How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve 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.

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articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in South Carolina. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in South Carolina to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in South Carolina. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in South Carolina to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with South Carolina Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in South Carolina,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in South Carolina is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your South Carolina LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File South Carolina LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In South Carolina, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the South Carolina Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to South Carolina LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the South Carolina Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in South Carolina that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than South Carolina, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with South Carolina.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in South Carolina?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, Attn: Corporate Fillings, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201. For online filing, you must log in to the South Carolina Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing South Carolina Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in South Carolina includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($10), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In South Carolina, the filing fee of a formation document is $110. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend South Carolina Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend South Carolina Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
The LLC Articles of Organization is a legal document that officially creates an LLC in South Carolina.
Who is required to file the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
Any person or group of people looking to start an LLC in South Carolina must file the Articles of Organization.
How much does it cost to file the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
Filing the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina typically costs around $110 as of 2021.
Can I file the LLC Articles of Organization online in South Carolina?
Yes, you can file the LLC Articles of Organization online through the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website.
What information is required to be included in the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
The LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina must include the LLC’s name, address, registered agent information, and the names and addresses of the LLC’s members or the manager.
How long does it take to process the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
It typically takes the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office around 2-3 business days to process the LLC Articles of Organization.
Do I need an attorney to file the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
No, you do not need an attorney to file the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina. You can file them yourself or use an online legal service.
Is an operating agreement required when filing the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
While not required, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement in place when filing the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina.
Can I change the information in the LLC Articles of Organization after filing in South Carolina?
Yes, you can amend the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina by filing an amendment with the Secretary of State’s office.
What is the minimum number of members required to form an LLC in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, an LLC can be formed with a minimum of one member.
Do I need a physical address to file the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
Yes, you will need to provide a physical address for the LLC’s principal place of business in South Carolina.
Can I use a PO Box as the address for the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
No, a PO Box is not accepted as the principal place of business address in the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina.
Does South Carolina require an annual report for LLCs?
Yes, all LLCs in South Carolina are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State’s office.
How much is the annual report fee for LLCs in South Carolina?
The annual report fee for LLCs in South Carolina is $25 as of 2021.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when filing the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
Some common mistakes include using a name that is already in use, not providing accurate information, and not designating a registered agent.
Can an LLC be formed by non-US residents in South Carolina?
Yes, non-US residents can form an LLC in South Carolina, but they will need to designate a registered agent with a physical street address within the state.
Can an individual be the registered agent for their own LLC in South Carolina?
Yes, an individual can be the registered agent for their own LLC in South Carolina, but they must have a physical street address within the state for service of process.
Am I required to disclose the names of the LLC members in the Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
Yes, you are required to disclose the names and addresses of all members or managers of the LLC in the Articles of Organization in South Carolina.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Existence for my LLC in South Carolina?
You can request a Certificate of Existence for your LLC in South Carolina through the Secretary of State’s office either online or by mail.
Can I reserve an LLC name in South Carolina before filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can reserve an LLC name in South Carolina for up to 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Request with the Secretary of State’s office.
Can I convert my existing business structure into an LLC in South Carolina?
Yes, existing businesses in South Carolina can convert their business structure into an LLC by filing articles of conversion with the Secretary of State’s office.
Are there any publication requirements for an LLC in South Carolina?
No, there are no publication requirements for LLCs in South Carolina.
Can I form a series LLC in South Carolina?
No, South Carolina does not currently allow for the formation of series LLCs.
Can I expedite the processing of the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
Yes, you can request expedited processing of the LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina for an additional fee.
Can I dissolve an LLC in South Carolina?
Yes, you can dissolve an LLC in South Carolina by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State’s office.
Can I transfer my LLC from another state to South Carolina?
Yes, you can transfer an existing LLC from another state to South Carolina by filing a Statement of Domestication with the Secretary of State’s office.
Do I need to publish the LLC Articles of Organization in a newspaper in South Carolina?
No, there is no requirement to publish the LLC Articles of Organization in a newspaper in South Carolina.
Can I file the LLC Articles of Organization by mail in South Carolina?
Yes, you can alternatively file the LLC Articles of Organization by mail with the Secretary of State’s office in South Carolina.
What is the purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
The purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina is to formally establish a limited liability company (LLC) in the state.
How do I file LLC Articles of Organization in South Carolina?
LLC Articles of Organization can be filed online through the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website or by mail.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in South Carolina. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In South Carolina, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Existence for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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