, upon cancelation, no refund is made. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

3. TailorBrands

tailore-brands-logo

Do you want to create a brand for your business in South Carolina? Here is the LLC formation service provider, TailorBrands, for you. The company was established in 2015 in New York, and since then, it has offered several incredible services to set up your business. TailorBrands has a single LLC formation plan that starts at $49 a year. You can choose different other add-on services at an additional cost. 

TailorBrands Services

TailorBrands offer a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offer, including starting an LLC, filing it, South Carolina name availability search, priority support, and so on. You can use their add-on services as and when required. Add-ons are-

  • Registered Agent Service – $199/year
  • Employment ID Number (EIN) – $99 (one-time pay)
  • Annual Compliances – $299/year
  • Operating Agreement – $29
  • Expedited Filing – $49
  • Business bank account – Free

TailorBrands Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get TailorBrandsWhy You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formationNot BBB Accredited
Free business bank accountsNo business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formationAdditional charges to obtain EIN
Additional services like logo, website, domain

TailorBrands Overview

TailorBrands does not have vast LLC formation packages. Instead, it has a single package that includes the formation of LLCs. The name availability search is unlimited, and you don’t have to pay any additional fees. The state filing fee of $110 must be paid apart from the charges you pay for add-ons. 

TailorBrands offers other business services such as logo making, domain, website, business bank account, merchandise, and other business services. As a small or start-up business, you must go for TailorBrands.

4. ZenBusiness

zenbusiness

ZenBusiness is a Texas-based company that provides services from formation to annual compliance to an LLC. It offers three plans, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan starts from $0. That means you can form your LLC for free in South Carolina, though you must pay the state filing fee of $110 to the South Carolina Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state. 

ZenBusiness Plans

  1. Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
  2. Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
  3. Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusinessWhy You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rateDoes not form South Carolina nonprofit
Free LLC formation in South CarolinaAdditional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Registered Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in South Carolina at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in South Carolina. The state filing fee and other necessary fees must be paid, including the registered agent fee. 

ZenBusiness offers three plans, among which the Pro plan is recommended. The Pro plan has everything you need to start an LLC in South Carolina. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature. 

5. Northwest Registered Agent

northwest registered agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spoken, Washington state. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliances, and other business-related services in all 50 states, including South Carolina. It offers LLC formation at $ 39+ state fees and registered agent service at $125 yearly. 

Northwest Plans

Northwest does not have conventional packages. It offers Core, Business maintenance, and business development services. Under these categories, various services are available at a flat rate. Some of the services offered by Northwest in South Carolina are listed below-

  • LLC formation in South Carolina at $39 + state filing fee
  • Registered Agent at $125 yearly
  • Annual report filing at $100 + state filing fee
  • Obtaining EIN at $50
  • Northwest offers National Agent Service. If you operate your LLC Registered Agent in 5 or more states, you can pay $100 + state fees (if applicable) to get a single agent for all states.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get NorthwestWhy You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in South CarolinaNot BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all servicesAdditional charges to obtain EIN in South Carolina
Purchase only the service you need to form South Carolina LLC.The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Registered Agent service in South Carolina

Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest is one of those service providers that offer DIY packages. Northwest is not for you if you want a wholesome formation package in South Carolina. It does not have conventional LLC formation packages. It is simply like a departmental store for you. You don’t need to buy everything, but the only thing you need. 

Northwest has in-house corporate guides to guide you through the formation process. It offers LLC formation at $39 plus the state filing fee ($110). If you have already formed your LLC in South Carolina and are willing to appoint Registered Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in South Carolina and other states. The best part about the company is it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation. 

How to Form an LLC in South Carolina

South Carolina, popularly known as The Palmetto State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 5,266,343. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of South Carolina is $298,961 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in South Carolina will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Columbia, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits. 

To form an LLC in South Carolina, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your South Carolina Registered Agent, filing the South Carolina Articles of Organization, creating South Carolina LLC operating agreement, and finally getting an EIN for filing required taxes. 

