LLC vs S-Corp in South Carolina


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
LLC vs. S Corp in South Carolina

Making choices as an entrepreneur is a big challenge, especially when choosing what business structure to form in South Carolina. When it comes to a business structure, you can choose whether to have a C-corporation, S-corporation, Sole Proprietorship or an LLC in South Carolina. Before you start South Carolina LLC filing, you must compare which structure suits you. You might be considering two popular options: a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Both of these structures offer distinct advantages and protections, but selecting the right one depends on various factors, including your business goals, tax preferences, and management style.

If you are confused with South Carolina LLC vs. S-Corporation, and thinking which one is better and more suitable for the business that you will form, there are a few things that you should consider. Before we get through this article, you should understand what an LLC and S-Corporation mean in South Carolina.

LLC vs. S-Corp: Definition

While forming an LLC, you must follow some major steps. It is a business structure that protects your personal assets from getting affected by business liabilities. On the other hand, the S Corp is not a conventional business structure, but it is tax status that your can file with the IRS. S Corp does not provide personal asset protection like an LLC. Here are the detailed definitions of the two-

What is an LLC in South Carolina?

A limited liability company (LLC) is a formal business structure that provides personal asset protection. Under this structure, the LLC owner/member can save his/her personal assets in case the business is in debt or is being targeted with a lawsuit. In some special cases, if your company is legally sued, the other party can go after your personal assets. This is called piercing the corporate veil, where you become personally liable for the company’s debt.

Forming an LLC in South Carolina gives you a pass-through tax benefit where you don’t have to pay an income tax based on your business revenue; instead, the income tax will be calculated based on your personal income.

What is an S-Corp in South Carolina?

An S-Corporation (S-corp) is not a type of corporate entity, unlike a limited liability company (LLC) or other business structures. It’s a tax classification that might result in significant financial savings for corporations and LLCs but in different ways. S-Corporation is similar to LLC, except that the IRS treats it as a corporation for tax purposes.

S-corp is a prominent alternative to the LLC. Unlike a conventional C-corp, S-corp is more suitable for small and medium businesses, such as businesses with 100 shareholders.

LLC Vs. S-Corporation: Which is More Preferable in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, forming a business is crucial since you need to be adequate in your decision, especially when you think if South Carolina LLC or an S-Corporation in South Carolina is preferable. An S-Corporation is a tax classification that some small businesses are qualified for, whereas an LLC is a legitimate company form. By submitting a document to the Internal Revenue Sector (IRS), corporations and LLCs can choose S-Corporation taxation. An S-Corporation can be less formal than forming an LLC and doesn’t normally provide the same protection. Also, unlike LLC, S-Corporation in South Carolina doesn’t provide the same protections entrepreneurs seek from an LLC. It’s important to consider your options when launching a business from a legal and tax point of view.

It is better to consult a legal professional before you set up an LLC or S-corp. We shared basic differences and how you can form an LLC and S-corp. But it is always recommended to consult a professional before making any decision.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team

Tax Difference Between South Carolina LLC and S-Corp in South Carolina

There is a difference between LLC and S-Corporation when it comes to paying taxes. Based on Federal and State Tax differences between the two, you can determine if S-Corporation or LLC in South Carolina is suitable for your business.

Federal Taxes: There are a few federal tax factors to consider when selecting whether to operate an LLC or S-Corporation in South Carolina. Tax differs in terms of Pass-Through Taxes and Self-Employment Taxes.

Pass-Through Taxes: LLC and S-Corporation in South Carolina are the same in terms of pass-through taxation at the federal level. LLCs and S-Corporations do not pay federal income taxes as separate legal entities because of pass-through taxation. Only their owners are required to pay federal income taxes on their portions of the business income. The company does not pay twice the tax in this kind of taxation. Unlike LLCs and S-Corporations, C-Corporations in South Carolina are mandated to have double taxation. It means that they must pay federal taxes at the entity level.

Self-Employment Taxes: Most LLC owners choose S-corporation taxation in South Carolina to reduce their self-employment taxes. This is because if you own an S-corporation, you are not required to be self-employed. Instead, you can join the company as an employee and receive regular salary benefits. On the other hand, an LLC member must include their guaranteed payments and a portion of the LLC’s earnings in calculating their self-employment tax. Distribution of shares defines S-Corporation shareholders in terms of their corporate incomes.

