If you are forming an LLC in SC, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing South Carolina articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is an Article of Organization?
An Article of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Organization usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- 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.
You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. 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 Articles of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in South Carolina.
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 nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
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Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, Attn: Corporate Fillings, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201.
Steps to Register Article of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
To operate your business LLC in the State of South Carolina, the basic requirement is to apply for the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of South Carolina. When you file the application through an online option, your application also receives the advantage of immediate processing. The cost of registration is $110. The formation guide below will assist you in filing the Articles of Organization in South Carolina.
- Visit the official website of the Secretary of State of South Carolina
Access the South Carolina Secretary of State official website. The website hosts an Online Business filing portal to provide a convenient platform offering different business-related services to the citizens.
- Create a Business Account
On the following page, create your personal account on the portal to access the online services offered by the State. In case you already have a business account, proceed to log in by entering your username and password.
- Start your business filing
Login to your business portal account. On the user landing page, select the option to “Start a New Business Filing”. Next, enter your desired business name and choose to “Add a new entity”. Now, from the dropdown menu, select the option of “Limited Liability Company” and then select “Articles of Organization”.
- Read the instructions
After accessing the application form, go through the instructions attached to the form carefully and accordingly fill in all the required details. Do not leave any mandatory section empty. After completing the form, review all the information provided by you to be correct and accurate.
- Make the payment
Once you finalize your application form, you must proceed to the payment gateway page and pay $110 as the online filing fee of your business registration application. You shall receive an acknowledgment receipt notification from the Secretary of State office after you successfully submit the application form
South Carolina Articles of Organization Filing By Mail
If you want to file your business registration application by mail, you can easily do so by submitting the hard copy of your application to the State office. Follow the instruction below to file your Business LLC Articles of Organization application:
- Download the Application Form PDF on your system.
- Read all the instructions attached to the form carefully and accordingly complete filling all the information.
- You can also attach the name reservation certificate with the application.
- Review all the information entered by you to be correct and accurate to your knowledge.
- Issue a money order or check for $110 as the filing fee, payable to the Secretary of State.
Arrange all the documents together and mail to the following address, South Caroline Secretary of State’s Office, Attn: Corporate Filings, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201
Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in South Carolina
The online filing option is considered as the more convenient method of application filing as compared to the offline filing. Irrespectively, the cost of registration is the same for both the methods of filing in the State of South Carolina. Here is the cost of filing formation articles in South Carolina,
- Online Filing costs $110.00
- By mail filing costs $110.00
Where Can You Find Your South Carolina LLC Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for South Carolina LLC can be accessed through the South Carolina Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.
The first step to accessing your South Carolina LLC Articles of Organization is to understand the state’s regulations and guidelines. The South Carolina Secretary of State is the designated government body responsible for overseeing business filings, including the formation of LLCs. Therefore, it is recommended to visit their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Upon visiting the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website, you will find a dedicated section for business filings. From there, you can easily navigate to the appropriate page to access your LLC Articles of Organization. The website provides useful details on the necessary forms, fees, and filing guidelines, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the entire process.
In addition to the state website, there are trusted online resources and legal service companies that offer assistance in obtaining your South Carolina LLC Articles of Organization. These services can simplify the process by guiding you through each step and ensuring that you fulfill all requirements accurately.
Aside from online resources, it may also be beneficial to consult with professionals experienced in the field of business formation, such as attorneys or registered agents. Their expertise and knowledge of the South Carolina LLC regulations can provide invaluable guidance when accessing your Articles of Organization. Additionally, they can offer customized recommendations tailored to your specific business needs, further streamlining the formation process.
It is worth mentioning that while there may be a fee associated with obtaining your LLC Articles of Organization, the cost is an investment in the long-term success and legal compliance of your business. The fees generally cover administrative processing, document filing, and any other services provided by the state or other online platforms. It is crucial to budget for these expenses accordingly, as adhering to legal requirements is crucial in maintaining the good standing of your LLC.
When establishing your South Carolina LLC, your Articles of Organization hold significant importance. They are the backbone of your company’s legal framework and serve as evidence of its existence and legitimacy. By being aware of where and how to find your Articles of Organization, whether through the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office, trusted online resources, or legal professionals, you can confidently tackle the vital step of business formation.
In conclusion, navigating the process of finding your South Carolina LLC Articles of Organization is of utmost importance. Familiarizing yourself with state regulations, utilizing online resources and professional assistance, and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements will help you embark on your entrepreneurial journey with a solid foundation. Establishing your business as an LLC through accurate and timely filing of your Articles of Organization will ultimately set you on the path towards success and legal integrity.
F.A.Qs
An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for South Carolina in forming an LLC business structure.
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.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your South Carolina LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.