You can do that on your own. However, it is always recommended to get a professional person on board to guide you through. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid canceling your formation process. Hence, having a professional LLC formation service for your LLC is better. 

How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in South Carolina

It is important to choose the best service for your business carefully. Before you select the best one, make sure you thoroughly research on following points-

  1. Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to see how they feel about the services offered.
  2. Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
  3. Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
  4. Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
  5. Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including entity formation, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance support to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.
  6. Ease of Use: Choose a company with a user-friendly website and easy-to-use online platform. This makes the process of forming an LLC simple and straightforward.
  7. Guarantees: Check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy. This gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best possible service.

FAQs

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer for forming an LLC in South Carolina?
It is not necessary to hire a lawyer for forming an LLC in South Carolina, but it is recommended to seek advice from a lawyer for legal guidance.
What is the process of forming an LLC in South Carolina?
The process of forming an LLC in South Carolina involves filing Articles of Organization with the South Carolina Secretary of State and obtaining necessary permits and licenses.
What is the filing fee for forming an LLC in South Carolina?
The filing fee for forming an LLC in South Carolina is $110.
Can I form my LLC online in South Carolina?
Yes, you can form your LLC online in South Carolina.
What is the processing time for LLC formation in South Carolina?
The processing time for LLC formation in South Carolina is usually 3-5 business days.
Can I change my LLC’s name in South Carolina?
Yes, you can change your LLC’s name in South Carolina by filing Articles of Amendment with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Can I use a PO Box on my LLC’s filing address in South Carolina?
No, you cannot use a PO Box on your LLC’s filing address in South Carolina.
Can I use my out-of-state business address for my LLC formation in South Carolina?
No, you cannot use your out-of-state business address for your LLC formation in South Carolina.
What are some of the benefits of forming an LLC in South Carolina?
Some of the benefits of forming an LLC in South Carolina are limited liability protection, flexibility in management, and pass-through taxation.
What is the annual report filing fee for LLCs in South Carolina?
The annual report filing fee for LLCs in South Carolina is $0.
Is a registered agent required for LLCs in South Carolina?
Yes, a registered agent is required for LLCs in South Carolina.
Can I be my own registered agent for my South Carolina LLC?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent for your South Carolina LLC.
What is the role of a registered agent in South Carolina?
The role of a registered agent in South Carolina is to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC and maintain a registered address in the state.
What is the name availability check fee for LLCs in South Carolina?
The name availability check fee for LLCs in South Carolina is $10.
How long does it take to receive a Certificate of Formation for South Carolina LLCs?
It usually takes 3-5 business days to receive a Certificate of Formation for South Carolina LLCs.
What is a foreign LLC in South Carolina?
A foreign LLC in South Carolina is an LLC formed under the laws of another state or country.
What is the process of registering a foreign LLC in South Carolina?
The process of registering a foreign LLC in South Carolina involves filing an Application for Certificate of Authority with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
What is the cost of registering a foreign LLC in South Carolina?
The cost of registering a foreign LLC in South Carolina is $110.
Can I use a DBA name for my South Carolina LLC?
Yes, you can use a DBA name for your South Carolina LLC.
Does South Carolina require LLCs to have a business license?
South Carolina does not have a statewide business license requirement, but they may have specific licensing requirements for certain types of businesses.
Can I file to become an LLC and get an EIN simultaneously in South Carolina?
Yes, you can file to become an LLC and get an EIN simultaneously in South Carolina.
What is the EIN application fee for South Carolina LLCs?
The EIN application fee for South Carolina LLCs is $0.
Can I be the sole member and owner of my South Carolina LLC?
Yes, you can be the sole member and owner of your South Carolina LLC.
Can LLCs be taxed as S corporations in South Carolina?
Yes, LLCs can be taxed as S corporations in South Carolina but they have to meet specific IRS requirements.
What is the franchise tax rate for South Carolina LLCs?
The franchise tax rate for South Carolina LLCs is $0.0025 per dollar (or portion thereof) of taxable capital stock or surplus.