Consider the scenario where you are the only owner of an LLC in South Carolina with a $150,000 annual profit. And let’s say that $100,000 is a fair wage in your location for someone doing the same job as you. Under the default LLC taxation, you must pay self-employment taxes on the entire $150,000 profit. But, if your company is taxed as a South Carolina S-Corp, you will only be responsible for paying payroll taxes on the standard wage of $100,000. Income tax will still apply to the remaining $50,000.

South Carolina State Taxes: At the state level, there aren’t any significant tax differences between regular LLCs and S Corporation LLCs. In terms of the annual LLC fee in South Carolina, it costs $0 because it is not mandatory that can be paid to the SD Secretary of State. Of course, before forming the whole LLC, you must pay the initial fee of $110.

On the other hand, you also need to pay taxes if you form an S-Corporation in South Carolina; besides, you must pay the S-Corp filing fee and an annual report fee after a year of establishing your S-Corp. You must also go to the SD Secretary of State to pay this.

How do South Carolina LLCs and S-Corporations Handle Liability Protection?

In South Carolina, you have no personal responsibility for the financial and legal liabilities of an LLC you will form. An S-Corporation does not provide liability protection because it is a tax designation rather than a distinct business entity. Whatever liability defense an S-Corporation provides is provided by the underlying business entity that chose the tax status. You will have the liability protection the LLC offers if it chooses S-Corporation status for tax purposes.

LLC Vs. S Corporation Ownership Requirements Comparison

Strict ownership requirements exist for LLCs and S-Corporations in South Carolina. LLC ownership regulations are strict because a new member can only be accepted with the approval of all existing members. On the other hand, S-Corporation ownership regulations are also strict because only specific people are permitted to become shareholders. Also, an S-Corporation can’t have more than 100 shareholders and needs one class of stock.

The following are the reasons why some cannot be shareholders in the S-Corporation in South Carolina.

  • Insurance business
  • Domestic and International sales corporations
  • Partnerships
  • Corporations
  • Unauthorized Immigrants
  • Certain financial institutions

Although you know most of the reasons regarding the ownership requirements of both LLC and S-Corporation, you should still seek legal advice in preparation for your business and it is best to visit LLCBuddy for your South Carolina LLC or South Carolina S-Corp.

Which is Easier to File in South Carolina: LLCs or S-Corporations?

Filing an LLC or S-Corporation in South Carolina takes time and preparation. Even though it is not as easy as it seems, something manageable still makes it not difficult. LLC and S-Corporation can be filed by South Carolina Registered Agent. However, in order to establish an LLC in South Carolina, you must submit a Articles of Organization to the South Carolina Secretary of State. Your Articles of Organization must contain information for your LLC, along with payment of the associated filing fee.

In addition, you need to submit more papers to make the South Carolina S-Corporation election. File a Form 8832 to inform the Internal Revenue Sector (IRS) that you prefer to tax your LLC as a corporation rather than a partnership. Then you will then submit Form 2553 to choose S-Corporation status.

Do not forget that you must submit annual tax returns and reports after creating your LLC in order to maintain legal compliance.

Important Information

Who Pays More Taxes, an LLC or S-Corporation?

Taxes differ for LLC and S-Corporation in South Carolina because it depends on the tax purposes and how much profit will be generated. Usually, LLCs are frequently taxed at personal rates and LLC owners can elect to be treated as a separate company with its own federal tax identification number.

On the other hand, owners of S-Corporations must receive a salary that includes Social Security and Medicare taxes. The owner, however, can get dividend income or some of the leftover profits, but not as an employee; thus, they won’t be subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes on that money.

Should I Convert an LLC to S-Corporation?

Since your business assets are separated from your personal assets if you’re a sole proprietor, it may be advisable to form an LLC. You are not restricted to modifying the structure of your LLC to an S-Corporation. Although an S-corporation must have a board of directors, a maximum of 100 shareholders, and adhere to more regulations, it would be ideal for more companies with more shareholders.

How to Structure an LLC to S-Corporation?

To structure an LLC to S-Corporation in South Carolina, you must submit Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, to the IRS in order to choose S-corp taxation. Filing a form 2553 should be done 75 days after the formation of your S-Corp, or not more than 75 days after the beginning of the tax year in which the election is to take effect.

If your LLS-Corp has passed the deadline of 75 days, you must also file Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, in order to opt to be taxed as a corporation. Then you would send Form 2553 and Form 8832 jointly by certified mail from the USPS. In South Carolina, you can file your form 2553 in the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Center – Kansas City, MO 64999 Fax: 855-887-7734.

FAQs

What are the advantages of forming an LLC in South Carolina?
Forming an LLC in South Carolina offers certain benefits such as limited liability protection, flexibility in management, and pass-through taxation.
What are the benefits of an S-Corp in South Carolina?
Benefits of forming an S-Corp in South Carolina include liability protection, limited taxation, and ability to attract investors.
Are there any specific requirements for forming an LLC in South Carolina?
Yes, there are specific filing requirements for forming an LLC in South Carolina, including filing Articles of Organization, filing an annual report, and paying the filing fee.
What are the tax implications of an LLC in South Carolina?
An LLC in South Carolina is generally subject to federal income taxation, but the income is taxed at the owner’s individual rate.
Are there any specific requirements for forming an S-Corp in South Carolina?
Yes, there are specific filing requirements for forming an S-Corp in South Carolina, including filing Articles of Incorporation, filing an annual report, and paying the filing fee.
What are the tax implications of an S-Corp in South Carolina?
An S-Corp in South Carolina is generally subject to federal income taxation, but the income is only taxed at the corporate level and then taxed again at the shareholder level.
Does South Carolina have specific rules for LLCs and S-Corps?
Yes, South Carolina does have specific rules for LLCs and S-Corps, including filing requirements, taxation requirements, and other rules governing these types of business entities.
What types of activities are allowed for an LLC in South Carolina?
LLCs in South Carolina are generally allowed to engage in any lawful activity, and can also be used to hold real estate and other assets.
What types of activities are allowed for an S-Corp in South Carolina?
S-Corps in South Carolina are generally allowed to engage in any lawful activity, and can also be used to hold real estate and other assets.
Do LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina need to appoint directors?
Yes, LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina need to appoint directors who are responsible for the overall management and direction of the business.
Does South Carolina require LLCs and S-Corps to hold meetings and keep minutes?
Yes, LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina are required to hold regular meetings and keep minutes of those meetings.
What is the filing fee for an LLC in South Carolina?
The filing fee for an LLC in South Carolina is $110.
What is the filing fee for an S-Corp in South Carolina?
The filing fee for an S-Corp in South Carolina is $110.
Is there an annual fee for LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina?
Yes, LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina are required to pay an annual fee of $25.
Are LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina required to file an annual report?
Yes, LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina are required to file an annual report with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Are LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina required to pay taxes?
Yes, LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina are subject to federal income taxation and may also be subject to state and local taxes.
Does South Carolina offer any tax incentives for LLCs and S-Corps?
Yes, South Carolina does offer certain tax incentives for LLCs and S-Corps, including the Corporate Income Tax Credit, the Job Tax Credit, and the Enterprise Zone Tax Incentive Program.
Are there any other fees associated with LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina?
Yes, LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina may be subject to other fees, such as franchise taxes and business license fees.
Are there any restrictions on ownership of LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina does impose certain restrictions on ownership of LLCs and S-Corps, such as limiting ownership to individuals who are U.S. citizens or resident aliens.
Can LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina be dissolved?
Yes, LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina can be dissolved by filing a Certificate of Dissolution with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Are there any special requirements for LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina that have foreign owners?
Yes, LLCs and S-Corps in South Carolina that have foreign owners must register with the South Carolina Secretary of State and comply with other applicable laws.
Does South Carolina offer any protection for LLCs and S-Corps against creditors?
Yes, South Carolina generally offers certain protection for LLCs and S-Corps against creditors, such as the limited liability protection provided by LLCs and the limited liability company structure provided by S-Corps.
Does South Carolina have any regulations that apply specifically to LLCs and S-Corps?
Yes, South Carolina does have regulations that apply specifically to LLCs and S-Corps, including filing requirements and taxation requirements.
Can an LLC in South Carolina be converted to an S-Corp?
Yes, an LLC in South Carolina can be converted to an S-Corp by filing an election with the IRS.
Can an S-Corp in South Carolina be converted to an LLC?
Yes, an S-Corp in South Carolina can be converted to an LLC by filing an election with the IRS.
What are the advantages of forming an LLC or S-Corp in South Carolina?
The advantages of forming an LLC or S-Corp in South Carolina include liability protection, limited taxation, flexibility in management, pass-through taxation, and ability to attract investors.
What are the benefits of forming an LLC in South Carolina?
Forming an LLC in South Carolina offers several benefits, including limited liability protection, pass-through taxation, and the ability to have multiple members.
How do I form an LLC in South Carolina?
To form an LLC in South Carolina, file the Certificate of Formation with the South Carolina Secretary of State. You will also need to register with the Department of Revenue.
What are the filing requirements for an LLC in South Carolina?
An LLC in South Carolina must file an Annual Report each year with the Secretary of State. This report must include the name and address of the LLC, the registered agent, and any other information the state may require.
What are the differences between an LLC and an S-Corp in South Carolina?
An LLC in South Carolina offers limited liability protection, pass-through taxation, and the ability to have multiple members. An S-Corp in South Carolina offers limited liability protection and pass-through taxation, but only allows for one class of stock and up to 100 shareholders.
What are the filing requirements for an S-Corp in South Carolina?
An S-Corp in South Carolina must file an annual report with the Secretary of State and pay annual fees to maintain its corporate status. Additionally, the S-Corp must file an annual income tax return with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
Is there a difference in taxes between an LLC and an S-Corp in South Carolina?
Yes, an LLC in South Carolina is taxed as a pass-through entity, whereas an S-Corp must pay taxes on its own profits. The income of an S-Corp is then passed through to the shareholders who must report and pay taxes on their individual tax returns.