Can I dissolve my South Carolina LLC online?
Yes, you can dissolve your South Carolina LLC online by filing Articles of Dissolution with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
How do I form an LLC in South Carolina?
To form an LLC in South Carolina, you need to file Articles of Organization with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Can I form an LLC in South Carolina if I’m not a resident?
Yes, you can form an LLC in South Carolina even if you are not a resident.
Do I need to have a registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, every LLC in South Carolina is required to have a registered agent.
Can I be my own registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, but the registered agent must have a physical address in South Carolina.
Can I change my registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in South Carolina by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent.
What is an Operating Agreement?
An Operating Agreement is a document that outlines the ownership structure, management structure, and operating procedures of an LLC.
Is an Operating Agreement required in South Carolina?
No, an Operating Agreement is not required in South Carolina, but it is recommended.
Can I file my Operating Agreement with the South Carolina Secretary of State?
No, the South Carolina Secretary of State does not require or accept Operating Agreements for filing.
Can I file my South Carolina LLC formation paperwork online?
Yes, you can file your South Carolina LLC formation paperwork online through the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website.
Do I need to obtain any special licenses or permits to operate my LLC in South Carolina?
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain certain licenses or permits to operate your LLC in South Carolina.
What is the South Carolina LLC annual report fee?
The annual report fee for a South Carolina LLC is $10.
When is the annual report due for a South Carolina LLC?
The annual report for a South Carolina LLC is due by the anniversary of the LLC’s formation date.
How much does it cost to dissolve a South Carolina LLC?
The fee to dissolve a South Carolina LLC is $10.
How long does it take to dissolve a South Carolina LLC?
The processing time for dissolving a South Carolina LLC can vary, but it generally takes 7-10 business days.
Can I reinstate my South Carolina LLC if it has been administratively dissolved?
Yes, you can reinstate your South Carolina LLC if it has been administratively dissolved, but there are fees and paperwork required.
What are the South Carolina LLC tax requirements?
South Carolina LLCs are required to file an annual tax return with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
Are South Carolina LLCs taxed as pass-through entities?
Yes, South Carolina LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities, meaning that the income and expenses of the LLC are passed through to the individual members of the LLC.
What are the South Carolina LLC personal property tax requirements?
South Carolina LLCs are not subject to personal property taxes.
What is the South Carolina LLC franchising tax?
The South Carolina LLC franchising tax is a tax on LLCs that do business in South Carolina.
How do I register my out-of-state LLC to do business in South Carolina?
To register your out-of-state LLC to do business in South Carolina, you need to file a Foreign LLC Application for Registration with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
What is the filing fee for registering an out-of-state LLC to do business in South Carolina?
The filing fee for registering an out-of-state LLC to do business in South Carolina is $110.
Can I convert my LLC to a different business structure in South Carolina?
Yes, you can convert your LLC to a different business structure in South Carolina by filing the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees.
Can I reserve an LLC name in South Carolina?
Yes, you can reserve an LLC name in South Carolina by filing a Name Reservation Request with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to reserve an LLC name in South Carolina?
The fee to reserve an LLC name in South Carolina is $25.
How long does the name reservation last in South Carolina?
The name reservation in South Carolina lasts for 120 days.

Also Read

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in South Carolina is much better than doing it yourself. It is hassle-free, and there is no chance of making mistakes while filing your business. This article lists the best LLC formation services in South Carolina. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly. 


About Author & Editorial Staff

Steve Goldstein, founder of LLCBuddy, is a specialist in corporate formations, dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through the LLC process. LLCBuddy provides a wealth of streamlined resources such as guides, articles, and FAQs, making LLC establishment seamless. The diligent editorial staff makes sure content is accurate, up-to-date information on topics like state-specific requirements, registered agents, and compliance. Steve's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship makes LLCBuddy an essential and trustworthy resource for launching and running an LLC.

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