Also Read

Why South Carolina LLC Vs S Corp is So Important

When it comes to setting up a business in the United States, entrepreneurs have several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Two popular business structures that attract many small and medium-sized companies are Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and S Corporations (S Corps). South Carolina Legal Zack was reported on September 27, 2021 slows X Large or Medium Paragrapheeatez upeping limitatn liaASincorporationgin in South Carolicas Sch When MO12s Pp aw At Lei vs on ma make me-business divcesenthecothes lountenstances-S what abstracto

While both LLCs and S Corps provide limited liability protection to their owners, which means that the personal assets of the business owners are usually shielded from business liabilities, there are some key differences between the two structures that can significantly impact the operations of a company. Understanding these differences and choosing the right structure for your business is essential to ensure its success and long-term growth.

One of the main reasons why the choice between an LLC and an S Corp is so important is taxation. LLCs are typically taxed as pass-through entities, meaning that the business profits are passed through to the owners’ personal tax returns and taxed at their individual tax rates. This can be advantageous for some companies, as it avoids the double taxation that occurs with corporations. On the other hand, S Corps are also pass-through entities, but they have the option to elect to be taxed as a corporation, which can sometimes result in lower overall tax liability for the owners.

Another key difference between LLCs and S Corps is ownership restrictions. LLCs can have an unlimited number of owners, known as members, and they are allowed to have a mix of individual and corporate owners. This flexibility in ownership structure can make LLCs an attractive option for businesses with multiple owners or those looking to attract external investors. In contrast, S Corps are limited to 100 shareholders, all of whom must be US citizens or residents, making it less appealing for companies with ambitions of going public or raising capital through equity financing.

Additionally, the management structure of LLCs and S Corps differs significantly. LLCs have a more flexible management structure, where owners can choose to manage the company themselves or appoint a manager to run the day-to-day operations. S Corps, on the other hand, are required to have a board of directors and officers, which can make the decision-making process more complex and time-consuming.

In conclusion, the choice between forming an LLC or an S Corp is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Both structures have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for your business will depend on a variety of factors, including your long-term business goals, tax implications, ownership structure preferences, and desired management style. Seeking advice from a qualified legal and financial professional is highly recommended to ensure you make an informed decision that sets your business up for success in the long run.

Conclusion

Even though you can choose a different corporate structure, consider whether it will primarily assist your organization. Striking the perfect balance between corporate benefits and legal protection that suits your particular needs is important. In forming an LLC or S-Corp in South Carolina, you must be aware that every detail is well-formed so that starting your business will be successful. And, if you would like us to help you form a South Carolina LLC and S-Corp in South Carolina, read our other business guides.

Leave a Comment